Can't get it off. Is anybody that can hear?
Can't get it off. Is anybody that can hear or see me?
Nick I can I can hear you I can't see you. Okay. All right.
But here's the thing lately on the zooms.
But here's the thing lately on the zooms the zoom people
could hear each other. Uh, but the actual city council or
City Hall can't hear us.
City Hall can't hear us sometimes so you got to check with
them as well.
All right. Well, I don't know how I could check with them
if I'm here. So, yeah, you might just have to text.
if I'm here. So, yeah, you might just have to text Chris
while when they do come in to um committ.
while when they do come in to um committee. All right, like
can't be on here in text and I don't think but okay. Oh you
can if your cell phone I I'll do it. I'll I'll ask.
they come in.
Okay. All right.
Okay. All right, buddy.
Hi Alderman, they can hear you. I don't think they're gonna
They can hear us. Uh, Nick they can hear us.
Oh, I can't.
No, I can't hear me. Okay?
they did they
They did they start yet.
Is financed still going.
Finance is still going.
Okay, then.
Okay, then I'll just I'll just zoom in later then.
All right, I'll just get on when I get in the office. I'm 5
minutes away or 10 minutes away. Thank you. All right. I'll
text you if it comes.
text you if it comes on before buddy.
by
Does anybody here?
Does anybody here did they start?
Evan started yet, Nick what the
get
The thing I left then and I waited.
I'll just be booming in and out of here then.
If you could please sign fill out the public.
If you could please sign fill out the public speaking form.
Good afternoon, everyone.
Good afternoon, everyone the committee on police and fire is
coming to order. Please have a seat.
We will have a roll call.
to determine a quorum
chairman Talia FS president
chairman Talia f is present Vice chair Robinson
Alderman Hall
Alderman Mitchell
alderwoman Lee
Alderman Curtis
alderwoman Taylor here
alderman
Alderman Mosley
Alderman Tavares
alderman nerving
Alderman Cardona
alderman, pisado
here by way of Zoom
alderwoman nent
alderman
Alderman Napolitano president chairman Ott
Alderman Napolitano president chairman ottoman kitson
Alderman Gardiner president V
Alderman clay president
alderwoman Silverstein
we have 10 members.
We have 10 members present. We do have a quorum pursuant
to.
rule 59 to following aldermen have requested to appear
electronically.
electronically Alderman Mosley Alderman Mosley. Are you
here?
Alderman Irving
Alderman spaz
Alano's hair and Alderman Gardner
Can I get a motion to?
Can I get a motion to have Alderman spazo and Alderman
Napolitano?
Napolitano or pure electronically and Alderman Gardner?
Napolitano or pure electronically and Alderman Gardener and
Alderman Gardener? So moved by Alder Vice?
Alderman Gardener? So moved by Alder Vice chair Robinson.
Can I get it? Um, I for those
in favor
Nate for all those opposed
and if
and opinionated chairs eyes have it.
Alderman spazzo Alderman Apollo Tano and Alderman Gardner
with the county as a quorum 244 as present.
We mix our public.
We next have public comments those filling out a form for
public comments.
Got a phone got the forms.
our first speaker
Our first speaker is Mr. Sims.
Mr. Tawan Sims Taiwan Thai
Good afternoon, Mr. Sims.
Microphones Mr. Sims that way the people online can hear
you.
Yes.
Yes, Mr. Simsy. Um, you'll have 3 minutes. Yes, sir. Thank
you.
So, my name is Taiwan Sims and
I'm here to speak to the fact that my life is.
hindered.
here in the city
and it has been for the last 4 years.
and it has been for the last 4 years by retaliatory
treatment from the
criminals that the CPD I won't blame all of the police.
I won't blame all the law.
I won't blame all Alarm Force behind this.
So I have here a case.
So I have here a case number if you all are call take.
So I have here a case number if you all are call take note.
All the people on the committee is number.
All the people on the committee is number 22 CV 5691. This
is a case that should be in the northern courts.
where I was attacked in Rogers Park by
Where I was attacked in Rogers Park by 2 Rogue officers in
July of 20.
July of 2020 just July 22nd 20.
Um that have been officer.
Um that have been officer Scott and Netta of the 24th
district.
And since then my life has been held.
retaliatory treatment that
Retaliatory treatment that will be ticketing. That'll be
consistent. Um consistently being pulled over that.
consistent. Um consistently being pulled over that are
being pursued at my work.
being pursued at my work at different just so many
different instances, but the worst is what took place in.
2021 of January 14, that would have been the day that I was
arrested.
For a domestic assault or battery, whatever.
For a domestic assault or battery whatever which I'm still
in court for.
Um
um, my mom's supposed spouse claim
Um, my mom's supposed spouse claim that I had attacked and
assaulted him. He's a sin impaired man. He was picked up at
the police. Um, he was picked up at the hospital by
officer.
brand who had already been to my mother house.
brand who had already been to my mother house in regards to
this to this man constantly.
this to this man constantly calling and making false
complaints.
but in his
But in his retaliatory, um nature I suppose.
but in his retaliatory, um nature I suppose brand wanted to
show himself true to um,
what?
what he what he served, which was not the people, but it's
own agenda. So in that day, he came to my mother house. My
mother was my mother could not use our arms. So I was there
taking care of her.
they
They came in that house searching for guns. They took a
statement from this.
statement from this man. They
painted it as if y'all and I want y'all to look at the body
warn camera.
investigate these matters investigate them Kirsten
here from coupa.
EF
from coupa
came to these people we come to these systems black people.
we do.
Because we want to adhere.
Because we want to adhere to the law. We want to recognize
the law but
the law, but it don't recognize US unless we being
prosecuted by.
It and so my mother was not regard.
it and so my mother was not regarded in no way and I want
y'all to look at the body 1 time because I look at it.
my mother dead
the person that they left in a house with was the person
that caused her to lose Sigma I
tell you man.
Tell you man, it ain't no justice for us in this city. It
ain't no just for us.
ain't no just for us in the criminal courts or in the
police.
and until
And until it's revised until it's done right by us.
it's done right by me.
I want it done. I want to be done with this case that I'm
fighting in the courts right now.
fighting in the courts right now while my mother dead in
the ground I mean Hill
the ground. I'm in Hill in the courts fighting.
Simpson before you leave? Could you give me that?
That's case number.
C
1 moment 22 seavey
as in Victor V
As in Victor, V as in Victor, so case number 2.
As in Victor, V as in Victor, so case number 22 CV.
as in cat victory 5691
Okay. Thank you, sir.
So once again till Copa because these systems don't work
for us, sir.
What y'all just did a whole new thing with these commiss?
commissions they don't I know you want to dismiss. What's
up. I just waited on you. They did not have this moment
because my life for 4 years now my everything been over
with.
with our next speaker, Mr. George Blakemore be pushed down.
with our next speaker, Mr. George Blakemore be pushed down
Mr. Blakemore by by by people that recognize themselves as
law enforcement me.
enforcement me. I said in the room with you I said in the
room.
room with y'all Mr. Sims Mr. Sims.
room with y'all Mr. Sims Mr. Sims your your 3 minutes are
up. No, no, no, no, no, no. No, my life has been hinted for
4 years.
