OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL

Municipal Code of Chicago tit. 2, ch. 2-56

in effect

Municipal Code of Chicago § 2-56-010 Establishment - Composition.

2-56-010 Establishment - Composition. There is hereby established an office of the municipal government to be known as the office of inspector general, which shall include an inspector general and such deputies, assistants and other employees as may be required to implement the powers and duties stated herein. The appropriations available to pay for the expenses of the office of inspector general during each fiscal year shall be not less than fourteen hundredths of one percent (0.14%) of the annual appropriation of all funds contained in the annual appropriation ordinance, as adjusted. For purposes of this section, "as adjusted" means subtracting, before applying the percentage: (i) all funds for services to sister agencies pursuant to intergovernmental agreement as provided in Section 2-56-030, and (ii) all funds appropriated for pension payments above those amounts set forth in the appropriation ordinance for fiscal year 2014. (Prior code § 19-1; Added Coun. J. 10-4-89, p. 5726; Amend Coun. J. 3-18-15, p. 103771, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 10-5-16, p. 34471, § 5)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 2-56-020 Inspector General - Qualifications, appointment and authority.

2-56-020 Inspector General - Qualifications, appointment and authority. (a) Qualifications for appointment. 1. In considering a candidate for the position of Inspector General, the appointing authority shall evaluate and consider any and all qualifications that are relevant to the position of Inspector General, including, but not limited to: i. The candidate's integrity; ii. The candidate's potential for strong leadership; iii. The candidate's demonstrated experience and/or ability in accounting, auditing, finance, law, management analysis, public administration, investigation, criminal justice administration, or other closely related fields; iv. The candidate's demonstrated experience and/or ability in working with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies and the judiciary; and v. Any other qualifications deemed relevant by the appointing authority. 2. The appointing authority's decision to appoint a particular candidate shall not under any circumstances be based in any part upon the candidate's age, gender, race, sexual orientation, religious affiliation or political affiliation. 3. A qualified candidate for Inspector General shall be a person who: i. Holds a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education; ii. Is an attorney licensed to practice law in the State of Illinois, or is an attorney licensed to practice law in another jurisdiction in the United States who can be licensed to practice law within the State of Illinois pursuant to Illinois Supreme Court Rules within a reasonable time after appointment; iii. Possesses demonstrated knowledge, skills, abilities and experience in conducting audits, investigations, inspections, and performance reviews; and iv. Has at least seven years of experience in any one, or a combination, of the following fields: As an Inspector General; As a federal law enforcement officer; As a federal or state court judge; As a licensed attorney with experience in the areas of audit or investigation of fraud, mismanagement, waste, corruption, or abuse of power; As a senior-level auditor or comptroller; or As a supervisor in an Office of Inspector General or similar investigative agency. 4. A highly qualified candidate shall be a qualified candidate who: i. Has managed and completed complex investigations involving allegations of fraud, waste, abuse, illegal acts, theft, public corruption, deception or conspiracy; or ii. Holds an advanced degree in law, accounting, public administration, or other relevant field. (b) Appointment and authority. The Inspector General shall be appointed for a term of four years, in accordance with the procedures set forth in this section, and shall have responsibility for the operation and management of the Office of Inspector General. (c) Reappointment. The Mayor may reappoint an incumbent Inspector General, subject to approval of the City Council, without the formation of a Selection Committee described in subsection (d) of this section. Not less than 180 days prior to the end of the Inspector General's term, the Mayor shall notify the City Council whether the Mayor will reappoint the then incumbent Inspector General. (d) Selection process. A Selection Committee consisting of five members shall be responsible for identifying potential candidates and proposing potential candidates to the Mayor. Within 14 days after the Mayor notifies the City Council that they will not reappoint the then incumbent Inspector General, the Mayor shall select three members of the Selection Committee, and the Chair of the Committee on Ethics and Government Oversight, or its successor committee, shall select two members of the Selection Committee. If the Mayor fails to timely select three members for the Selection Committee, the Mayor shall have waived such ability to select such members and the Chair of the Committee on Ethics and Government Oversight, or its successor committee, may select members for the remaining members of the Selection Committee within 14 days. If the Chair of the Committee on Ethics and Government Oversight, or its successor committee, fails to timely select two members for the Selection Committee, the Chair shall have waived such ability to select such members and the Mayor may select members for the remaining members of the Selection Committee within 14 days. In the event of a vacancy due to the death, resignation, or removal of the incumbent Inspector General, the Mayor and Chair of the Committee on Ethics and Government Oversight, or its successor committee, shall select Selection Committee members in accordance with this subsection within 14 days after such vacancy has occurred. Within 45 days of the formation of the Selection Committee, the Selection Committee shall select and engage a national executive search firm with expertise in government oversight (the "Search Firm") to perform executive search services and to create a pool of the ten most qualified candidates for the position of Inspector General, produced by the search (the "Pool"). Within two business days of selecting the Search Firm, the Selection Committee shall submit to the City Council in an official communication to be placed on file with the City Clerk the name of the Search Firm. The Search Firm shall perform its services and submit, within 60 days, the identities of the candidates which comprise the Pool, including résumés, qualifications, and statements detailing each member of the Pool's credentials for the appointment of Inspector General, to the Selection Committee. Any costs associated with the Selection Committee and the selection process under this section shall be paid for from funds duly appropriated for such purpose. The Selection Committee shall review the credentials of Pool members, and shall, within 60 days of receipt of the Pool from the Search Firm, recommend one or more qualified persons to the Mayor, by concurrence of at least four Committee members. Within 30 days thereafter, the Mayor shall either select a candidate from the Selection Committee's recommendations, or reject the recommendations and provide the Selection Committee with a written explanation. Within 14 days after such rejection, the Selection Committee shall submit new recommendations to the Mayor from the initial pool of candidates, which shall not include any previous recommended candidate. Within 14 days thereafter, the Mayor shall either select a candidate from the recommendations or reject the recommendation and provide the Selection Committee with a written explanation. This process shall continue until the Mayor selects a candidate. The Mayor's nomination of a candidate under this subsection shall be referred to the City Council Committee on Ethics and Government Oversight or its successor committee, for a hearing, and shall then be subject to City Council approval. If the City Council rejects the Mayor's nomination, within 14 days thereafter the Mayor shall either select a different candidate that the Selection Committee has recommended, or request that the Selection Committee provide new recommendations or have the Search Firm produce a new Pool from which to make recommendations. If the Mayor's selection of a candidate and associated referral to the Committee on Ethics and Government Oversight, or its successor committee, has not occurred pursuant to the timetable set forth in the above paragraph, the Chair of the City Council Committee on Ethics and Government Oversight, or its successor committee, may make a written request to the Mayor for an explanation for the delay and a statement of intention with regard to submission of a selection. The Mayor's Office shall provide a written response to such request within 14 days. The term of the Inspector General shall commence upon on the City Council's approval of the Mayor's appointment, and shall extend for a period of four years. No person shall serve more than eight years as Inspector General, consecutively or nonconsecutively. (e) Interim Inspector General. In the event that the position of Inspector General is for any reason vacant, the General Counsel shall assume the role of interim Inspector General, in addition to the role of General Counsel, until a replacement Inspector General is approved by the City Council. In the event that both the positions of Inspector General and General Counsel are for any reason vacant, the Deputy Inspector General for Public Safety shall assume the role of interim Inspector General, in addition to the role of Deputy Inspector General for Public Safety, until a replacement Inspector General is approved by the City Council. In the event of a vacancy in the positions of Inspector General, General Counsel, and Deputy Inspector General for Public Safety, the Mayor may appoint an interim Inspector General who is currently employed within the Office of Inspector General without City Council approval until a permanent selection is made. An interim Inspector General shall have all investigatory, oversight, and jurisdictional powers of the Inspector General. (Prior code § 19-2; Added Coun. J. 10-4-89, p. 5726; Amend Coun. J. 2-13-13, p. 46730, § 3; Amend Coun. J. 2-10-16, p. 19348, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 11-7-22, p. 54984, § 2; Amend Coun. J. 7-19-23, p. 1888, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 7-16-25, p. 30431, § 1)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 2-56-025 Definitions.

