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Southside #1
Payback
More than two decades after Darrell Cannon was tortured into a false confession of murder, he was finally released from prison with hardly an apology. He wasn’t the only one with a story to tell.
Award-winning author Natalie Y. Moore reveals the fight for justice and reparations engineered by Chicago’s Black People Against Police Torture movement. More than one hundred African Americans were brutalized by Chicago Police Department Commander Jon Burge’s sadistic, state-sanctioned “interrogation” ring that operated within the department for decades. The racist CPD cover-up had no chance against the appalling evidence leveled by survivors. In this landmark hearing, “sorry” wasn’t going to cut it.
Natalie Y. Moore’s Payback is part of Southside, a collection of five true stories about racism and reform, crime and corruption, justice and injustice in Chicago—from the Pulitzer Prize–winning team at The Marshall Project. With original photography by Carlos Javier Ortiz and Joshua Lott. Each story can be read—or listened to—in a single sitting.
Award-winning author Natalie Y. Moore reveals the fight for justice and reparations engineered by Chicago’s Black People Against Police Torture movement. More than one hundred African Americans were brutalized by Chicago Police Department Commander Jon Burge’s sadistic, state-sanctioned “interrogation” ring that operated within the department for decades. The racist CPD cover-up had no chance against the appalling evidence leveled by survivors. In this landmark hearing, “sorry” wasn’t going to cut it.
Natalie Y. Moore’s Payback is part of Southside, a collection of five true stories about racism and reform, crime and corruption, justice and injustice in Chicago—from the Pulitzer Prize–winning team at The Marshall Project. With original photography by Carlos Javier Ortiz and Joshua Lott. Each story can be read—or listened to—in a single sitting.
35 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 28, 2018
211 people are currently reading
116 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
October 20, 2018
This was an eye opening piece about police brutality and fight for justice in Chicago. It made me feel ill that the torture of suspects went on for so long and that justice only went so far, but this is a reminder that these evils are never far away. I wish this piece was a little more in depth, I felt as though it only scratched the surface, but this is an excellent starting point for learnt about this kind of history.
January 16, 2022
Nausea and Fury - There is a reason why I tend to stay away from true crime stories. My heart (and stomach) can only take so much pain. As best penned by Ms. Moore, I am a "Black woman who burns with rage at the details of this story, at the horrors inflicted on those helpless black men.."
What sours these reparations is that even in his eventual firing and "incarceration" - 4 years for obstruction of justice and perjury - Jon Burge was rewarded for perverting justice through the wrongful arrests and torture of hundreds of black men. People, who until his dying day, he considered, in his own words, to be nothing more than "human vermin." He got to keep his $800,000 plus pension and live out his 71 years of life without ever actually atoning for his crimes.
What sours these reparations is that even in his eventual firing and "incarceration" - 4 years for obstruction of justice and perjury - Jon Burge was rewarded for perverting justice through the wrongful arrests and torture of hundreds of black men. People, who until his dying day, he considered, in his own words, to be nothing more than "human vermin." He got to keep his $800,000 plus pension and live out his 71 years of life without ever actually atoning for his crimes.
September 22, 2018
The Devil is a White Man
To think that police officer can act so brutally blows my mind. This horrible person used military torture techniques on innocent people so that he could close a case. He should be put in solitary for the rest of his life.
To think that police officer can act so brutally blows my mind. This horrible person used military torture techniques on innocent people so that he could close a case. He should be put in solitary for the rest of his life.
November 6, 2019
A good look at the issue of police brutality. Will read more from this author.
October 10, 2024
The evidence was out there: 118 black victims of the Chicago Police Department’s team of torturers had been documented—some who were guilty of criminal acts and many who were exonerated and released. Members of the CPD used electrical shocks and beatings, suffocated people with plastic bags, and burned them with cigarette lighters, but faced no consequences from the state for their behavior.
This book made me so mad, how some of the cases they DID have the actual suspects and still they would abuse and force false confessions from innocent Black males?! There should be more outrage from stopping police brutality or exposure to find ways to get rid of this brutality.
There must be a way to stop this, right? But how about the people who are still in prison doing life term sentences or waiting on dead row that ARE INNOCENT?! Chicago made some changes, but you can really tell that's not enough.
Chicago PDs should be ashamed of themselves. When they are supposed to protect, and they decide to abuse their authority to do horrible things. I hope Jon Burge gets a very special place in hell.