Mr. Sims I understand that but we we do have the Quorum
where each speaker is a lot at 3 minutes.
Mr. Blakemore
Mr. Blakemore, you're our next speaker.
That's address.
That's addressed me in that matter.
I dare you tell me I said why are you so so late you
have is 3 minutes to say wait a minute. Don't worry.
that.
you are the
people
People like you are the problem.
Not the police department not.
Not the police department, not the fire department, but you
elected off.
elected officials they was on time they
elected officials they was on time. They've been waiting a
hour for you.
What you are?
What you are the problem don't flick the strip on him.
or on me is you and
Or on me is you and you had a doctor to tell me Mr. BL.
Blakemore. You didn't have to wait an hour what you mean?
Why would you talk to me in that matter?
You supposed to say I'm sorry, Mr.
You supposed to say I'm sorry Mr. Blakemore that we are our
late and it won't.
late and it won't happen anymore.
Who do you?
Who do you think you are you there?
We don't serve y'all.
You are paid by us.
You don't you didn't pay me to come down here.
You don't you didn't pay me to come down here because I
went over.
went over to the other meeting and I've been telling the
people.
It's something wrong here.
You all are scared to say.
You all are scared to say anything because y'all getting
paid.
Why would you have to wait an hour on them?
So you what when you came in here?
So you what when you came in here you were supposed to say
to us. I'm so sorry that this happened.
to us. I'm so sorry that this happened the other meeting
ran a little longer than we anticipated and I wouldn't have
accepted.
accepted that because you do it all.
accepted that because you do it all the time.
all the time
stop it.
Stop it.
all of y'all
All of y'all and Miss Lee say I told me I told you that.
All of y'all and Miss Lee say I told me I told you that
tell.
to stop this when I
To stop this when I first met her I went to our office.
To stop this when I first met her I went to our office and
I told her about this how these need.
I told her about this how these needing why can't you put
them at?
them at different times?
I I was in our office.
I I was in our office and she said Mr. Blakemore I'mma try
to do.
to do something now. This is on our second term. When are
you going to do it Miss Lee? I'm challenging you.
you gonna do it? Miss Lee? I'm challenging you you go to
them.
You don't work for you don't have to come to them. You
don't have to get along.
don't have to get along with them.
your people put you back and we
Your people put you back and we put you there you work for
us.
You check them Missy. Tell them.
You check them Missy tell them they gotta stop it.
Janette you check them, don't you let this happen anymore?
Don't you let it happen?
Don't you let it happen anymore?
if
If anything if I go over my 3 minute to say, okay.
If anything if I go over my 3 minute to say okay, Mr.
Blakemore.
And let me go.
And let me go over my minute I waited for you.
And you're arrogant man, you can't.
And you're arrogant man. You can't 3 minutes then.
Daniel
Your 3 minutes of her thank you, Mr. Blakemore 3 minutes
are up. I have nothing. That's what I thought.
each of you should have received a um rule 45 report for
the city council for the committee meeting. That was held
on.
on februari 5th if there are no questions.
on februari 5th. If there are no questions or comments. Can
I get a motion for the approval of the rule 45?
I get a motion for the approval of the rule 45 report?
so moved by Vice chair Robinson again all those in favor
signify by saying I
all those opposed any opinion of the chair's eyes have
it rule 45 report of the februari 5th meeting.
it rule 45 report of the februari 5th meeting is hereby
approved. There are 4 items on.
approved. There are 4 items on the agenda item number 4
will be called first item.
will be called first item number 4 is the appointment of
Adrian M Johnson as member of the district.
Adrian M Johnson as member of the district council for the
first police district. That's item number 82024 Dash 7824
if I can have um, Miss Adrienne Johnson, please step up.
Thank you. Miss Johnson.
Thank you, Miss Johnson. Miss Johnson. Would you like it to
make it in public? Um any statements?
Greetings all the persons. Uh, first I want to say thank
you so much for allowing me time to meet with everyone.
the police and fire commission. My name is ADD.
the police and fire commission. My name is Adrienne M
Johnson, and I am a candidate for the appointment.
Johnson and I am a candidate for the appointment to the
First District Council. I'm a lifelong.
First District Council. I'm a lifelong Chicago resident, uh
graduated from Whitney.
graduated from Whitney Young High School. I attended h z
University in New Orleans and upon my graduation from
pharmacy school. I did return to Chicago to practice as a
pharmacist.
pharmacist, uh with Walgreens throughout Chicago land area.
I did move up through the company, um subsequent.
relocated to New York and overseas.
relocated to New York and overseas, uh with a different
company and returned back to Chicago. I'm a current
resident of the Third Ward with Alderman padal. Um, and
with that I was able to look at her newsletter last
and saw that there was a vacancy available in the first
district.
District Council when I saw that vacancy, I took it as
opportunity to serve my community.
Role, um, it was for the community engagement.
role, um, it was for the community engagement lead and based
on my experience working with Walgreens and as well as
living in the community. I thought I would be a perfect fit
with my knowledge and my skills.
with my knowledge and my skills to lead in that role.
Thank you. Miss. Johnson are.
Thank you. Miss Johnson. Are there any questions or
comments?
Any questions or comments from the committee?
Any questions or comments from the committee members?
Yes alderwoman.
Yes, alderwoman Lee.
Thank you chairman.
thank you chairman, uh as a fellow Dolph and I would be
remiss not to
Speak. Um, thank you. Miss Johnson for the
conversation that we had last week, uh appreciate.
conversation that we had last week, uh, appreciate your
willingness to step up into this role. Um, you know, the
the 1 question I asked you on the phone. I know, um, you
know you you just
know, you you just gave your statement, but what's what do
you hope to accomplish?
you hope to accomplish as a member of the council?
Um, I hope to accomplish conversations right? I'm I'm
truly.
an active listener. I want us to be very transparent.
about Public Safety in our community. Um, I shared earlier
today that during the pandemic stopped my gym membership
like everyone did and I started to exercise and my
neighborhood so really walking the streets walking the
lakefront going to the park. I saw that there was a need to
have more conversations.
have more conversations about Public Safety in our
neighborhood and that conversation needs to happen with the
police. So I hope to be a a condo it someone who can help
facilitate those convers.
facilitate those conversations with my neighbors and with
the police.
Well, I appreciate.
all the the best. Um, I'm in full support of this
appointment. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
ottoman
Alderman kenson, thank you. Yeah, I just say thank you so
much for for reaching out. I think it's really important
when we have these commissions and really boards that a
city-wide level that we fill them and I know that the first
district has, you know been down a member and and really
Pat.
patiently waiting. Um, you're serving with 1 of my my good
longtime friends Jamie Brown and I
longtime friends Jamie Brown, and I know that um, the first
District's well represented I can already tell from
learning about you, um and hearing from you today that it's
going to be a great group.
going to be a great group, um in in my word, we really
benefit from working with the the district counselors very
closely. Um, so I'll I'll get I'll look forward to getting
to know your your your group as well. It's you know, not in
the 43rd Ward but um excited for all you guys
do for the city. Thank you so much.
