The Chicago Police Department is a very different Department today. We have been taking aggressive steps over the years to build upon the public trust between police and the community. The Department has also continued to be innovative in the way it conducts police investigations.
The Detective Division has made significant advances to protect witnesses during the interrogation process, exceeding the requirements of the law. The most important step we have taken is to implement the videotaping of interrogations so there is a record of the conduct of officers as well as those being questioned.
This Electronic Recording Interrogation System is an award winning model. In addition to the Electronic Recording Interrogation System, we adopted a new special order that outlines how witnesses are treated while discussing cases with investigators. It provides clear-cut instructions to detectives on our standards on how witnesses should be treated. We also now provide model instructions in writing to be signed by the witness.
Advances in forensics go hand in hand with investigative work, and we continue to make progress in our widespread use of DNA with improved collection and testing. We recently commenced a DNA audit to determine if we can find probative DNA evidence on old convictions where DNA was not available at the time.
Technology has also helped the Department to move forward with accuracy using the CLEAR system to check arrest records, mug shots and fingerprints. Ongoing training for evidence coordinators and detectives by lab personnel as well as regular meetings has improved the flow of information. In fact, the Detective Unit now has its own training unit which also includes a module for ethics.
The Cold Case Unit that started in 1997 re-investigates cases and re-examines new evidence to solve homicides. We conduct a monthly homicide audit which randomly selects two closed and two open murder cases in an area for examination to ensure that detectives have conducted them properly.
And in 2003, we implemented a limitation of 48 hours in which a suspect is charged or released. We also have made significant advances in officer accountability with the recently announced personnel performance management system.
All of these advancements in the area of police investigations are helping police fight crime, solve homicides and protect the rights and well being of witnesses. Our progress demonstrates that we are committed to the fair treatment of victims and witnesses through the criminal justice system in our everyday battle to combat crime and keep our communities safe.