11/30/2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 30, 2024
Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office Releases Comprehensive Review of State’s Attorney Kim Foxx’s Eight-Year Tenure
Chicago– Today, the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office released two pivotal documents: the Final Report of State’s Attorney Kim Foxx’s administration and an Eight Year Data Summary. These publications provide a comprehensive overview of the substantial reforms and impacts achieved during State’s Attorney Foxx’s transformative tenure from beginning in December 2016 through November 2024, which have profoundly influenced the criminal justice landscape in Cook County and set new standards nationwide.
Key Highlights from the Final Report and Eight-Year Data Summary include:
• Pretrial Fairness Act (PFA): The implementation of this landmark legislation has significantly altered the pretrial detention framework, emphasizing justice and equity.
• Wrongful Convictions: The office has corrected 250 wrongful convictions thanks to the work of the Conviction Review Unit (CRU), formerly the Conviction Integrity Unit (CIU), over the past eight years, rectifying serious miscarriages of justice and highlighting the commitment to integrity and due process.
• Community Engagement: Maintained direct connections with the community through thousands of touchpoints, including meetings, forums, and award events.
• Data Transparency Evolution: Before State’s Attorney Foxx, detailed open data on felony cases was not available; her initiatives now ensure transparency for over 30,000 felony cases reviewed annually, setting a new standard in prosecutorial accountability across the country.
• Cannabis Convictions Overturned: More than 15,000 cannabis-related convictions have been expunged, aligning with statewide efforts to address the consequences of prior drug policies.
• Investment in Staff: The office implemented a $10,000 retention bonus program for front-line ASAs and conducted a comprehensive salary review, resulting in an average salary increase of five percent, reflecting a commitment to competitive compensation.
“Reflecting on the past eight years, I am immensely proud of the hard work and dedication of our team who have tirelessly worked to enhance the scales of justice and equity in Cook County,” said State’s Attorney Foxx. “This final report and data summary not only highlight our achievements but also set the stage for continued advancement of fair and just prosecutorial practices. It has been an honor to serve the people of Cook County, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have led such meaningful changes in our community.”
The Final Report and Eight-Year Data Summary are available for public review. They serve as a testament to the enduring efforts of the State’s Attorney’s office to foster a transparent, just, and inclusive Cook County.
All documents can be reviewed here:
https://www.cookcountystatesattorney.org/news/cook-county-states-attorneys-office-releases-comprehensive-review-states-attorney-kim-foxxs