Mayor Johnson restores vital CPD positions for reforms
- Mayor Brandon Johnson had initially planned to cut funding for CPD positions.
- Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul urged the mayor to restore the positions amidst concerns of legal compliance.
- The mayor's decision to restore funding signifies a commitment to uphold necessary reforms for effective policing.
On November 26, 2024, Mayor Brandon Johnson announced that he would restore funding for 162 vacant positions within the Chicago Police Department (CPD) that are vital for implementing court-ordered reforms. Initially, Johnson had proposed reducing these positions as part of budget cuts within the city, which raised concerns about compliance with a federal consent decree. Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul urged the mayor to reconsider the cuts, warning that they could place the city at risk of contempt of court. The reversal is framed as a necessary step to support the ongoing efforts for effective policing and the well-being of both officers and the public, emphasizing the importance of adequate staffing for necessary training and mental health services for officers. Johnson's decision reflects a commitment to uphold the mandated reforms that aim for constitutional policing and a safer community in Chicago.