Search Warrant Reform
Chicago Police Department Search Warrant Reforms – What You Need to Know
Overview
The Chicago Police Department’s (CPD) search warrant policy is described in its Special Order S04-19, “Search Warrants.” This website is designed to provide an update on CPD’s progress to continue to review and revise its search warrant policy and practices, respond to recent community feedback on the search warrant policy, and identify revisions to be implemented with the new draft search warrant Special Orders. In addition, the website provides access to information on the nature and extent of the recent use of search warrants by CPD along with the history on the development process for the current draft policy.
In May of 2021, CPD issued a significantly revised search warrant policy that incorporated meaningful community feedback. The revisions were the result of the feedback CPD gathered through community engagement efforts with the Chicago community, community stakeholders, and those with lived experiences. Since that time, CPD has continued to engage the community and review its policies, through the Consent Decree processes, resulting in a further revised draft search warrant policy.
What Has CPD Already Changed?
Starting in 2020, CPD has implemented major changes to its search warrant policy that were based on feedback from community members, organizations, and people directly affected by past incidents. These revisions prioritized the sanctity of life, human dignity, and de-escalation, and features significantly stronger safeguards during the development, approval, and service of a search warrant. These reforms include but are not limited to:
- Independent Investigations during the development of the search warrant to verify and corroborate the information before applying for a warrant.
- High-Level Approval by a Deputy Chief or above for residential search warrants.
- Stricter Limits on “No-Knock” Warrants, only allowed when there’s a risk to life and safety and must be approved by a Bureau Chief. Only CPD SWAT will serve “No-Knock” search warrants.
- Special Focus on Vulnerable Individuals, such as children, at the search warrant location.
- Increased Supervision and Presence of a Female Officer at all residential search warrants served.
- Officer Conduct Requirements—All officers must be professional, treat everyone with dignity and respect, wear and activate body cameras, and be identifiable as CPD officers.
- Wrong Raids and other observed Misconduct will be reported and investigated.
What is a Search Warrant?
A search warrant is a court order that is reviewed, approved, and signed by a judge that gives police officers the lawful authority to enter a location and search a person, place, or item for evidence related to a crime. It can apply to homes, vehicles, phones, or other items, and it must be based on a sworn statement by a CPD officer and meet strict legal standards.
What are Residential Search Warrants?
A residential search warrant is served at a location where occupants might be present, such as a house or an apartment. Other search warrants may be served to recover evidence of a crime, such as to access cellular phones, computers, electronic recording equipment, or DNA buccal swabs.
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Search Warrant Trend Data
- In recent years, the number of residential search warrants served by CPD has dropped significantly—from 1,382 (57% of all warrants) in 2019 to 210 (about 12% of all warrants) in 2024.
- Overall CPD search warrants have also dropped—from 2,420 in 2019 to 1,791 in 2024.
- Since 2019, over 90% of CPD’s residential warrants result in the recovery of evidence (94% in 2024) and about half lead to arrests (50% in 2024).
Why This Matters to You
A search warrants is a powerful tool in police investigations—but they must be used consistent with the Constitution and the law. Moreover, the CPD appreciates that being involved in the service of a search warrant may be a traumatic and intrusive experience, especially residential searches. That’s why CPD has taken significant steps to reform how search warrants are developed, reviewed, approved, served, and reported, such as agreeing to include search warrants in the Consent Decree. CPD also continues to take steps to further be reflective of the community’s needs and effective law enforcement practices, including drafting further revised policies that incorporate community feedback. Below we have outlined some of these key changes already made to CPD’s proposed search warrant policy and CPD’s continuing efforts. To read more in detail please click on the linked information and documents available in the View/Download section.
Where We’re Headed in 2025?
The following highlights some of the significant changes in current revised draft of CPD’s search warrants policy and forthcoming training on the policy and practice of serving search warrants. Click here to read the draft policy.
1. Protecting People’s Rights
- Officers must treat all people with respect and professionalism.
- Religious beliefs and practices will be accommodated.
- Officers must respect gender identity during searches.
- Supervisors must hold officers accountable for their actions.
2. Minimizing Trauma
- Emphasis on de-escalation, using tactics to minimize trauma, respectful and equitable treatment and data transparency.
- Continually assessing the changing circumstances of the search warrant and modifying tactics when necessary
- Handcuffing decisions must take into account the person’s age, size, and behavior.
3. Ensuring Accurate Information
- Officers must assess the reliability of sources before requesting a search warrant.
- Each warrant must meet legal standards and serve a legitimate law-enforcement purpose.
- A formal risk assessment is required before warrants are approved.
4. Strengthening How Residential Warrants Are Served
- Officers will receive specialized training prior to developing or serving a search warrant.
- All searches must include a pre-planning session to review safety and special needs.
- A readily identifiable CPD officer must “knock and announce” and generally wait a reasonable time before entering, unless otherwise justified.
- Searches will generally occur between 6:00 AM and 9:00 PM, unless otherwise justified.
5. Protecting Children and Vulnerable People
- If children or others with special needs are present, officers must take extra precautions.
- This includes avoiding the use of handcuffs on or intentionally pointing firearms at children, limiting questioning, and taking measures to provide for care if a caregiver is arrested.
6. Improving Transparency and Accountability
- All “wrong raids” will be reported to the Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) and reviewed by a new board which will include senior CPD personnel.
- CPD is building a new electronic reporting system to document, track, and publish detailed data about CPD search warrants.
7. Search Warrant training are Being Developed
- A Department-wide eLearning will provide all CPD officers with the familiarity with the revised search warrant policies.
- A comprehensive in-person trainings will be conducted for those CPD officers who routinely develop, apply for, and serve search warrants to include the development, review, and approval of search warrants, the electronic search warrant application, and scenario-based tactical training.