Among the alleged police practices at Homan Square, according to those familiar with the facility who spoke out to the Guardian after its investigation into Chicago police abuse:

- Keeping arrestees out of official booking databases.

- Beating by police, resulting in head wounds.

- Shackling for prolonged periods.

- Denying attorneys access to the “secure” facility.

- Holding people without legal counsel for between 12 and 24 hours, including people as young as 15.

- At least one man was found unresponsive in a Homan Square “interview room” and later pronounced dead.