Are there any other questions?
Vice chair
Uh, thank you chairman. Uh, I just wanted to thank you for
taking this.
taking this challenge. Um as you're aware almond d
I uh share a Bronzeville and so you are coming to this with
that experience.
that experience of the challenges that we face in that
Corridor and that neighborhood. So I just want to commend
you and thank you and look forward to working alongside of
you. Thank you and also my father
you. Thank you. And also my father was uh,
is a
Is a a system Prince wanted a teacher in the Bronzeville
neighborhood. I do a little.
neighborhood. I do a little East I think it's renamed now,
but I'm very familiar with the neighborhood.
are there any
Are there any questions or comment? Yes chairwoman Dow?
It's important alarm First District that we have.
it's important alarm First District that we have to someone
that represents not only the North and the convention but
also the south end of the district, so I'm happy to be here
today to support her.
today to support her and asked for you all to uh, give her.
today to support her and asked for you all to uh, give her
your unanimous approval. Thank you. Thank you chair.
your unanimous approval. Thank you. Thank you chairwoman.
All right.
All right on the motion of all the women lie. Um, can I get
a a motion? Well, rather than a motion.
a a motion? Well, rather than a motion, um all those in
favor of the motion of all the women lead to approve the
appointment of Miss Adrienne Johnson as member of
Council 1 signify by saying I I I all of those opposed
signify by saying no,
And the pain of the chair the eyes.
And the pain of the chair the eyes have it.
Congratulations. Uh, Miss Adrienne Johnson. This matter
will be reported out.
on March 20th, March 20th at the next city council meeting.
Congratulations. Thank you so much. Thank you. I look
forward to serving. Thank you.
thank
Our next item is item number 1.
Our next item is item number 1 the civilian office of
police accountability 2023 annual report, which was
released on februari 15.
released on februari 15th. 2024 if I could.
released on februari 15th. 2024. If I could have um Chief
administrator Miss Andrea Kirsten.
and any representative that
And any representative that wants to speak on behalf of
kopa to please come.
kopa to please come forward.
Mr. Chairman
Yes almond.
Yes Alderman, how you doing? I just wanted to let you know
that I was here in.
that I was here in the president under provision rule 59.
Thank you. Um, can I get a motion to approve Alder?
Irving as well as Alderman Mosley?
Irving as well as Alderman Mosley, uh to appear pursuant to
rule 59 so moved.
rule 59. So moved by alderwoman Taylor all those in favor.
Say I
all oppose say nay and the
All oppose say nay and opinion of the chair the eyes have
it almond IR.
it Alderman Irving and Alderman Mosley will be counted as
present for purposes of a quorum.
Thank you. Uh Chief Kirsten for joining us today as well as
uh, your right hand person.
Mr. Steve from eating
Miss cursed
Miss Kirsten, did you want to Chief Kirsten? Did you want
to start with an opening remark? Sure. Thank you. Thank
you. Please proceed chairman Tia.
you. Please proceed chairman Talya Ferro Vice chair
Robinson and members of the police and fire committee. Good
morning.
morning, and thank you for the opportunity to highlight and
take questions.
take questions regarding copas 2023 annual report.
take questions regarding copas 2023 annual report 2023
served as a year of significant progress to
culture of police accountability in the city of Chicago and
and I'm proud to report.
That through dedicated consistent.
That through dedicated consistent leadership and talented
and hardworking staff Copa.
and hardworking staff copas better situated than ever
before to continue at school.
before to continue it. Excuse me, Chief. Kersen is is your
mic on
I think so now we could hear you now. All right, it's a
really good statement. So let me go ahead and speak into
the mic. Um, but let me continue. Kopa is better situated
than ever before.
than ever before to continue. Its core mission of
increasing transparency and account.
increasing transparency and accountability in Chicago. We
are certainly as our vision.
are certainly as our vision describes the national leader
in police accountability.
since copas launched past Copa chief administr
sat in this very seat in hearings before committees such as
this, uh,
this uh, hindered by what seemed to be an insurmountable
case load.
case load far too large for its investigative staff in.
2017. Copo was tasked with not only inheriting its
predecessor.
predecessor Aires case load but by ordinance and increased
investigative,
investigative jurisdiction, the agency's case load which
grew to nearly 2,000 open investigations place the
and its staff in an ongoing untenable situation.
and its staff in an ongoing untenable situation where
investigators were generally receiving newly.
investigations at a pace faster than they could.
be expected to conclude others in their
when I first began in this role my team and I immediately
began instituting operational changes to address our case
load these efforts included addressing.
load these efforts included addressing, uh, the workload
first and foremost in our intake unit.
first and foremost in our intake unit as well as creating
an investigative operations team focused solely on
increasing operational efficiencies. Ultimately these these
this momentum culminated in early 2023 when we began
finalizing plans.
finalizing plans for copas,
Initiative to address our overall case load and through that
initiative cop.
initiative Copa reviewed over 850 open investig.
initiative Copa reviewed over 850 open investigations that
contained lower level allegations of Mis.
contained lower level allegations of misconduct such as
those alleging operational violations.
those alleging operational violations investigations within
the designated criteria were elig.
the designated criteria were eligible for expedited closure
through to you through the UT.
through to you through the utilization of training
recommendations and other remedial measures.
recommendations and other remedial measures upon the
completion of this 1-time review enclosure Copa concluded
over 650 open investig.
over 650 open investigations resulting in retraining
recommendations.
recommendations in important areas of focus such as body
warn.
worn camera usage investigatory stop reports and use of
force as well as the Fourth Amendment for 435 officers.
the timeliness initiative would
The timeliness initiative would prove to be very necessary
and a foreshadowing of things to come.
and a foreshadowing of things to come as in December of
this past year City Council.
this past year city council ratified a new collective
bargaining agreement with the Fraternal Order of Police
that contract included a newly bargain for provision that
essentially functions as an 18-month cap on.
essentially functions as an 18-month cap on all
administrative investigations.
while coupa has and will continue to improve operations in
order to meet this 18-month provision. The agency was
indeed significantly impacted, uh, by the
indeed significantly impacted, uh by the 45 day Sunrise of
this provision.
This amounted to us.
This amounted to us having over 250 investigations many.
which were some of our most complex and egregious alleg.
allegations of misconduct such as weapon discharges.
14s, which is lying in official reports.
14s, which is lying in official reports, uh, and instances
of domestic violence or sexual.
of domestic violence or sexual assault which are
historically difficult to investigations.
extensive resource resources in order to be
within that 18-month time frame.
uh due to the leadership that we have at coupa, or
Deputy Chiefs are directors or supervising investigators.
and our dedicated staff at every level nearly.
investigations within the scope of this CBA provision.
investigations within the scope of this CBA provision were
concluded bringing copas current.
concluded bringing copas current open number of
Investigations to approximately 600 in total down from
2000.
20000. Uh, I am incredibly pleased to report that this
approximate.
approximate 600 open investigations is not only the lowest
and copas operational history, but the lowest figure in
decades of oversight work in Chicago as a result of these
efforts were further strengthening cop's ability to be
timely with its investigations ensuring both the complaint.
complainant and impacted officers can receive resolution.
and speaking of our advancements. I'd like to highlight
copas ongoing compliance with the consent decree.
most recent reporting period the agency was
some stage of compliance.
compliance team focused.
boxes rather but ensuring the agency's
a foundation of well-informed policies and procedures.
