The city of Chicago has exceeded the $27 million it set aside for the year to pay to settle lawsuits against the police department.
The latest settlements of three cases -- totaling nearly $7 million -- were approved this week by the Chicago City Council. One settlement alone was $4.5 million.
The settlements follow far larger payouts in January. One was for $22.5 million to a woman who was raped and severely injured after she was released from police custody despite her obvious mental problems.
The city says going over the $27 million set aside for 2013 means that bond money will be used to cover future settlements.
Two federal lawsuits were filed this week alleging police misconduct.
