Deputy Inspector General Tabara Richardson presented the 2023 annual report for the Chicago Office of Inspector General's public safety section during a recent government meeting. The report highlights the agency's role in police accountability and oversight, detailing evaluations and inquiries conducted throughout the year.
Key topics addressed in the report include the Chicago Police Department's (CPD) enforcement of rules against false reporting, response times to 911 calls, and the community police mediation pilot program. The public safety section reviewed 1,289 closed disciplinary investigations, with over half conducted by the Bureau of Internal Affairs and nearly 44% by the Civilian Office of Police Accountability. The section identified deficiencies in some investigations, leading to 13 recommendations for reopening cases, of which the Bureau accepted all three suggested by the Inspector General, while the Civilian Office accepted four out of ten.
Richardson emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability, noting the availability of public safety dashboards on the office's website, which provide insights into 911 call demographics and use-of-force reports. Notably, the public safety section achieved full compliance with the consent decree, marking a significant milestone for the agency.
The meeting concluded with an invitation for public comments, allowing community members to voice their concerns and experiences related to public safety.