Chicago Police Oversight Proposal Faces Aldermen Questions

By Associated Press, Chip Mitchell
Rahm Emanuel
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel speaks before the City Council in 2015. His speech is expected to focus partly on a plan to expand the police department by 970 sworn positions by the end of 2018. M. Spencer Green / Associated Press
Rahm Emanuel
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel speaks before the City Council in 2015. His speech is expected to focus partly on a plan to expand the police department by 970 sworn positions by the end of 2018. M. Spencer Green / Associated Press

Chicago Police Oversight Proposal Faces Aldermen Questions

By Associated Press, Chip Mitchell
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CHICAGO (AP) — Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s proposal to overhaul police oversight faced scrutiny about funding and autonomy at its first public hearing before City Council members.

Emanuel unveiled plans last month to replace the Independent Police Review Authority with the Civilian Office of Police Accountability, which would have broader powers to investigate misconduct allegations. He also has proposed a deputy inspector general to review department practices.

Aldermen raised concerns Tuesday about no fixed funding level, which could make the office vulnerable to budget cuts, and no provision for the office to hire its attorneys. Also, questions linger about citizen involvement.

The proposal is part of Emanuel’s efforts to rebuild trust following the fatal police shooting of Laquan McDonald. It comes amid a Department of Justice probe.

A vote is expected Sept. 29.