New on Chicago ballots: Police District Councils

12/22/22

While many eyes are on the crowded, 11-person race for Chicago mayor, Chicago communities are also paying attention to elections for the newly-established Police District Councils in each of the city's 22 police districts.

According to the City of Chicago municipal code ordinance, the Councils fall under the umbrella of a 2019 federal court-enforced Consent Decree, which mandates fundamental reform for the Chicago Police Department to restore trust for the police within Chicago’s neighborhoods most challenged by violence, poverty, and unemployment. Community-police trust and cooperation helps reduce crime.

The ordinance established a Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability (CCPSA), composed of seven commissioners appointed by the mayor. This Commission is a way to promote evidence-based, community-focused approaches to public safety and provide Chicago residents opportunities to provide input and shape Police Department practices.

In addition, the ordinance established the 22 Police District Councils, each made up of three community members who are elected. Councils participate in the selection of the seven commissioners, provide policy recommendations to the Commission, and generally serve as the conduit for community input to the Commission and CPD. 

Chicago’s path to community oversight and trust-building with the police department is groundbreaking—it will be watched for its potential to serve as a model for community safety around the state and nation.