Jodi S. Cohen

Reporter

Photo of Jodi S. Cohen

Jodi S. Cohen is a reporter for ProPublica, where she focuses on stories about schools and juvenile justice. Her stories have uncovered the misuse of seclusion and restraint in Illinois public schools, exposed systemic problems in Michigan’s juvenile justice system after a girl was incarcerated during the pandemic for not doing her online school work, and revealed misconduct in a psychiatric research study at the University of Illinois at Chicago and a college financial aid scam. She is based in Chicago.

A Chicago Cop’s Facebook Posts and a City’s Struggle With Racism

In 50 years, only one officer has been fired for abuse involving racial or ethnically biased language.

Chicago Cop Under Investigation Again Over Social Media Posts

Officer John Catanzara describes himself as a “give no f#$%s, say it like it is man.” His Facebook and Instagram posts have prompted investigations.

Chicago Police Win Big When Appealing Discipline

Analysis shows hundreds of misconduct findings overturned.

Chicago Police Department Grievances

A Chicago Tribune-ProPublica Illinois investigation tracked more than 300 police disciplinary cases appealed through the department’s labor office. We analyzed changes between original discipline orders and what officers actually served.

Police Oversight Ordinance Promised Transparency But Doesn’t Fully Deliver

A revamped agency takes a step backward in informing the public.

Returning to the Scene of a Trauma

At 16, Brandon Whitehead and his father were held at gunpoint by an off-duty Chicago police officer. The cop got suspended for five days, which he served 11 years later. Brandon, now 27, goes back to the scene.

Chicago Police Skirt Punishment as Disciplinary System Fails Yet Again

Even after reporters identified lost cases, only some officers served suspensions.

Follow ProPublica

Latest Stories from ProPublica