This book made me so mad, how some of the cases they DID have the actual suspects and still they would abuse and force false confessions from innocent Black males?! There should be more outrage from stopping police brutality or exposure to find ways to get rid of this brutality.
There must be a way to stop this, right? But how about the people who are still in prison doing life term sentences or waiting on dead row that ARE INNOCENT?! Chicago made some changes, but you can really tell that's not enough.
Chicago PDs should be ashamed of themselves. When they are supposed to protect, and they decide to abuse their authority to do horrible things. I hope Jon Burge gets a very special place in hell.
July 13, 2022
An extremely quick, but succinct, read, telling the story of the brutal practices of a Chicago cop on African American men, who ended up falsely confessing and being incarcerated. Thankfully, there is, as the title suggests, payback - legal punishment. There are far too many similar tales 😰
March 7, 2023
This is part of The Southside, a collection of shorts (around an hour in length) by The Marshall Project.
Without disrespect to the very important topic & facts and while I realize the time constraints meant this wasn’t going to be a comprehensive look at the issues within the Chicago Police department, it feels like too many different threads were started without really offering much on any of them. The presentations also jumped around a bit in respect to chronology which made things unnecessarily confusing.
I couldn’t help but feel like this was an advertisement for Moore’s full length book on the same subject. Unfortunately, this presentation didn’t make me want to seek out more of her perspective on the topic. Though I will definitely read more about the CPD and resulting reparations.
Narration:
I enjoyed Janina Edwards narration.
Without disrespect to the very important topic & facts and while I realize the time constraints meant this wasn’t going to be a comprehensive look at the issues within the Chicago Police department, it feels like too many different threads were started without really offering much on any of them. The presentations also jumped around a bit in respect to chronology which made things unnecessarily confusing.
I couldn’t help but feel like this was an advertisement for Moore’s full length book on the same subject. Unfortunately, this presentation didn’t make me want to seek out more of her perspective on the topic. Though I will definitely read more about the CPD and resulting reparations.
Narration:
I enjoyed Janina Edwards narration.
July 10, 2025
Chicago Police Department Commander Jon Burge’s state-sanctioned “interrogation” ring that operated within the department for decades brutalized more than one hundred African Americans. This is a collection of five true stories about racism and reform, crime and corruption, justice and injustice in Chicago.
This is a 35 page short story written by Natalie Y. Moore. The whole time I was reading this, I had flashbacks. I was born and raised here. And I will never forget. I remember how they beat us and harassed us. How they would stop me for no reason and illegally search me. This would occur about three times a day. I will never forget how many times they arrested me for nothing. For walking to the store with my brothers to get groceries. They would tell us that three or more in a group was mob action. They charged me with ridiculous offenses like huffing paint, gang loitering, and or course mob action. I remember how they would put me in the back of a police car and take me to an empty field. They made me sit in the car and watch a bunch of them form a circle around someone and beat whoever was in the middle of it. And how they would tell me I was next. I had to be no older than 11 or 12. I remember in 1995 when they snatched one of my 15-year-old friends (who had done nothing wrong). They charged him with R*** and mur***. They gave him a 40-year sentence. After 17 years inside, DNA proved they had the wrong guy. I have many stories and still carry many scars, physically and mentally. I even remember when they tried to say I r***ed a white woman. But thank God she told the truth and said it wasn’t me. As you can see, this book was very triggering. I’m so glad I read it and will read any and everything I can find by this author.
This is a 35 page short story written by Natalie Y. Moore. The whole time I was reading this, I had flashbacks. I was born and raised here. And I will never forget. I remember how they beat us and harassed us. How they would stop me for no reason and illegally search me. This would occur about three times a day. I will never forget how many times they arrested me for nothing. For walking to the store with my brothers to get groceries. They would tell us that three or more in a group was mob action. They charged me with ridiculous offenses like huffing paint, gang loitering, and or course mob action. I remember how they would put me in the back of a police car and take me to an empty field. They made me sit in the car and watch a bunch of them form a circle around someone and beat whoever was in the middle of it. And how they would tell me I was next. I had to be no older than 11 or 12. I remember in 1995 when they snatched one of my 15-year-old friends (who had done nothing wrong). They charged him with R*** and mur***. They gave him a 40-year sentence. After 17 years inside, DNA proved they had the wrong guy. I have many stories and still carry many scars, physically and mentally. I even remember when they tried to say I r***ed a white woman. But thank God she told the truth and said it wasn’t me. As you can see, this book was very triggering. I’m so glad I read it and will read any and everything I can find by this author.
