# Committee on Public Safety meeting, May 20, 2025

- When: Tue, May 20, 2025, 1:00 PM (Chicago time)
- Where: City Council Chamber, 2nd Floor, City Hall, 121 North LaSalle Street - Chicago, IL 60602
- Status: Scheduled & Published
- Committee: [Committee on Public Safety](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/committee/public-safety)
- Video: https://vimeo.com/showcase/8928579/video/1086128231
- Transcript: [full text](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/files/transcripts/1086128231.txt) (13,210 words, official captions)

## Meeting notes

> AI-written from the transcript. Speakers are inferred from cues in the recording, so treat names as estimates and check the video at the linked time.

The Committee on Public Safety, chaired by Alderperson Brian Hopkins, took up a substitute version of the ordinance allowing the Police Superintendent, after consulting the Deputy Mayor for Public Safety, to declare temporary snap curfews for unaccompanied minors. Five public commenters spoke, one in support and the others opposing or urging delay over youth criminalization and legal concerns. Co-sponsor Alderperson Jason C. Ervin withdrew his support because the substitute changed the Deputy Mayor's role from joint decision-maker to consultant, while co-sponsor Alderperson Pat Dowell remained on; members debated checks on police discretion, constitutional risk, parent notification, youth investment and victims of teen takeovers, and a Law Department representative said the department had not reviewed the latest version. The substitute ordinance was recommended for passage on a roll call announced as 10 to 6 and then corrected to 10 to 7.

Topics: snap curfew, teen takeovers, police superintendent authority, deputy mayor for public safety, civil liberties, youth investment, street takeovers, public comment

### Agenda items discussed

- [34:38](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9F1008CE-CA29-F011-8C4D-001DD80948F8?t=2078) Adjournment of previously recessed meeting: passed
- [36:33](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9F1008CE-CA29-F011-8C4D-001DD80948F8?t=2193) Public comment: discussed
- [51:11](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9F1008CE-CA29-F011-8C4D-001DD80948F8?t=3071) Substitute ordinance on temporary snap curfews for unaccompanied minors: passed

