Chicago's Proposed Police Budget Cuts Threaten Reform Progress

Mayor Johnson's budget plan risks court action and halts in police department reforms, warn officials.

Mayor Brandon Johnson's proposed budget includes significant cuts to the Chicago Police Department's reform efforts, drawing criticism from state officials and federal monitors.
Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul warned that these cuts could lead to Chicago being held in contempt of court for failing to comply with the federally mandated consent decree.
The consent decree, established in 2019, aims to address systemic issues within the CPD following the police killing of Laquan McDonald, but progress has been slow, with only 9% full compliance achieved.
Independent monitor Maggie Hickey highlighted that the proposed budget cuts could reverse the department's reform progress and ultimately cost the city more in the long term.
Police Superintendent Larry Snelling emphasized the importance of maintaining reform momentum, citing improvements in handling major events like the Democratic National Convention.