We continue to utilize resources Beyond those.
We continue to utilize resources Beyond those of our staff
and monitoring team and have operational.
and monitoring team and have operationalized a process that
gives a voice to community stakeholders.
gives a voice to community stakeholders public policy
experts and law enforcement members in Copa.
efforts this holistic approach has
efforts. This holistic approach has been well received by
the monitoring team, and we look forward to
efforts to ultimately achieve full compliance.
Our community outreach efforts have continued to be an
agency.
agency priority and our public affairs team has not only
grown in.
grown in number but has grown in capacity and scope in 202.
grown in number but has grown in capacity and scope in 2023
alone. Our public affairs team participated in over 250
Community engagement events that spanned all 50 Alder manic
wards.
while our
While our team takes great pride in this metric we take
even greater.
even greater pride in the bonds formed with not only the
various Community leaders, but countless young people who
will grow to be tomorrow's City lead.
will grow to be tomorrow's city leaders and who knows maybe
1 of them will 1 day be cop.
1 of them will 1 day be copas Chief administrator.
while there is much work still to be
While there is much work still to be done. I I am here today
incredibly proud of not only the agencies but the efforts
and professionalism I
and professionalism. I see each and every day from the
members of our staff.
members of our staff through their Collective efforts and
your ongoing support. I can assure you that the city's
accountability system is on the right.
accountability system is on the right path as we continue
to advance copas vital work. Thank you again for the
opportunity to present on our annual.
opportunity to present on our annual report, and I welcome
the committee's questions. Thank you. Uh Chief Kirsten. I
appreciate it. Um, I only had really just maybe 1 or 2
questions. Um,
you know, uh, I want to go back to last month when we
expected to have you here, um before the committee.
expected to have you here, um before the committee then um
prior to that meeting, uh the super
prior to that meeting, uh, the superintendent of police,
uh,
during the Chicago Police board meeting
During the Chicago Police board meeting, um that I had an
opportunity to review.
opportunity to review, uh, made a statement with regard to
copas investigation.
copas investigation and the impact on the mental health of
this offic.
this officers, uh, the officers of the police department.
Um, in fact, um, I I believe his statement was somewhat
attributed to um cop
attributed to um, Cooper's investigations having a negative
impact on offic.
impact on officer well-being. Could you speak to that and
and do you agree with that assessment that um these
investigations May somehow contribute to the officer's
well-being that may possibly lead to suicide
well first and foremost
Well first and foremost, I would encourage if if members of
the committee or other.
the committee or other interested parties haven't reviewed
the the police board.
the the police boards, uh comments. I I don't want to
misquote or Miss.
misquote or misspeak as to what exactly was said. So that's
publicly available.
publicly available on the Chicago Police board's website
from the februari.
from the februari, uh meetings and there's both a video
recording and a transcript. I understand that are now
publicly available. So certainly um review those materials
for yourself and make your own.
for yourself and make your own conclusions about what was
said specifically, um, I I can speak to to this
have a mandate that's very clear, uh under our ordinance
under the consent decree and under really Decades of change
that has been sawed in the overall police account.
system. Um that mandate is to investigate the complaints
that fall under our jurisdiction and we do that with as
much integrity and certainty of process.
much integrity and certainty of process as we are able as
as an agency, uh having said,
as an agency, uh, having said that accountability is never
comfortable.
comfortable, uh, certainly not comfortable for any leader
of any organization.
of any organization, uh when you have to hold
members of your agency responsible, uh for wrongdoing, so
certainly I I think the superintendent if if anything uh
was speaking on behalf of you know, the agency that he
leads.
leads, uh, however, I I just want to really make sure that
we ground any conversation we have um around around the
accountability system or cop.
accountability system or copas recommendations or findings
in in the facts.
in in the facts, uh of of what the numbers show um, and
could specifically our report lays it out for you.
By Point, uh over the number of cases that come in. Our door
is complaint.
is complaints versus the number that are sustained and
within that number how many times uh, the superintendent
agrees with copas findings and recommend.
agrees with copas findings and recommendations and I'll
just say that in 2023.
just say that in 2023 98% of the times that we concluded
what discipline should be. Uh, we were in agreement with
the super.
the superintendent so many times the vast majority of
times.
times, uh, the superintendent and Coppa do in fact AG
and when there are disagreements, there's a process for how
that gets resolved. Uh, we try to be good partners.
process and give the superintendent as much difference as
we can as the employer of that agency. Um, but when there
are things that we cannot come to agreement on we we stand
on on our investigations and let that process play out, uh,
turning a little bit to ISS.
turning a little bit to issues of Officer Wellness. I mean,
I think it would be a mistake to not be willing to talk
about officer Wellness.
about officer Wellness, uh, certainly that is a complex
issue that affects many people in the Chicago Police
Department.
Perhaps broadly, you know in the profession as a whole.
perhaps broadly, you know in the profession as a whole. Um,
I don't think there's any 1 cause of Officer Wellness or
the lack thereof. I think we and as a city have um this the
Chicago Police Department has Eng.
Chicago Police Department has engaged outside experts in
the field such as Nami, Chicago.
the field such as Nami Chicago and others to make
assessments about officer.
assessments about officer wellness and things that can be
done going forward. Um,
done going forward, um, understanding all of that
complexity. Um, I think it would be you know, it would be
perhaps uh myopic at best.
to view officer Wellness just through the
accountability, um, accountability and setting boundaries.
uh and and expectations for
uh, and and expectations for proper policing is a part of a
healthy and whole and well Chicago Police Department, uh,
certainly not the cause of its unhealth, um from From copas
perspective.
perspective as well as other outside experts, so
I think it's a complicated issue. Um, and I certainly would
welcome the opportunity to have a more fruitful
conversation about it. Um, certainly with other subject
matter experts.
matter experts, uh in the field.
Thank you. I I did hear.
Thank you. I I did hear his comments, um at the board
meeting.
meeting and I just wanted to get your thoughts on.
whether or not you believe the comments. Um,
whether or not you believe the comments, um had some
validity to it and I I agree with you. Um, Alo officer
wellness and their mental health, um is very important and
if if these investigations do have an impact on that
whether they be through investigations on the federal level
or or through IAD or Coppa, um, that's something that we
need to look at as well.
um
Turning to page just a little bit. Um, let's talk about um,
and I I do appreciate the the numbers that you've uh that
you've given us in through your opening remarks.
you've given us in through your opening remarks this
afternoon, um to have 600 currently open.
afternoon, um to have 600 currently open cases. Um, it's
something I've not heard.
something I've not heard of and in quite a while if ever
um, and I think you're doing a fine job getting those
numbers down. Uh, what are your oldest cases though? If you
could give me your 1 or 2 oldest cases how
could give me your 1 or 2 oldest cases, how long are they
and and
And and what's the subject matter of it without going into
this specific?
the specifics? Which may help me to
the specifics which may help Lyn me to an understanding of
why it's open so long, so
why it's open so long. So as I mentioned in my opening
statements and hopefully this committee is familiar under
the current new fop contract as well as the
ppba contract administrative investigations into police
misconduct have to be concluded Within
misconduct have to be concluded within 18 months unless
there can be demonstrated. Just cause for a delay eclipsing
that 18-month time frame. Um, so
I can state currently.
