Media credentials will be required beginning March 2, 2020. In order to enjoy media privileges such as use of the media pit in the courthouse lobby and media seating in cases of public interest, media members must possess valid media credentials.

The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois recognizes the importance of providing access to information and court proceedings to members of the media.

In order to gain access to areas reserved for the news media for the purpose of gathering and editing spot news or sketching/photographing/filming news events, a person must hold a valid news media credential as provided below and display such credential prominently and in plain view on their person.

For purposes of this policy, the term "news media" means a newspaper or other periodical issued at regular intervals whether in print or electronic format, a news service whether in print or electronic format, a radio station, a television station, a television network, a community antenna television service, or a person or corporation engaged in making news reels or other motion picture news for public showing.

Enrollment as a student in a journalism or media program alone is not sufficient criteria to qualify for a court-issued credential.

Members of the news media may obtain media credentials through one of the following methods:

1. News media members who reside in Illinois and are employed by Chicago area media organizations must submit application to the Chicago Police Department by contacting the Media Credentialing team, Chicago Police Department, Office of Communications (News Affairs) at 312-745-6113 or mediacredentials@chicagopolice.org
2. News media members who do not reside in Illinois and/or are employed by news organizations based outside the Chicago area but possess valid, unexpired media credentials issued by an accredited law enforcement agency or municipality within the United States may present such credentials, which will be honored by the court.
3. News media members who do not reside in Illinois and/or are employed by news organizations based outside the Chicago area AND do not possess valid media credentials issued by an accredited law enforcement agency or municipality within the United States, must submit an application to the court's Public Information Officer, julie_hodek@ilnd.uscourts.gov OR (312) 554-8528 (FAX).

   OR Hand-deliver to
   Dirksen U.S. Courthouse,
   Attn: Public Information Officer (District Court)
   219 S. Dearborn St.
   2514A
   Chicago, IL 60604

Please note that credentialing through #3 requires a background check, which will require you to appear at the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse in person to be photographed. This may take up to several weeks to process.

Media Credential Application for news media members who do not reside in Illinois and/or are employed by news organizations based outside the Chicago area AND do not possess valid media credentials issued by an accredited law enforcement agency or municipality within the United States