A Chicago police officer is facing charges of bribery and official misconduct, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced Tuesday. Alain M. Dillon, 37, is accused of accepting cash payments in exchange for providing access to his department-issued encrypted radio.
Details of the Allegations
According to the Attorney General’s office, Dillon allegedly received multiple payments of $500 from an unidentified individual for personal access to the radio. The purpose for which the radio was used remains unknown. Dillon has been under investigation since June 2024 and is currently working in a role stripped of police powers, taking reports over the phone.
CPD’s encrypted radios, which cost $2,500 each, are designed to prevent unauthorized listening through publicly available scanners. The city does stream these channels online, but with a 30-minute delay. Interest in accessing the encrypted channels extends to various groups, including tow truck drivers, gang members, and news reporters.
Recent Cases Highlight Vulnerabilities
In September 2024, officers recovered a CPD radio hidden under a garbage bin in the Humboldt Park neighborhood. Ismael Claudio Jr., 46, the driver of a nearby tow truck, admitted to possessing the radio and pleaded guilty to misdemeanor theft in January 2025. Prior to the encryption of radio channels, tow truck drivers routinely used scanners to locate accident scenes.
Following the implementation of encryption, there was a reported increase in thefts of radios from police stations. In one instance, a migrant residing in a CPD station was allegedly offered $1,000 by a gang member for a radio capable of receiving encrypted transmissions.
During his campaign, current Mayor Brandon Johnson indicated he would consider restoring public access to real-time police radio activity. He has not yet taken action on this pledge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What charges does Alain M. Dillon face?
Alain M. Dillon faces multiple counts of bribery and official misconduct, according to Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul.
Why did the city encrypt its police radio channels?
Then-Mayor Lori Lightfoot stated that encrypting the radio channels was necessary to prevent criminals from monitoring police activities in real-time.
What happened with Ismael Claudio Jr.?
Ismael Claudio Jr. pleaded guilty to misdemeanor theft of lost or mislaid property in January 2025 after admitting to possessing a stolen CPD radio and successfully completed a conditional discharge program.
How might the outcome of this case influence future policies regarding police communication and transparency?