July 4, 2023
Informative
While I’m far more familiar with stories of police brutality than I ever want to be, this was still new information for me. I hadn’t heard about these specific atrocities committed by Chicago PD. Their tactics were absolutely horrific and barbaric. I wish that exposure like this would stop the brutality. I wish the lawsuits against the systemic cruelty would lead to more humane treatment. Unfortunately that hasn’t been the case. The violence that Darrell Cannon and may others faced illustrates how this country is so unhealthy and unstable. The ending of this piece implied that Chicago has changed. Current events say otherwise.
While I’m far more familiar with stories of police brutality than I ever want to be, this was still new information for me. I hadn’t heard about these specific atrocities committed by Chicago PD. Their tactics were absolutely horrific and barbaric. I wish that exposure like this would stop the brutality. I wish the lawsuits against the systemic cruelty would lead to more humane treatment. Unfortunately that hasn’t been the case. The violence that Darrell Cannon and may others faced illustrates how this country is so unhealthy and unstable. The ending of this piece implied that Chicago has changed. Current events say otherwise.
October 6, 2018
How War Comes Home
When human beings take an oath, don a particular set of clothing and symbols, carry items that symbolize certain authorities, and are trained, expected, to perform hurtful actions against others, those Others become targets. This piece follows the process of how one man, came home from war and brought with him an addiction to action against targets. He found supporters and comrades and built an empire that perpetuated centuries of hatred and torture against one race. In a century of American history during which justice has finally been brought into an international human rights campaign, this soldier lost his army and a city has begun the agonizingly slow grind to permanent change. Chicago is no longer the example of the worst; this story outlines how it may become the model of a solution. Laws change faster than people's minds, but THIS pivotal story will be taught in history classes. It's inspiring.
When human beings take an oath, don a particular set of clothing and symbols, carry items that symbolize certain authorities, and are trained, expected, to perform hurtful actions against others, those Others become targets. This piece follows the process of how one man, came home from war and brought with him an addiction to action against targets. He found supporters and comrades and built an empire that perpetuated centuries of hatred and torture against one race. In a century of American history during which justice has finally been brought into an international human rights campaign, this soldier lost his army and a city has begun the agonizingly slow grind to permanent change. Chicago is no longer the example of the worst; this story outlines how it may become the model of a solution. Laws change faster than people's minds, but THIS pivotal story will be taught in history classes. It's inspiring.
November 6, 2018
I found this so excellent and thought-provoking. I think as Americans we need to really ask ourselves if we do hold the ideals we espouse. I'm sure some can dismiss what happened in Chicago by thinking "criminals" deserve what happened to them, but is that the country we want to live in? Where do we draw the line? When is torture acceptable and when isn't it? And I think it's very telling, as the author points out, that outrage over torture blew up in the U.S. when the events in Guantanamo came to light, sparking a kind of anger that didn't seem to animate people when the Chicago PD's actions came to light. What if the police had been torturing white criminals instead of people of color? It seems the U.S. loves its high ideals as long as they're easy, but when they become complicated, the picture changes.
In my opinion, the gross miscarriages of justice that have been exposed in Chicago ought to alarm *every* American, regardless of skin color.
In my opinion, the gross miscarriages of justice that have been exposed in Chicago ought to alarm *every* American, regardless of skin color.
January 20, 2020
This was written by a reporter, so that explains why it reads exactly like a series of articles just copied and pasted into one place. Informative, just not interesting. And I knew this was short, but I didn't notice just HOW short: I had no idea that there wouldn't really be any background on the people involved. It was more about the Chicago reparations issue for police brutality overall. Not sure why this was needed in book format, as the whole thing could've been mentally pieced together, in a day mind you, by anyone interested enough to do a Google search. Kind of lessens my hope for others in the series. And please tell me why the man mentioned in the synopsis is not the man on the cover (who had a more compelling story)?
June 29, 2023
Led by Jon Burge, the Chicago Police Department used torture tactics against suspected criminals to get confessions in the 1980s. Treatment included electricity conducting, suffocation, burns with radiators and cigarette lighters, faux executions, exposure, beatings, and other physical and mental degradations. This was an open ‘secret’ and Burge was even promoted for his high conviction and closure rates. Over time, public opinion changed on the usage of these tactics after individual prisoners have been fighting for years to overturn their false confessions. Natalie Y. Moore discusses the creation and work of Chicago’s Black People Against Police Torture movement and the recent reparations discussed by city officials.
