Chicago’s highest-ranking cops must answer for subordinates’ misconduct

Chicago needs police accountability that travels up the chain of command — not just downward. Officers should be held accountable when they violate the law, department policy or the rights of the public. But accountability shouldn't necessarily end with the officer who breaks the rules or abuses his or her power. Police departments are hierarchical organizations. Policies, priorities and expectations flow downward through command, supervisors and ultimately to officers. Recent reports about…