It’s not the number of complaints that are especially noteworthy, but the details that suggest problems, according to University of Chicago law professor Craig Futterman, who studies the Chicago Police Department’s accountability and discipline practices. 

Futterman finds several things “remarkable” about Poulos’ history:

• The fact that, prior to last week’s shooting, Poulos had fired his weapon during other confrontations makes him unusual. “Most officers go their entire careers without shooting anyone,” Futterman said.

• Three of the complaints against Poulos were sustained. “It’s been incredibly rare to sustain a complaint,” Futterman said.

• A 10-day suspension for “excessive force” was an unusually heavy penalty for an officer who at the time had no prior disciplinary history, Futterman said.

Futterman finds the way in which the 2012 case was settled troubling as well.

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