Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Charles Pollard was found fatally shot behind an apartment building where he lived at 4038 W. 21st Street on December 14th at 6 am. Officer Pollard’s wallet was located nearby, empty of its contents. His service revolver and police identification were missing. At 9:00 pm on December 13, Patrolman Pollard had completed his shift and exited his car when two subjects confronted him to rob him. The subjects held him at gunpoint while they took his wristwatch, wallet, gun, and badge. As they walked him further into the alley, Officer Pollard spun around and told them he was a police officer, and they were under arrest. One of the subjects shot Officer Pollard in the chest, and both subjects fled. The subjects, ages 19 and 21, were arrested and convicted of murder and armed robbery. One was sentenced to 50 to 100 years in prison. He was paroled on March 12, 1991. The second suspect was sentenced to death. In 1972 the Illinois Supreme Court ordered a new trial, and he was removed from death row. He was denied parole in 2013. Officer Pollard had served with the Chicago Police Department for 15 years and was assigned to the Marquette District.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and six children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-IL-5AB8F57B- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Charles. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Pollard gave the Chicago Police Department 15 years.
Thank you for your service to the Chicago community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Pollard.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Charles W. Pollard is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In IL, 842 of 1,318 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 63.9% of this state's fallen. That is 9.7 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Chicago Police Department, 396 of 571 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 69.4% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Charles W. Pollard's cause is highlighted.
How Charles W. Pollard Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to 100 years
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Charles W. Pollard is highlighted in Dec.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Charles W. Pollard was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
570 officers from Chicago Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
