Foxx begins 2nd term, vows to continue pushing for racial justice reforms

COOK COUNTY - Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx has taken the oath of office for a new, second term.

She vowed to continue pushing for racial justice reforms, and says she'll do a better job of reaching out to the victims of violent crime in Cook County.

On Monday, Foxx began her second term as chief prosecutor, with Chicago enduring more shootings and killings than we have seen in decades. She also talked of a new strategy in the bloodiest neighborhoods.

“There were these large, umbrella groups. You know, the African-American advisory group, or the LGBTQ advisory group. And there is room for that. But I think what we need is a more strategic focus from those who are the experts on the ground. And having the humility to say, ‘the people who live in those neighborhoods probably know more than we could hope to learn.’ And to have them at the table,” Foxx said.

She has faced fierce criticism from the Fraternal Order of Police union and, on occasion, from Chicago’s police superintendent. She touts cooperation with city, county and federal law enforcement "partners."

“We’ve placed prosecutors. We've taken 'em out of the courtrooms and placed them in our hardest hit police districts and assigned them to work with the U.S. Attorney's Office and the police commanders in those districts,” she said. “And they're working on the ground with community members and law enforcement. Who are the people in this neighborhood driving violence?”

Foxx won re-election easily, despite a special prosecutor finding she misled voters about the Jussie Smollett case, and despite determined challengers in the primary and the general election.