I can state currently in the agency. We have uh,
approximately.
approximately I'm sorry approximately 58 cases that are
over, uh over 18 months currently open.
over, uh over 18 months currently open and of those the
majority of them are.
majority of them are assigned to our special victim Squad
meaning they're either domestic.
meaning they're either domestic violence allegations or
sexual misc.
sexual misconduct allegations. Um, I mentioned earlier that
cases can be over 18 months when there is just cause uh for
that and oftentimes our domestic and sexual misconduct
cases.
Do present instances of Just Cause number 1 officers that
are accus?
are accused of those acts are uh, they likely to be on
extended leaves of absence which make them unavailable to
come in for their interviews. Those are things.
come in for their interviews. Those are things that can tow
just justifiably toll.
just justifiably toll uh and investigation. Also there are
often parallel Crim.
often parallel criminal investigations and or criminal
proceedings in those cases. That's another reason that we
often see. Um,
often see, um, the 18-month deadline, uh be able to be
extended. So those are the majority of the kinds of cases.
that are over 18 months. But again, it's a very small
number of cases, uh that are actually over 18 months.
something that we are going to do our very best to whittle
down.
down to almost no cases over 18 months. I mean, that's the
goal going.
goal going forward and the majority of these cases can be
concluded.
concluded well in advance of 18 months, especially
it's an allegation just involving 1 officer and perhaps
only 1 or 2 Witnesses. Uh, so those are cases that we're
looking to set benchmarks to be able to conclude those even
more quickly. Um, but if I could just put in 1 more plug
the special victims Squad,
Uh is just in need of additional.
Uh is just in need of additional resources. So that's
something that we'll be focusing on in our next budget.
something that we'll be focusing on in our next budgetary,
uh efforts for 2025 making sure we right now have 1 team
assigned to that work. We need 2 teams assigned to that
work. They take longer than regular investig.
work. They take longer than regular investigations and we
need more people dedicated uh to
need more people dedicated, uh to those specific issues, so
I would welcome.
I would welcome support um from city council when budget
season rolls around again.
season rolls around again, um, and I'm asking for those
resources. Thank you Chief. Are there any other questions
or comments?
or comments from any committee members?
to 1
alderwoman Taylor
Thank you chair.
Thank you chairman. Um.
I'm looking at.
I I want to know how effective.
our copas investigation when it comes to a police
accountability and let me say why it says excessive force 4
416 cases improper search and sees 962 cases oper.
violations. 968
what?
What are we doing different? Because other than having a
bunch of different?
bunch of different committees, that kind of are.
bunch of different committees, that kind of are hope are
supposed to hold police accountable. We just settled Mill.
millions of dollars for a family and I want to know what
type of conversation y'all having with the pension board
cuz I believe people will only learn their less than when
you mess them with their money. And so I don't I
Of course, I'm supportive of Copa. I'm supportive of the
district.
district councils and to 1 of my co-workers point.
district councils and to 1 of my co-workers Point Nick Fado
who is not here. We have all these bodies of
accountability.
accountability, but we see no real change. And so
to me why I would continue to give more money to anything
that's tied.
that's tied to CPD when we don't see any real changes.
So I'll speak to a couple of things if I can try.
So I'll speak to a couple of things if I can try to unpack
that. I think number 1 going to statistics and figures
there are pretty important.
there are pretty important differences between complaints
that are made and things that ultimately rise to the level
of allocations and we still have a lot of work.
of allocations and we still have a lot of work as a as a
city to do on.
city to do on uh, educating the public on conduct that is
law.
lawful and proper, uh that the police have the authority to
do.
to do. So just because we have things that are received as
complaints particular.
complaints particularly now that we have body Warn and
camera and other forms of footage on virtually all of these
police encounters.
police encounters were often able to make determinations
that things were within policy. They did follow appropriate
training.
training sooner. So making sure that the public understands
the difference between the number of complaints versus the
things that actually have allegations of misconduct served.
That's a that's a big important thing. And also when I say
this a lot when I talk, um in community groups, too, I
think what we've never done well as a city is so we say,
okay.
okay we closed all these complaints. That's great but a
comp
The Chicago Police Department shouldn't be walking away.
seizure and just because they weren't
satisfied with that as an outcome. We need to understand
what's causing.
what's causing the miscommunication about what what
appropriate policing looks like and and even if there's not
misconduct we need to understand what's happening that
causing this many people to make the same kinds of
complaint.
complaints particularly around traffic stops, uh and other
uh Street Encounters in particular, so that's
uh Street Encounters in particular. So that's 1 area that I
think there's a lot of opportunity.
think there's a lot of opportunity, uh for just different
dialogue between really the police department.
dialogue between really the police department itself and
and the community that it's policing. Um, secondly, I'll
say that when we do,
say that when we do and it's it's a smaller and much
smaller subset of cases.
smaller subset of cases that actually result in sustained
findings and and recommendations of discipline when we do
reach that.
reach that point in a Copa investigation our our
of our investigation, no matter how fast it is whether it
happens in 6 months or 18 months or you know, and
prior years.
years long investigations
Years long investigations. It's not done just because we've
concluded an investigation. We now have to go through an
arbitration process or a police board process and then
possibly appeal process.
possibly appeal processes after that. So to your I think
what is really the heart of your point alderwoman, uh, you
know,
know an officer, I think doesn't learn necessarily the
outcome of of their discipline often for several.
we're several years removed from the Act and the actual
accountability and until we can have an arbit.
arbitration. Um,
superintendent and uh, the
frustration at last month's police board about how long
takes to review copas investigations, right? Making sure
that
there are adequate resources at all parts of the system.
there are adequate resources at all parts of the system to
make it function smoothly. I I think is part of the
problem. Um, it's not part of the problem that I personally
control. So what is within copas control is that we can
conduct our cases as quickly as we can we move.
conduct our cases as quickly as we can. We move our part
along as quickly as we can and we continue to lift up.
along as quickly as we can and we continue to lift up like
what I was mentioning, um the big sort of
what I was mentioning, um, the big sort of gaps in
understanding that I think exists between our community.
and the police automate
and the police automatically if I can also add, um, we've
also um as
also um, as of 2023 launched our own Copa people's academy,
uh, which is in place to try to educate the public on uh,
what is allowable, uh in terms of CPD directives.
can and cannot do
um, I think that has also been 1 way, uh to uh,
um, I think that has also been 1 way, uh to uh ensure that
Community residents are clear on um officers actions.
Community residents are clear on um officers actions and if
they go outside of what those responsibilities
directives are uh also so that is something that we've
tried to do for the community, uh to make sure that they
are aware and informed and are engaging officers properly.
Uh, so that and that's a 6 week course.
