Harvey leaders defend police department against sheriff's calls for probe

HARVEY, Ill. (WLS) -- City leaders in Harvey are defending their police department against calls for a federal investigation.

Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart said a federal investigation seven years ago revealed several issues with excessive force and the handling of sexual assault cases.

The sheriff says the department did not fix those issues, but the police chief disputes that and a Harvey alderman says the sheriff has ulterior motives.

"This is nothing but an opportunity to take over our city. Period. They want our water, they want our rail spurs, they want our geographical location. This is nothing but a takeover," said Ald. Keith Price, 6th Ward.

Harvey's police chief says he welcomes another federal investigation.