CHICAGO, Fla. – The Chicago Police Department (CPD) has already blown through its overtime budget for 2024, spending $129 million in the first six months – 30% more than the city council allocated.
This puts the city on track to pay out $258 million in police overtime by year’s end, amidst a looming $982 million budget shortfall for 2025.
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CPD attributes the surge to staffing shortages despite cuts to overtime-heavy initiatives. Superintendent Larry Snelling stated that the department has 2,000 officers down and called the situation a “huge concern.”
The staffing shortfall coincides with a rise in violent crime, further straining the force.
Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration has faced criticism for reducing police numbers and letting the city’s contract for ShotSpotter expire. While Johnson initially announced hiring freezes that appeared to include CPD, he later clarified the department was exempt.
“We regularly review our use of overtime to ensure it is being used appropriately while balancing the need for public safety,” a department spokesperson told WTTW News. “We understand our fiscal responsibility and will continue ensuring overtime is being used to maintain and bolster public safety.”
We have reached out to the mayor’s office for comments.
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