.png)
Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul issued a stern letter to Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, warning that proposed budget cuts targeting police reform efforts could derail the city’s compliance with its court-mandated consent decree. Raoul expressed "grave concern" that these reductions would undermine progress in addressing longstanding issues of police accountability and public trust. The consent decree, which has been in effect since 2019, is a legally binding agreement requiring the Chicago Police Department (CPD) to implement substantial reforms in training, oversight, and discipline following a federal investigation into systemic abuses.
The Proposed Budget Cuts
Mayor Johnson’s 2025 budget proposal includes a controversial 45% cut to the Office of Constitutional Policing and Reform, reducing staff from 65 to 28. While the overall CPD budget has increased slightly to accommodate contractual raises for officers, the reduction in reform-specific funding has drawn significant criticism. Raoul contended that the cuts would directly jeopardize the city's ability to meet its obligations under the consent decree, warning that such actions could result in court sanctions, including fines or heightened judicial oversight
In his letter, Raoul emphasized that the city is legally obligated to provide the "necessary and reasonable financial resources" to implement these reforms. He reminded the mayor that compliance with the consent decree is not optional and cutting vital resources would risk contempt of court. The letter also cited the city’s poor track record: a monitoring report released in June 2024 revealed that CPD has fully implemented only 7% of the consent decree's requirements
Stakes of the Dispute
The consent decree was enacted to address serious misconduct and restore public trust in CPD after a U.S. Department of Justice investigation revealed patterns of excessive force and inadequate accountability. Despite some progress, Chicago remains far from full compliance. Mayor Johnson’s budget proposal comes as the city grapples with a nearly $1 billion budget deficit, necessitating tough fiscal decisions. However, Raoul asserted that financial challenges do not excuse the city from meeting its legal and moral obligations.
"The consent decree takes certain choices off the table," Raoul wrote, highlighting the potential repercussions of the proposed cuts. If the city fails to reverse course, Raoul signaled his readiness to request sanctions from U.S. District Judge Rebecca Pallmeyer, who oversees the consent decree.
The City’s Response
Mayor Johnson has defended the proposed budget cuts, expressing confidence that they would not hinder CPD’s reform progress. A spokesperson for the mayor indicated that ongoing discussions with Raoul’s office aim to resolve the issue. However, critics argue that reducing resources for reform could stall critical changes at a pivotal moment. Superintendent Larry Snelling, CPD’s recently appointed leader, has also emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum in implementing reforms