The CCPSA was created from an ordinance passed in July of 2021. “The Commission and District Councils will bring police officers and Chicago residents together to plan, prioritize, and build mutual trust; strengthen the police accountability system.” chicago.gov/city/en/depts/…

The meeting has started at 6:12pm. President Anthony Driver Jr. and Commissioner Aaron Gotlieb are present.

“This is all done prior to the 2025 budget release,” says a presenter.

Communities are most interested in hearing what you (Chicago residents) want from CPD and the police budget, said the presenter.

President Driver mentions soliciting more feedback “We have absolutely no clue what we spent on police department budget,” he says. “There are a bunch of different things that the police department can’t live without that are not a part of [our] budget.”

Commissioner Gotlieb mentions low clearance rates being an important issue. “Operating in ways that promote safety are being adequately funded are important.”

One woman representing “I would like that we decrease in the patrol budget.” She also agrees with Commissioner Gotlieb’s sentiments.

An organizer from Little Village mentions almost being shot by police due to a low amount of street lighting. She describes the police presence in the neighborhood over the weekend as “militant.”

The organizer says she witnessed a group of teens be accused of having guns on them by local community members, when in fact no weapons were present and she had to intervene. Commissioner Gottlieb asks for clarification asking the organizer “is police not being allocated?”

Commissioner Gottlieb “We can’t tell where the money going toward the police is being used.” The organizer from Little Village Community Council also mentions a woman who was carjacked. And after the incident she was trying to get the attention of a police officer (cont.)

the police officer finally woke up and did not take the incident seriously

The organizer (from LVCC) asks, “how can [this] work better in the allocation of the police officers?” “It makes me question why is this missing in my community.”

A woman mentions being robbed multiple times

President Driver responds, “there is a breakdown in communication amounts our government.” He recommends that more victim advocates in the Chicago Police Department is needed.

Driver says, “The Chicago Police Department hasn’t had an independent workforce allocation study in a long time.” He mentions that CPD are responding to hotspots.

While this is townhall is taking place, there is a Spanish interpreter.

The organizer from LVCC shares why she thinks there is a police shortage. Driver says, “resources are not being equitably distributed.” Someone asks how these studies are being conducted.

A woman voices concern about Farragut High School, where her son attends, specifically not feeling safe

A woman mentions a solution of Local School Council (LSC) Meetings along with the aldermen and a police presence. President Driver mentions reaching out to council district members.

This woman asks when the public will have access to the budget? President Driver responds in October Commissioner Gottlieb says how can we get traction beyond recommendations?

An audience member mentions “a condensed budget.” A woman responds with needing to know the exact neighborhoods where funds are being allocated to. Commissioner Gottlieb, “we should just [see] the city where the budget is allocated.”

Shotspotter is being brought up. An audience member says, we need to have a backup plan.”

Commissioner Gottlieb say that at the very least, we should know what is being allocated to the police departments

An audience member mentions that there is a lot of money being wasted. The meeting adjourned at 7:43pm.