Jun 2, 2006 7:00 pm US/Central
Former Supt. Calls For Police Torture Report
Brzeczek Blasts Daley's Role In Case
by Mike Parker
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
The man who was Chicago police superintendent when reports of police torture first appeared is now calling for the release of the long delayed special prosecutor's report.
CBS 2's Mike Parker talked to Richard Brzeczek, who is blasting Mayor Daley's role in the case.
Release of the special prosecutors' report on former Commander Jon Burge and allegations of police torture and abuse is being delayed again. But lawyers pushing for its unveiling are willing to wait a little longer.
"We feel that it will show that there was government complicity, cover-up and obstruction of justice," said Flint Taylor with the Peoples Law Office.
Those attorneys are being joined by former Chicago police superintendent turned criminal defense lawyer, Richard Brzeczek.
"This one has lingered for over a quarter of a century. To what effect? I think to undermine the confidence that people have in the police department," he said.
Brzeczek says that in 1982 when he ran the department, he got a letter from the Cook County Jail's chief physician. In it, the doctor describes injures suffered in custody by cop killer suspect Andrew Wilson. He says Wilson was "cuffed to a radiator and pushed into it," and that he was given "electric shocks" to his mouth and genitals.
"I was livid when I got the letter because the whole world was watching," Brzeczek said.
Brzeczek wrote to then-State's Attorney Richard M. Daley, seeking his direction on proceeding with an investigation.
"I will forbear from taking any steps until I hear from you," Brzeczek said.
Daley never wrote, never called.
"I think he was more concerned with making political decisions as to what would be appropriate for his political career, rather than the appropriate legal decision," he said.
Brzeczek said his own internal investigation into the incident stalled when Wilson, the alleged victim, refused to talk to OPS investigators.
Mayor Daley was unavailable for questions Friday. The city law office said he could not comment because of pending civil lawsuits by those who claim they were tortured by Burge and some of his officers.
(© MMVI, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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