Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is being warned by Illinois’ Democratic attorney general and a court-appointed monitor that his administration’s proposed cuts to police resources could lead to litigation in the crime-ridden city.
Monitor Maggie Hickey expressed concerns during a status hearing last week, stating that cutting the Chicago Police Department’s Constitutional Policing division could have a negative impact on the future of CPD reforms under a legally-mandated consent decree, as reported by the Chicago Sun-Times.
Illinois State Attorney General Kwame Raoul also cautioned Mayor Johnson that implementing the proposed cuts in his budget could put Chicago at risk of being held in contempt of court for failing to comply with the consent decree.
In 2017, the consent decree was established by then-Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson, and Illinois Democratic Attorney General Lisa Madigan following findings of systemic civil rights violations within CPD by the Justice Department.
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The Chicago skyline. (Getty)
The consent decree also outlined verbal warnings for use-of-force and requirements for rendering first aid, in addition to the funding. This came after Madigan’s lawsuit against Chicago for police department oversight, which overruled a separate plan from former Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who reportedly opposed consent decrees, as per NBC News.
In a letter to Mayor Johnson, Raoul commended Police Superintendent Larry Snelling for his efforts in upholding the decree’s commitments to the state and the court, while also reducing gun violence and homicides.
Raoul urged Mayor Johnson to reconsider the proposed budget cuts targeting CPD units responsible for implementing consent decree reforms, emphasizing the importance of sustaining progress in the department.
He reassured the mayor that despite slow progress, positive developments continue through his work in Springfield.
In discussions with Fox News Digital, Raoul indicated CPD’s dedication to achieving the decree’s objectives.
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Illinois Democratic Attorney General Kwame Raoul.
He emphasized the need to build on CPD’s progress rather than hinder it with budget cuts, highlighting the successful handling of the Democratic National Convention as an example of effective policing.
“We need to align resource allocation with observed trends,” Snelling stated.
At a City Council meeting, he affirmed the department’s commitment to fulfilling its responsibilities with dedication and professionalism.
Snelling asserted his accountability for police actions and welcomed public scrutiny without fear.
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Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. (Reuters/Vincent Alban)
Following the establishment of a robbery task force earlier this year, Snelling noted a decrease of 1,400 robbery incidents compared to previous data.
He also reversed a proposed budget cut regarding mental health clinicians in precincts lacking such resources, responding positively to an alderman’s inquiry.
“The consent decree is crucial,” added CPD Chief Angel Novalez during the meeting, highlighting regular interactions with Judge Pallmeyer and the court monitor’s team.
Mayor Johnson’s budget includes a reduction of about 450 police vacancies, impacting the consent decree’s reforms significantly, as per the Chicago Sun-Times.
Fox News Digital reached out to Mayor Johnson’s office and CPD for comment.
