Chicago Justice Project was founded in 2007 to address a simple but critical problem: communities cannot hold the justice system accountable without access to information.
From its beginning, CJP has focused on using public records laws to uncover data that government agencies routinely withhold and to make that access permanent through litigation. The organization’s work centers on policing, courts, and prosecution, with the goal of helping the public understand how these systems operate and where reform is needed.
In combining legal action, data analysis, and community engagement, CJP has helped expose systemic failures, informed public debate, and driven policy changes that increase transparency and accountability at both the local and national level.
Tracy Siska is the founder and Executive Director of Chicago Justice Project. He leads the organization’s legal, research, and advocacy work focused on opening access to justice system data and enforcing public accountability. Through strategic use of the Freedom of Information Act and Open Records laws, Tracy has played a central role in uncovering misconduct, policy failures, and structural inequities within law enforcement and justice agencies across multiple jurisdictions.
Tracy frequently testifies before legislative bodies, advises policymakers, and collaborates with journalists, advocates, and researchers to ensure public data is used to drive meaningful reform. He holds a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Illinois and teaches courses in justice and criminology at the university level.
Joseph is the founding partner of the Pellis Law Group, with extensive experience across multiple industries, including substantial risk mitigation.
Zach is Director of Communications at Prevent Child Abuse America with a background in public policy advocacy and nonprofit communications.
David is a semi-retired attorney with decades of experience in intellectual property litigation, law reform, civil liberties, and election accountability.
Paul Steadman is a trial lawyer at DLA Piper, specializing in intellectual property litigation with long-standing pro bono advocacy causes.
We focus on issues where access to information can make the biggest difference for public accountability and community safety. That often means agencies with significant power over people’s lives and a history of secrecy. We also listen closely to community concerns, journalists, and advocates to identify where missing information is blocking reform.
Once records are made public, we analyze them to identify patterns, gaps, or failures that would otherwise stay hidden. We publish findings, share data with communities and policymakers, and use the information to support reform efforts. Also, the data we open often serves as the launch point for media coverage of topics that would otherwise go uncovered. The goal is not just access but understanding and action.
While Chicago is where we started, and historically a major focus of our work, our impact extends beyond the city. We have taken on cases and investigations in other states and jurisdictions, and our work is frequently used as a model for transparency efforts nationwide.
Opening records can take months or even years. Agencies often resist releasing information, which means legal action is sometimes required. We pursue cases carefully and strategically because lasting access to records requires strong legal outcomes, not quick wins.
We focus on changes that last, such as court decisions, policy reforms, and permanent data access. Instead of relying on one-time disclosures, we work to ensure records remain available going forward. This approach helps communities continue using information long after a single case or report is completed.
Chicago Justice Project was founded in 2007 to address a simple but critical problem: communities cannot hold the justice system accountable without access to information.
From its beginning, CJP has focused on using public records laws to uncover data that government agencies routinely withhold and to make that access permanent through litigation. The organization’s work centers on policing, courts, and prosecution, with the goal of helping the public understand how these systems operate and where reform is needed.
In combining legal action, data analysis, and community engagement, CJP has helped expose systemic failures, informed public debate, and driven policy changes that increase transparency and accountability at both the local and national level.
Tracy Siska is the founder and Executive Director of Chicago Justice Project. He leads the organization’s legal, research, and advocacy work focused on opening access to justice system data and enforcing public accountability. Through strategic use of the Freedom of Information Act and Open Records laws, Tracy has played a central role in uncovering misconduct, policy failures, and structural inequities within law enforcement and justice agencies across multiple jurisdictions.
Tracy frequently testifies before legislative bodies, advises policymakers, and collaborates with journalists, advocates, and researchers to ensure public data is used to drive meaningful reform. He holds a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Illinois and teaches courses in justice and criminology at the university level.
Joseph is the founding partner of the Pellis Law Group, with extensive experience across multiple industries, including substantial risk mitigation.
Zach is Director of Communications at Prevent Child Abuse America with a background in public policy advocacy and nonprofit communications.
David is a semi-retired attorney with decades of experience in intellectual property litigation, law reform, civil liberties, and election accountability.
Paul Steadman is a trial lawyer at DLA Piper, specializing in intellectual property litigation with long-standing pro bono advocacy causes.
We focus on issues where access to information can make the biggest difference for public accountability and community safety. That often means agencies with significant power over people’s lives and a history of secrecy. We also listen closely to community concerns, journalists, and advocates to identify where missing information is blocking reform.
Once records are made public, we analyze them to identify patterns, gaps, or failures that would otherwise stay hidden. We publish findings, share data with communities and policymakers, and use the information to support reform efforts. Also, the data we open often serves as the launch point for media coverage of topics that would otherwise go uncovered. The goal is not just access but understanding and action.
While Chicago is where we started, and historically a major focus of our work, our impact extends beyond the city. We have taken on cases and investigations in other states and jurisdictions, and our work is frequently used as a model for transparency efforts nationwide.
Opening records can take months or even years. Agencies often resist releasing information, which means legal action is sometimes required. We pursue cases carefully and strategically because lasting access to records requires strong legal outcomes, not quick wins.
We focus on changes that last, such as court decisions, policy reforms, and permanent data access. Instead of relying on one-time disclosures, we work to ensure records remain available going forward. This approach helps communities continue using information long after a single case or report is completed.