CHICAGO – Researchers at the University of Illinois in Chicago are releasing a study that cites 300 cases of Chicago police officers convicted in the last 50 years of serious crimes ranging from murder to running a ring of jewel thieves.

The study catalogues some of the most infamous incidents that have contributed to a reputation for misconduct, brutality and cover-ups that's dogged the department for decades.

The report was released Thursday, hours before the City Council approved settlements in two police misconduct lawsuits for a total of $33 million. The authors recommend a new, elected police board and more ethics training for officers.