Uh, so that and that's a 6 week course that we launched on
last year and offered it twice. Um, uh on the west side,
uh of Chicago
Uh of Chicago, are you all doing about District? Because I'm
looking at complaints per District you got
looking at complaints per District. You got 1 district and
I want to say I guess it's let me go up.
I want to say I guess it's let me go up 1132 complaints.
District 17236
Why is there not something that goes to the district even
if?
if you didn't say the individual officers we're looking.
if you didn't say the individual officers we're looking at
excessive force. I'm just using an example.
excessive force. I'm just using an example per a district.
Why is there not training?
Why is there not training automatically for the entire
District explain that to me? Because that that's the least
we can do.
we can do when I'm looking at 1 Police District has 332
complaints and this is Police District 11. And so what why
are we not looking at them individ?
are we not looking at them individually, and I think that's
something that there is room for.
something that there is room for for a lot of growth in
that area. We've had some individual.
that area. We've had some individual commanders in various
districts who have wanted. Uh
districts who have wanted, uh that kind of Engagement with
us. We do send information out to everyone but the
uniformity of what's done with
something that has not yet been establish.
welcome the opportunity to make sure
superintendent, um in this space because it seems like we
meet with y'all y'all say 1 Thing.
meet with y'all y'all say 1 thing, then you got another
group that's saying something different then.
group that's saying something different. Then you got fop
and then all of that we are.
and then all of that we are not taking care of everybody in
the city of Chicago because this is way too many complaints
that I'm looking at and even at the district, I'm I'm in 23
237 and 9. I'm disappointed in those numbers.
237 and 9. I'm disappointed in those numbers, but there has
to be some real retraining that happens. So we going to
continue to sit in that other chamber.
continue to sit in that other chamber and pay lawsuits for
things that we had control over.
things that we had control over like everybody and and
thinking about officers mental health. I'm all for them
having mental health. What about the mental problems? They
caused the citizens of Chicago they supposed to be serving
and protecting know.
and protecting. Nobody has that real conversation. And so
This is not on.
This is not on Copa alone. I want to see you all communicate
with the police more.
with the police more often because I feel like what we do
is we make we make rules.
is we make we make rules and laws for officers to follow
without having them in the conversation.
without having them the conversation of why is that in
place? So why do we do it we got
place? So why do we do it? We got officers who've been here
for years. We live that man got
for years. We live that man. Got 33. Let's count them 3 3
lawsuits against him that we're paying for.
lawsuits against him that we're paying for and he still
gets to sit on the force Who is the
gets to sit on the force. Who is the fog guy for that? Who
was the blame there? Is it copper is it?
was the blame there? Is it coping is it fop who is it? And
so there has to be more accountability.
so there has to be more accountability and you need y'all
need to talk to us about how we do that. Like it's it's
it's disheartening to sit here.
it's disheartening to sit here and I'm looking at this I
would expect that. We've come a long way. We haven't not
looking at this.
looking at this and then what I I'm I'm going to go back to
the pension.
the pension board that has to be a real conversation
amongst us because if you got 33 pending lawsuits, and we
just finished finish spending 3 million on you. Why do you
still get in your seat? And why do we get to take care of
you and your family for wrongdoing? Who is that explain
that nobody?
No, I have.
No, I have I think we are very open to any of those
conversations. I think a couple of things to there are.
you point out aptly so many stake.
you point out aptly so many stakeholders in in the
accountability system, but very infray.
accountability system, but very infrequently, do we have
the opportunity for all of us to come together?
opportunity for all of us to come together? We separately
go to multiple meetings together. And so let's stop that
now and we let's let's have that conversation today. How do
we get y'all all in?
make an agreement because
officer is off. We still wind up paying Millions.
to families. So y'all need to get it together well.
to families. So y'all need to get it together. Well, I'm
going to be honest. I'm going to stop saying no I'm going
to start.
to start saying no to every lawsuit whether people get
needed or not because it's not fair to us and then the
thought that officers either.
thought that officers either get to quit or they still or
or they leave we rarely firing and even when y'all fire
him. Can you correct me if I'm wrong they still get their
pension, correct? And and I just thought I just I
wanted to make sure well, but the stakeholder is extend.
well beyond the city officials too. I mean they're state
laws around.
laws around pensions for public service ETA and I've been
said the police need their own insurance after you get it's
like 3 Strikes you out.
like 3 Strikes you out after we didn't pay 3 times. You
should have your own.
should have your own insurance and you could pay it is
ridiculous to send an Axe and like for what we give in this
last family.
last family that we just talked to whose child is never
going to walk talk do.
going to walk talk do anything again that ain't even enough
to make up for the mistake that we made.
I think it's always unclear we make the mistake and then
the taxpayer is a left to hold the bad cuz that's who
holding the bag.
Thank you know I I appreciate.
All of your sentiment I do.
thank
Thank you. All the woman tailor. Are there any other
questions or comments?
There are no no hand raised.
They're being no further questions or comments, uh to
Chief. Um Kirsten. Thank you Chief Kirsten and um,
Chief. Um Kirsten. Thank you Chief Kirsten and um a from
for Mr. Edie for coming.
for Mr. Edie for coming down. We certainly appreciate it.
Um 1 question. I'm sorry. I I do want to ask. Um, uh all
the women Taylor was referencing some some statistics.
page 24 of your annual report.
Are these just all in-house investig?
Are these just all in-house investigations or do they
include investigations?
include investigations that are on a district level that
are being investig?
are being investigated if they still do that practice
deputy chief? I don't know whether districts still um
invest.
investigate complaints. Um, and do they include IAD
investigations as well or just the ones in house at coupa.
things
Things look like the in-house scope that's in house. Yeah.
These are the in-house.
These are the in-house Copa recommendations, but I want to
make sure we're talking about the right.
make sure we're talking about the right data set. So these
numbers can be significantly higher. Yes, and they they do
still to your question. Um UT.
still to your question. Um, utilize District investigations
under the consent decree. They're called accountability
Sergeant. So the Bureau of internal affairs has the
ability.
to send uh, some of their cases that are qualifying.
to to local districts, uh for resolution.
okay, and lastly has has kop
Okay, and lastly has has kopa expanded. Um
the breadth of their
The breadth of their investigations, uh, I know at 1 Point.