* * * * *----------* * * * *----------* * * * *
This was kind of interesting in the sense that I had just heard about the corruption in Chicago PD interrogation tactics in the Bloodlands collection also from Amazon yesterday. This is a much more detailed account which I recommend over the other. I also live in Illinois currently so there is some added interest there. This short story tackles a complicated subject of actions which are essentially legal, but not moral. Most victims were not given sympathy because they were labeled criminals. Others eventually got their freedom but after decades of court battles. While Jon Burge served a couple of years on a perjury charge, he is not remorseful or censured for his violent actions. Nothing restores what’s been lost, but as a society we have to make concessions which respect what has happened before taking the next step which deals with the systemic racism which allowed these events to occur. Police brutality is not merely some issue in a bygone era. The topic clearly has merit. This story takes a clinical approach, think journalist essay or newspaper article. As such it doesn’t focus on one aspect for too long. It can be dense with names and cases which blur together without clear distinction. I also agree that towards the end it feels like an advertisement for another book. So obviously there are flaws and distractions, but it is a moderately informative opener regarding the CPD and CBPAPT.
* * * * *----------* * * * *----------* * * * *
This was kind of interesting in the sense that I had just heard about the corruption in Chicago PD interrogation tactics in the Bloodlands collection also from Amazon yesterday. This is a much more detailed account which I recommend over the other. I also live in Illinois currently so there is some added interest there. This short story tackles a complicated subject of actions which are essentially legal, but not moral. Most victims were not given sympathy because they were labeled criminals. Others eventually got their freedom but after decades of court battles. While Jon Burge served a couple of years on a perjury charge, he is not remorseful or censured for his violent actions. Nothing restores what’s been lost, but as a society we have to make concessions which respect what has happened before taking the next step which deals with the systemic racism which allowed these events to occur. Police brutality is not merely some issue in a bygone era. The topic clearly has merit. This story takes a clinical approach, think journalist essay or newspaper article. As such it doesn’t focus on one aspect for too long. It can be dense with names and cases which blur together without clear distinction. I also agree that towards the end it feels like an advertisement for another book. So obviously there are flaws and distractions, but it is a moderately informative opener regarding the CPD and CBPAPT.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 8, 2023
Time for Justice
A look at inhumane treatment of members of the black community of Chicago and how a movement led to the investigation of systemic racism within the Chicago Police Department. Through the use of torture false statements were acquired and innocent people were sentenced to prison and even death penalties. In an effort to move forward, a plan including reparations was presented to acknowledge injustices, educate and provide resources to the survivors and their families. Based on this essay, I plan to learn more about the programs, curriculum as well as other portions of the Chicago Torture Center. It is especially relevant as the struggle to end systemic racism remains in institutions today.
A look at inhumane treatment of members of the black community of Chicago and how a movement led to the investigation of systemic racism within the Chicago Police Department. Through the use of torture false statements were acquired and innocent people were sentenced to prison and even death penalties. In an effort to move forward, a plan including reparations was presented to acknowledge injustices, educate and provide resources to the survivors and their families. Based on this essay, I plan to learn more about the programs, curriculum as well as other portions of the Chicago Torture Center. It is especially relevant as the struggle to end systemic racism remains in institutions today.
November 9, 2018
Eye-opening
This gives readers an account of some of the injustices inflicted upon innocent men in Chicago solely on the basis of the color of their skin. Tragically, there are a number of police officers whose power goes to their heads. It's past time we stand up against police brutality, but not through retaliation and violence. These abusers must be brought to justice through legal means and used as examples until the day these atrocious offenses no longer occur. I pray it doesn't take much longer. A very powerful book.
This gives readers an account of some of the injustices inflicted upon innocent men in Chicago solely on the basis of the color of their skin. Tragically, there are a number of police officers whose power goes to their heads. It's past time we stand up against police brutality, but not through retaliation and violence. These abusers must be brought to justice through legal means and used as examples until the day these atrocious offenses no longer occur. I pray it doesn't take much longer. A very powerful book.
July 8, 2019
Short and to the point
All the info is there ln a short story that explains awful stories of police brutality. I do believe everyone should read the story and understand that police brutality is still happening to this day, and work to change the socialization of police. I do think the facts are there but more could be included from the victims, their time in prison and their families etc. more from them personally but this focuses more on the facts of the case and the outcome.
All the info is there ln a short story that explains awful stories of police brutality. I do believe everyone should read the story and understand that police brutality is still happening to this day, and work to change the socialization of police. I do think the facts are there but more could be included from the victims, their time in prison and their families etc. more from them personally but this focuses more on the facts of the case and the outcome.
