Family Seeks Changes in Police Shooting Review Board

The family of a teen shot in the back by a police officer five years ago is seeking major reforms in the way police shootings are investigated.

Eighteen-year-old Aaron Harrison was killed in an alley in the 1100 block of South Mozart while being chased by the officer.

"As he was chasing him, the officer got tired," the victim's aunt, Ashunda Harris said. "Witnesses say the officer bent down toward his knee, took a deep breath, then pulled his weapon out and discharged his weapon."

The Independent Police Review Authority ruled the shooting a justifiable use of force in 2007, but last month, a jury awarded $8.5 million to Harrison’s family in the civil case, determining that the gun police claimed Harrison had was planted.

Harris is joining with Chicago ministers in calling for reforms in the IPRA office, including adding civilians to the board. They also want a role in choosing the new director of the authority, a position that is currently vacant after Ilana Rosenzweig stepped down in May.

"We challenge the Rahm Emanuel administration to make this a top priority, because we are not here at anti-police. We are pro-police, and we want people to have confidence that police carry out their job in a way that is lawful and respectful of the community," the Rev. Ira Acree of Greater St. John Bible Church said.

A committee has been appointed to search for the new IPRA head and will make recommendations to Emanuel.

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