Chicago's Budget Crisis: A Chance to Improve Police Department

Chicago is in a budget crunch, and tough decisions are on the horizon. But this could be an opportunity to fix some long-standing issues in the Chicago Police Department (CPD). For starters, CPD needs to upgrade its technology systems and facilities. The department is struggling to meet reform mandates, and better tech could help track progress. Hiring more civilians for administrative tasks would free up police officers to focus on patrols. Plus, old police stations in high-crime areas like the 3rd and 11th Districts need replacing to boost officer morale and well-being. CPD also needs its own forensics lab to process evidence faster. Right now, they’re at the back of the line with other Illinois police departments. This delay can hinder solving and prosecuting crimes. And we should consider changing how officers are supervised daily for better performance evaluation and training. Other cities like Los Angeles and New York saw crime reductions and reforms by investing in their police departments. Chicago should too. This means training officers to solve problems, sometimes with enforcement and sometimes with social services. And we need to professionalize the CPD administration with more civilian staff and better infrastructure. Community organizations are already working to prevent gun violence, but the city needs to lead. The budget crisis is a chance to make smart cuts that improve both safety and reforms. Let's use this time to set CPD up for long-term success and make Chicago safer.