### Alderpersons who spoke

- [Brian Hopkins](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/2) (chair): As a lead sponsor, said the substitute keeps a mandated consulting role for the Deputy Mayor while clarifying the Superintendent has final authority, and adds quarterly reporting and an annual hearing. ([56:11](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9F1008CE-CA29-F011-8C4D-001DD80948F8?t=3371)); Said it is not accurate that the Deputy Mayor was removed, pointing to two places in paragraph B requiring consultation. ([1:02:28](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9F1008CE-CA29-F011-8C4D-001DD80948F8?t=3748)); Said no other part of the code requires the Superintendent to share a decision with a non-sworn civilian, so the provision adds oversight. ([1:06:16](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9F1008CE-CA29-F011-8C4D-001DD80948F8?t=3976))
- [Jason C. Ervin](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/28) (alderperson): Said he could no longer support the ordinance as a co-sponsor because the substitute gives police total discretion and removes the civilian check on declaring a curfew. ([51:40](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9F1008CE-CA29-F011-8C4D-001DD80948F8?t=3100)); Urged the committee to vote the substitute down or restore the prior version, while supporting the added quarterly reporting and annual hearings. ([53:38](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9F1008CE-CA29-F011-8C4D-001DD80948F8?t=3218))
- [Pat Dowell](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/3) (alderperson): Said she would remain a sponsor, that deciding when to use the tool is the Superintendent's job, and that the council can repeal it if it does not work. ([54:50](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9F1008CE-CA29-F011-8C4D-001DD80948F8?t=3290))
- [Byron Sigcho-López](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/25) (alderperson): Asked why the substitute gives more discretion to CPD given constitutional concerns, misconduct litigation and the lack of civilian oversight commission input. ([1:00:24](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9F1008CE-CA29-F011-8C4D-001DD80948F8?t=3624)); Said consultation is different from joint decision-making, argued resources would be better spent on youth spaces, and said he would vote no. ([1:03:55](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9F1008CE-CA29-F011-8C4D-001DD80948F8?t=3835))
- [Raymond A. Lopez](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/15) (alderperson): Supported the ordinance, citing an Inspector General report on CPD's mass gathering preparedness and saying it lets the city address situations locally. ([1:07:01](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9F1008CE-CA29-F011-8C4D-001DD80948F8?t=4021)); Described street takeovers and violence in his area and said the ordinance is a short-term tool while longer-term programming is discussed. ([1:10:11](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9F1008CE-CA29-F011-8C4D-001DD80948F8?t=4211))
- [Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/48) (alderperson): Read into the record a list of legal and civil rights organizations opposing the ordinance and said she was not sure it was ready. ([1:13:52](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9F1008CE-CA29-F011-8C4D-001DD80948F8?t=4432))
- [Desmon C. Yancy](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/5) (alderperson): Said he found it hard to support the ordinance and questioned whether it protects property or young people, noting beaches were closed on a warm day. ([1:15:24](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9F1008CE-CA29-F011-8C4D-001DD80948F8?t=4524)); Asked how the ordinance would affect street takeovers given police vehicle chase policy. ([1:16:58](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9F1008CE-CA29-F011-8C4D-001DD80948F8?t=4618)); Asked whether the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability president had been consulted on the ordinance. ([1:18:49](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9F1008CE-CA29-F011-8C4D-001DD80948F8?t=4729))
- [Andre Vasquez Jr.](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/40) (alderperson): Said long-term youth investments rarely get the same support as punitive short-term measures. ([1:19:53](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9F1008CE-CA29-F011-8C4D-001DD80948F8?t=4793)); Said the result would be greater criminalization of youth because enforcement would vary by neighborhood, even if that is not the intent. ([1:21:31](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9F1008CE-CA29-F011-8C4D-001DD80948F8?t=4891)); Said the substitute watered down the Deputy Mayor check and suggested an alderperson or CCPSA sign-off instead; said he would vote no. ([1:23:00](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9F1008CE-CA29-F011-8C4D-001DD80948F8?t=4980))
- [Samantha Nugent](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/39) (alderperson): Supported the ordinance, citing the probable cause standard, discretionary 'may' language, defenses for accompanied minors, and quarterly reporting. ([1:25:02](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9F1008CE-CA29-F011-8C4D-001DD80948F8?t=5102))
- [Nicholas Sposato](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/38) (alderperson): Called the ordinance a start that can be modified, said police leadership and the Deputy Mayor support it, and said he would vote yes. ([1:27:08](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9F1008CE-CA29-F011-8C4D-001DD80948F8?t=5228)); Asked whether a minor with an adult sibling counts as accompanied. ([1:38:32](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9F1008CE-CA29-F011-8C4D-001DD80948F8?t=5912))
- [Jessica L. Fuentes](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/26) (alderperson): Acknowledged the sponsor was responding to constituents but said research shows curfews do not work. ([1:29:20](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9F1008CE-CA29-F011-8C4D-001DD80948F8?t=5360)); Asked how OEMC would notify every parent in time, in multiple languages, before a snap curfew. ([1:30:18](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9F1008CE-CA29-F011-8C4D-001DD80948F8?t=5418)); Raised concerns about English-only notices and reaching non-CPS families, and asked whether the Law Department and ACLU reviewed the substitute. ([1:34:43](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9F1008CE-CA29-F011-8C4D-001DD80948F8?t=5683))
- [James M. Gardiner](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/45) (alderperson): Said victims of incidents downtown have been overlooked in the debate and urged putting public safety first. ([1:39:06](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9F1008CE-CA29-F011-8C4D-001DD80948F8?t=5946))
- [Rossana Rodríguez Sánchez](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/33) (alderperson): Recalled sharing studies showing curfews do not work after a previous curfew change and asked what evidence supports this ordinance. ([1:41:19](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9F1008CE-CA29-F011-8C4D-001DD80948F8?t=6079)); Asked why opposing civil rights organizations were not given the opportunity to testify. ([1:42:56](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9F1008CE-CA29-F011-8C4D-001DD80948F8?t=6176)); Asked how consultation is defined, citing the chair's unreturned call with the CCPSA president, and urged colleagues to reconsider. ([1:48:24](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9F1008CE-CA29-F011-8C4D-001DD80948F8?t=6504))

