Chicago City Wire

Chicago is taking significant steps to fulfill its obligations under the police department's Consent Decree, according to Mayor Brandon Johnson. Since the beginning of his administration, Johnson has prioritized constitutional policing. This focus is reflected in both the city's and the Chicago Police Department’s (CPD) progress under Superintendent Larry Snelling.

“My administration is taking significant steps forward to fully support the implementation of CPD’s consent decree reforms and ensure effective constitutional policing,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “The investments we are making in our balanced budget reflect our commitment to improving community policing and a better, stronger, safer Chicago. We see progress in key areas. As I have always said, we have a commitment to reform, and we will continue to make the investments to fund our obligations under the consent decree.”

Recent initiatives include a workforce allocation study by CPD to evaluate staffing levels across various positions within the department. The city has also collaborated with community organizations through engagement sessions aimed at shaping policies and training aligned with Consent Decree mandates. Additionally, efforts are underway for improved data collection via a new records management system.

Superintendent Larry Snelling remarked on the department's transformation since implementing the consent decree: "The Chicago Police Department is a department in transformation," he stated. "Since the consent decree was implemented, we continue to build a critical infrastructure to further our reform efforts."

Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul expressed satisfaction with how concerns about potential budget cuts were addressed: “I appreciate that the concerns that I expressed regarding the proposed cuts to CPD’s budget were heard and addressed, and I am encouraged by the positive conversations I had with corporation counsel.”

To sustain these reforms, collaboration among stakeholders remains crucial as they balance diverse needs alongside financial responsibilities. Under guidance from Corporation Counsel Mary Richardson-Lowry and Budget Director Annette Guzman, an amendment will be proposed to restore 162 vacancies tied to Consent Decree compliance within CPD’s budget.