The breadth of their investigations, uh, I know at 1 point
they were limited to certain types of Inc.
and I noticed here there's a whole lot to incl
And I noticed here there's a whole lot to include.
um even operational
uh violations so
Uh violations so there are 2 things at play. Copa has not
expanded its jurisdiction. The jurisdiction that we were
granted was in.
granted was in 2016, uh when the agencies ordinance and
enabling ordinance was passed by this body, um, except
thank you to include sexual misconduct which was changed.
think 2 years ago, um, however to your
think 2 years ago. Um, however to your point. There are a
number of allegation types that you'll see on here that
don't fall under copas enumerated jurisdiction and
don't fall under copas enumerated jurisdiction, and that's
for a couple of reasons. Um number 1 the consent decree.
requires us, uh and Bia, uh, whenever either
requires us, uh, and Bia, uh, whenever either of our
agencies has uh jurisdiction over.
agencies has uh jurisdiction over a complaints particular
complaint we have jurisdiction over the to
complaint, we have jurisdiction over the totality of that
incident. So we're under an obligation to review all of it
and just because someone makes an excessive force
allegation if we note that an officer didn't
allegation. If we note that an officer didn't fill out the
trr. They were supposed to fill out we have to bring that
allegation as well which would be your operational
violation. So she would see uh chairman tally faroh. So
that's where some of the other things those those kinds of
um actions. That wouldn't normally fall under
our jurisdiction that's something
Our jurisdiction that's something that we're obligated to
bring and I will I will note this is a source of frust.
frustration often with the Chicago Police Department. Uh,
Rank and file report back to us feeling like we're
targeting them.
targeting them and coming for things that aren't even
within our jurisdiction because they don't have the
understanding that we are obligated to do that under the
consent decree and and 1 last piece is under labor law. You
can't have 2 separate actions. Um, you can't be disciplined
twice for the same thing, so I can't send
twice for the same thing. So I can't send the operational
violation somewhere else while we keep the excessive force
complaint it all has to be dealt with
complaint. It all has to be dealt with in 1 investigation.
So that's why you see it that way. Thank you.
So that's why you see it that way. Thank you Chief and
thank you for again. Thank you for um.
thank you for again. Thank you for um appearing before the
committee today. Thank you.
The next item that we have on the agenda. Um
The next item that we have on the agenda, um item number 2
and item number 3 we will call together.
and item number 3. We will call together the appointment.
of uh deputy
of deputy chief
Dwayne the Reese and the reappointment
of first Deputy fire Comm
of first Deputy fire commissioner Mary Sheridan if you both
can come up to the
both can come up to the um microphones, I'd appreciate it.
As you step.
As you step up item number 2 is the appointment of um,
deputy chief.
Deputy Chief Dwayne dere as member of this, Chicago.
Emergency telephone system board 820247285 item number 3.
Emergency telephone system board 820247285 item number 3 is
the reappointment of Mary Sheridan.
the reappointment of Mary Sheridan as member of the Chicago
Emergency tele telephone system board.
8 2024 D. 728
8 2024 d 7286
uh deputy chief dice or either first Deputy Commissioner,
um do either
Um do either you wish to make an opening remark.
deputy chief takes a chief divers
Deputy chief takes a chief diverse. Sorry, okay.
I'm sorry. I said it's actually Chief dice. Okay, so send
the record. Yep. I I was just
I was going off what you submitted to me. No problem. Okay.
sorry, um.
would you like to make an
Would you like to make an opening Rock remarks your first
deputy?
None, I sent a statement to each of you. Okay, so if that
was sufficient, um, I won't take your time. Okay. Thank you
so much and
so much. Um, each of you each of the committee members
should have received a statement for Miss. Um, first Deputy
Mary Sheridan and the uh, resume of chief of Dwayne to
reach any questions or comments from any of the committee
members.
Yes, um all the woman Taylor
Chief dere, is that it? That's correct. Thank you. Okay. I
want to see it Chief. Did you just wreck?
want to see it Chief. Did you just recently get the uh,
December? Yes. Okay. Thank you. Explain to us. What the
Chicago?
Chicago Emergency telephone board does.
so it's a tax that's put on uh
So it's a tax that's put on the landline of the Chicago
Police or the city of Chicago landline phones. Uh
money goes to the telephone commission, which is then used
to improve our communication system.
to improve our communication system at oemc and then also
the uh,
Communication System that's in our police cars, which is
our CAD system.
our CAD system, which is uh computer aided dispatch. So all
the pads are on the police cars or computers where
assignments come through. There are dispatched to their
that's what that money goes to to improve those systems and
support those systems and this
support those systems, and this is a reappointment correct
know I'm a new appointment so you
know I'm a new appointment. So you a new appointment you
are uh, I am a re a
are uh, I am a reappointment.
um
Can you put that in the?
Put it in Chicago Emergency.
Put it in Chicago Emergency telephone for dummies.
So if you was explaining to our everyday civilian, what
what what is your role on this board? Can you so my role
would be to overseeing the decisions that are made with
that wanting to ensure it goes to where it's supposed to go
and if I'm asked.
but that's what it's produced for or that's where
going. That's what my role would be. Can you tell us what
the money goes?
the money goes It goes to the cad system and OMC for
the improvements and police dispatch and how
the improvements and police dispatch. And how much is that
system? Do you know? Um
I believe.
In 2023. It was 158 million. It also pays the salaries of
all of the dispatch.
all of the dispatchers and call takers that.
all of the dispatchers and call takers that work at the
oemc.
and in the
uh realm of emergency.
Uh realm of Emergency Management. Um, it also funds um
training for anti-terrorism and some of the technology that
is available through our 9111.
is available through our 9111 system.
Over the years they've modified it. Um
In the past you could not call.
In the past you could not call 911 from a cell phone.
they've mod
They've modified that so that you can currently any family.
member of Chicago can um Reg
member of Chicago can um register for smart 911 and stay
that they have an elderly person or they have someone who's
blind living in their residence.
blind living in their residence and that information will
be given to emergency.
be given to emergency responders.
Is it used to train?
Is it used to train folks who answer 911?
I would believe it's part of the training because it is
it does pay their salaries. Oh there needs to be some.
retraining, uh at oh if I'm if I'm gonna say because
sometimes when you put that call in and it's an emergency
some of those folks don't know how to talk to the folks
that they responding to.
that they responding to they're not great at all as sending
out the right information.
out the right information and a lot of times officers get
the wrong information, which
the wrong information which gets us in trouble. And so if
y'all using it for training, please have a conversation
with that board as a whole about retraining those folks. So
this is ridiculous, and I'm call
this is ridiculous and I'm calling now, I'm hysterical
because it's something going on on the phone you telling me
to calm down if I could do that, I would
to calm down if I could do that. I would I honestly would
and so I want to for us to go.
and so I want to for us to go back to look at the trainings
because now the system it sucks and I don't know who y'all
got answering the phone you call.
got answering the phone you call 911 they don't call back.
So if the doctor
So if the doc call gets disconnected they don't call you
back you.
back you call back and I got to start all over again.
not just what I feel. That's what people feel around the
city.
city and I shouldn't have to say I'm all the woman anything
I should have.
Okay, Vice chair Robinson and then
vazado.
A chief you are new.
A chief you are new to this role. Can you share?
A chief you are new to this role. Can you share with the
body? Uh, what exper?
body? Uh what experiences that you'll bring?
body? Uh, what experiences that you'll bring? Uh, what
suggestions you will make? Um, I'm assuming that you've
been on the force for some time. So I'm just curious you
coming to this.
coming to this, um, you know,
What differences?
What differences well well come to pass because you are
you've been.
you've been appointment.
So, um, thank you for the question.
Uh to answer your question approximately 30.
Uh to answer your question approximately 30 years on the
job, uh, first 12 spent all on patrol.
job, uh, first 12 spent all on patrol in the next uh, 18 in
Bureau of count.
in Bureau of counterterrorism and organized crime, uh
intelligence.
intelligence counterterrorism and now chief of
counterterrorism. Um, I've been in charge of running la la
La Plaza the last 3 years, uh, Chicago marathon the last 3
years.
years, uh, sweno Fest any major event with 20,000 more
people. Basically I've been charged with um,
people. Basically, I've been charged with um, so I bring
that experience of coordinating all those people together.
come if I come into a unified command of private,
come if I come into a unified command of private security,
uh, local police Federal departments, um City politicians
agencies.
agencies and all the other city services. So sitting on
that board,
that board is a lot where all those Communications are done
so I can definitely have input on what we can do better
what we can radios can be better how the PK systems keep
better.
dispatch better GPS of our officers all that stuff, so I
bring all that knowledge with it.
that you believe that we
That you believe that we need to work on Chief. So.
we're working on and it it started with major events and
we're pushing it into Patrol and everything else would be a
new mapping system, which can put our
new mapping system which can put our officers wherever
they're at. What kind even emergency vehicles from?
they're at. What kind even emergency vehicles from fire
City. It's not a soft plows.
City. It's not a soft plows all the different agencies
together tow trucks and then we can see wherever they're at
at any given time where they're working and be able to Des
dispatch move on to where we need them. If there's let's
say another incident.
say another incident downtown similar to what was happening
with George Floyd.
with George Floyd we'd able to see where all of our city
resources are and what time and be able to try to
coordinate that instead of having to get on separate
Communications and different dispatch and call each.
separately.
Thank you. You're welcome.
Thank you Alderman Smith.
Thank you chairman. Good afternoon to you and good
afternoon to.
afternoon to repeat um chairman just uh 1
afternoon to repeat, um chairman just uh, 1 uh, 1 comment
and 1 point of information. Uh Chief the re uh late.
Congratulations.
congratulations. I believe the team's official swearing in
was uh last week. So congratulations. Once again, I know he
was appointed to that position.
was appointed to that position a few months ago. So
congratulations on the official swearing in sorry, I
couldn't be there and uh, just applying of information Mary
Sheridan is a proud resident.
Sheridan is a proud resident of the 38th work so long time
friend and a proud res.
friend and a proud resident of 38th floor. So with that
thank you very much everybody.
thank you very much everybody appreciate opportunity to
speak.
And thank you. Um
alderwoman nin
Thank you.
Thank you chairman. And uh, thanks to our
Thank you chairman. And uh thanks to our uh, assistant
commissioner Mary and chief uh for being
commissioner Mary and chief, uh for being willing to do
this. I had worked with the etsb on the county side. Can
you guys
just because I think
I worked with etsb and thought it was incredibly confusing.
I worked with etsb and thought it was incredibly confusing
if you could just kind of share with my colleagues a little
bit about.
how big a role you play and how you
How big a role you play and how you deal with for example,
911 does not go down.
911 does not go down and sort of what what that looks like
for you guys in your work and without giving where you keep
your redundant, you know oper.
your redundant, you know operations just kind of talk
through like how much goes into insurance that the 9111
system is operational 2473.
system is operational 247365.
1 of the things is they're upgrading the cad when the oemc
was built 20.
was built 20 years ago. It was state-of-the-art.
and it's now
And it's now I don't want to use the term obsolete. But you
know, it's the multi-million dollar.
Revamp and just incorpor.
Revamp and just incorporating the Newark technology GIS was
not available.
You know, we couldn't map where our vehicles were.
You know, we couldn't map where our vehicles were 20 years
ago.
um
but
But I also know I've been around long enough that.
Initially, they the dispatchers dispatch.
Initially, they the dispatchers dispatching ambulances used
to keep track of the if the ambulance was on.
to keep track of the if the ambulance was on a call by uh
punching.
punching a card and using Pennies on a map. So we've gone
to computerized dispatch. They've gone to GIS mapping.
to computerized dispatch. They've gone to GIS mapping as
new technologies become available. We have to incorporate
those so that we can collaborate between City agencies and
provide the best Emergency Services whether it's police
fire or ambulance to this even you know as
fire or ambulance to this even you know, as Chief debris
said we need to know where our snow plows are.
um
the sophistication of our City's response and planning to
the major.
the major events that we're doing. You know, we're hosting
the Democratic.
the Democratic National Convention. Um
that requires tremendous collaboration between
agencies. And a lot of that planning is actually
part.
at the OMC
At the OMC part of this funding does go into.
the Staffing and the planning
The Staffing and the planning. Um
We just have to be.
on board as new techn
On board as new technology becomes available. We have to be
at the for
at the Forefront of utilizing that technology and yet doing
it in a fiscally responsible manner.
Sure. I I appreciate that and I I think it was a learning.
for me when I worked with the etsb in in the past.
for me when I worked with the etsb in in the past about how
How much goes into it? Um and how
how much goes into it um and how much planning and
preparedness and um
Just how much forethought has to go into all.
Just how much forethought has to go in to all the what ifs
so, um, I'm happy to to Sparkles of you in this. Thank
thank you chairman. I can add 1 Thing real quick to to it.
Um as Mary so too the the technology and the advancement. I
mean, it was only a few years ago that we went to a system
called.
the max system, which is multi- agency communic.
the max system, which is multi- agency Communications
before then fire and police connect communicate.
before then fire and police connect communicate on the
radio system together. I mean, that's how bad it was.
radio system together. I mean, that's how bad it was back
then so all this goes to improving that where we
to communicate now together. So you're you're
interoperable.
your radio if the Mac is a operational yes, which is
activated oemc whenever there's any kind of state of
emergency or any major event.
Me interoperable with the county.
Uh, I believe so, I think we already are.
Uh, I believe so. I think we already are I care I think the
county.
county radio that I currently carry is is is obsolete.
because it will be replaced by the radios. We currently are
issued.
more reason to support you guys to try to try to make
More reason to support you guys to try to try to make us as
state-of-the-art in modern as possible. Thank you. Thank
you chairman.
Thank you alderwoman.
Thank you. Alderwoman nent uh, can I get a motion on item
number 2?
number 2 the appointment of Dwayne deris as a member of the
Chicago?
Chicago Emergency telephone system board.
So moved by so moved by Alderman spaz.
So moved by so moved by Alderman spaz all those in favor.
Say I all those post
say I all those post and they and the opinion that you
shared the eyes haven't.
shared the eyes haven't um, congratulations, uh chief.
report this item out on March 20th our next city council.
member of meeting, um item number 3 the reappointment of
first Deputy fire commissioner.
first Deputy fire commissioner Mary Sheridan as member of
the Chicago Emergency telephone system board. Um, can I get
a motion for the approval of this item?
So moved by Al
so moved by Alderman alderwoman Lee
oh, I'm
Oh, I'm sorry.
alderwoman newent all those in favor signify by saying I
all of those opposed say nay
and the opinion of the chair the eyes have it. Um again, um
this item is hereby approved. Uh, thank you both first
Deputy Commissioner.
Deputy Commissioner as well as Chief. Um, these items will
be presented out at the next city council meeting on.
20th there being no further items on the agenda. Um
Alderman Curtis moves that we adjourned all those in favor.
Say I all those opposed May and opinion of
eyes have it this meeting.
Of the committee on police and fires hereby adjourned. Thank
you.
Thank