November 16, 2018
Great read, would like to learn more
Really enjoyed reading this. As a police officer I am deeply pained by the actions of officers such as Burge. I would like the opportunity to learn more about the education facet of the reparations, I hope that time is spent to try to not only talk about the atrocities committed but to build on the idea of living together and that not all of law enforcement behaves I the manner these officers did.
Really enjoyed reading this. As a police officer I am deeply pained by the actions of officers such as Burge. I would like the opportunity to learn more about the education facet of the reparations, I hope that time is spent to try to not only talk about the atrocities committed but to build on the idea of living together and that not all of law enforcement behaves I the manner these officers did.
October 13, 2020
Upsetting account of how cases were "solved" at the cost of human rights and dignity. The fact that this occurred in our country - in the City where I grew up is sickening! Systemic racism in the hands of the powerful, treating humans worse than animals and then rewarded because the flawed system was developed to honor results - at any cost! This is information that every American citizen should know - especially those of us who are born into privilege - because we are white.
May 17, 2025
Just dumbfounded
It was so hard for me to read the details of the torture of these
men. I know that there is so much that was not included but my mind cannot grasp the degradation and pain that they experienced. There is noa mount of therapy that can erase or ease that level of human violence. I hurt for them.
It was so hard for me to read the details of the torture of these
men. I know that there is so much that was not included but my mind cannot grasp the degradation and pain that they experienced. There is noa mount of therapy that can erase or ease that level of human violence. I hurt for them.
September 13, 2018
Saddens by the events portrayed in this book!
The injustice to human beings vs by other human beings is sad. This book was well written. The guilty individuals deserved much more charges than they received.
The injustice to human beings vs by other human beings is sad. This book was well written. The guilty individuals deserved much more charges than they received.
September 17, 2018
Change can happen
Looking at the long brutal history of Chicago's police department and how the city is working hard to better themselves is an example that should be used elsewhere. No more excuses.
Looking at the long brutal history of Chicago's police department and how the city is working hard to better themselves is an example that should be used elsewhere. No more excuses.
December 10, 2018
About time
Chicago is indeed the city of civil rights withheld, it is a brilliant step towards a civil rights direction but the journey is far from over for Chicago and America as a whole.
Chicago is indeed the city of civil rights withheld, it is a brilliant step towards a civil rights direction but the journey is far from over for Chicago and America as a whole.
January 30, 2020
Sadly this illustrates (some) police care more about their conviction rates than crime solving. Whatever is easiest I guess. And they know odds are no one's going to care if another black person is sent to jail, guilty or not.
May 21, 2020
Wow, I wish everyone would read this.
This is infuriating. Can't believe I've never heard of these events before today. If you dont believe systemic racism is real, read this (and lots of other books about racism), and perhaps you won't be such an ignorant asshole anymore.
This is infuriating. Can't believe I've never heard of these events before today. If you dont believe systemic racism is real, read this (and lots of other books about racism), and perhaps you won't be such an ignorant asshole anymore.
September 30, 2020
I don't understand how anyone can give this less than five stars. It was an informative and disturbing short read about the torture of black men by the racist Jon Burge and the Chicago Police Department.
Are we surprised that he got away with it?
Are we surprised that he got away with it?
February 15, 2021
Sad story about Chicago's racially unjust policing practices in the 80's. One can only hope these policies and the people who committed such crimes against humanity are no longer with us and are being reprimanded by God.
May 25, 2021
É impressionante como o ser humano pode ser cruel com outro ser humano. Eu nada sabia sobre os fatos relatados neste livro, fiquei assustada com a ideia de impunidade que perpassa sempre a mente de pessoas que se aproveitam da posição de autoridade para cometer crimes hediondos. Ainda bem que sempre existem aqueles que lutam por justiça.
August 23, 2021
I just read Brick Slayer without knowing the similarities between that story and this story. It seems like Chicago has had a serious problem with torturing confessions out of suspected criminals for a very long time. Hopefully the practice has ended.
October 5, 2021
Wow. Short but powerful story. Highly recommend this book. Major kudos to all those who have worked so hard and long to address this injustice. I hope all those released find some peace in knowing they are believed and they are free. I hate that this happened to so many innocent people.
July 9, 2022
This is tough to listen to, but necessary to digest understand and be mindful of. There aren't too many phenomena more dangerous than institutional racism wielded by those in positions of significant trust and authority.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews