A program allowing Chicago police officers to file charges in low-level gun crimes without first getting approval from a prosecutor will be expanded across the city, Cook County State’s Attorney Eileen O’Neill Burke announced on Friday.
The Expedited Felony Review program allows trained police officers to directly file felony charges of unlawful possession of a weapon, unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon, and aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon in non-violent crimes not involving a victim or the discharge of a weapon.
Cases eligible for the program must be supported by body-worn camera footage, and a police watch commander must review and approve the charges…