### Exchanges between members

- [54:50](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9F1008CE-CA29-F011-8C4D-001DD80948F8?t=3290) Alderperson Pat Dowell said she would remain a sponsor after discussions with the chair and Alderperson Jason C. Ervin.
- [56:16](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9F1008CE-CA29-F011-8C4D-001DD80948F8?t=3376) The chair said Alderperson Jason C. Ervin was correct that the committee previously voted against removing the Deputy Mayor's role, and explained the substitute keeps it.
- [1:00:31](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9F1008CE-CA29-F011-8C4D-001DD80948F8?t=3631) Alderperson Byron Sigcho-López cited Alderperson Jason C. Ervin concern that the ordinance already went too far.
- [1:02:28](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9F1008CE-CA29-F011-8C4D-001DD80948F8?t=3748) The chair responded to Alderperson Byron Sigcho-López that the Deputy Mayor is not erased from the process.
- [1:03:55](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9F1008CE-CA29-F011-8C4D-001DD80948F8?t=3835) Alderperson Byron Sigcho-López replied that consultation differs from joint decision-making.
- [1:06:12](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9F1008CE-CA29-F011-8C4D-001DD80948F8?t=3972) The chair responded that the consultation requirement adds a layer of civilian oversight.
- [1:12:28](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9F1008CE-CA29-F011-8C4D-001DD80948F8?t=4348) The chair followed Alderperson Raymond A. Lopez remarks on the mass arrest policy, saying curfew enforcement does not involve arrests.
- [1:16:22](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9F1008CE-CA29-F011-8C4D-001DD80948F8?t=4582) Alderperson Desmon C. Yancy said Alderperson Raymond A. Lopez estimate of youth uninterested in programs was an exaggeration.
- [1:17:09](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9F1008CE-CA29-F011-8C4D-001DD80948F8?t=4629) Alderperson Desmon C. Yancy asked the chair how the ordinance would affect street takeovers.
- [1:17:34](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9F1008CE-CA29-F011-8C4D-001DD80948F8?t=4654) The chair answered Alderperson Desmon C. Yancy that street takeovers rarely involve mostly unaccompanied minors.
- [1:18:38](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9F1008CE-CA29-F011-8C4D-001DD80948F8?t=4718) Alderperson Desmon C. Yancy agreed with Alderperson Raymond A. Lopez that street takeovers are a major nuisance.
- [1:18:49](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9F1008CE-CA29-F011-8C4D-001DD80948F8?t=4729) Alderperson Desmon C. Yancy asked the chair whether the CCPSA president had been consulted.
- [1:23:08](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9F1008CE-CA29-F011-8C4D-001DD80948F8?t=4988) Alderperson Andre Vasquez Jr. said the chair's own unreturned call illustrated why consultation is not a real check.
- [1:24:17](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9F1008CE-CA29-F011-8C4D-001DD80948F8?t=5057) Alderperson Andre Vasquez Jr. said the sponsors should have listened more to Alderperson Jason C. Ervin suggestions.
- [1:26:53](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9F1008CE-CA29-F011-8C4D-001DD80948F8?t=5213) Alderperson Samantha Nugent thanked the chair for his work on the ordinance.
- [1:29:20](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9F1008CE-CA29-F011-8C4D-001DD80948F8?t=5360) Alderperson Jessica L. Fuentes acknowledged the chair's responsiveness to his ward and asked how parents would be notified.
- [1:31:02](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9F1008CE-CA29-F011-8C4D-001DD80948F8?t=5462) The chair answered Alderperson Jessica L. Fuentes on warning periods and outreach practices.
- [1:37:32](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9F1008CE-CA29-F011-8C4D-001DD80948F8?t=5852) The chair said he respected Alderperson Jessica L. Fuentes position and agreed on the need for youth investment.
- [1:38:32](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9F1008CE-CA29-F011-8C4D-001DD80948F8?t=5912) Alderperson Nicholas Sposato asked whether a minor with an adult sibling counts as accompanied, and the chair said yes.
- [1:40:33](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9F1008CE-CA29-F011-8C4D-001DD80948F8?t=6033) Alderperson James M. Gardiner thanked the chair for his effort on the ordinance.

## Documents

- [Agenda](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/files/clerk/meetingattachmentspublic/796acd15-0536-467b-8526-4b36212dd1ed.pdf)
- [Notice](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/files/clerk/meetingattachmentspublic/efe10676-cc29-f011-8c4d-001dd809da57.pdf)

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Source: https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9F1008CE-CA29-F011-8C4D-001DD80948F8 · Chicago Politics, an independent, nonpartisan tracker of the Chicago City Council. Guide for agents: https://www.chicagopolitics.org/llms.txt