2-56-025 Definitions. Whenever used in this chapter: (a) "City employee" shall include any individual employed or appointed by: (1) the city of Chicago; or (2) any committee of the Chicago city council or bureau or other service agency of the city council; or (3) any member of the city council, whether part-time or full-time, including an individual retained as an independent contractor. (b) "Ultimate jurisdictional authority" shall mean the following: (1) for any city officer (elected or appointed), city employee, contractor/vendor or lobbyist with respect to a violation of the Governmental Ethics Ordinance (Chapter 2-156 of this Code), the city Board of Ethics; (2) for all other matters affecting any city employee who is: (i) not employed by a city council member or committee or bureau or other service agency of the city council: the mayor and, as appropriate, the head of each affected department or agency; (ii) employed by a city council member or committee or bureau or other service agency of the city council: the city council member, committee chairman or head of the bureau or other service agency of the city council, respectively; (3) for all other matters affecting a city contractor, vendor, or bidder seeking a city contract: the mayor and, as appropriate, the head of each affected department or agency; (4) for all other matters affecting a city licensee or entity seeking city certification: the mayor and, as appropriate, the head of each affected department or agency; (5) for all other matters related to the city council: the chairman of the city council Committee on Ethics and Government Oversight. (Added Coun. J. 2-10-16, p. 19348, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 7-24-19, p. 2394, § 1)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 2-56-030 Inspector General - Powers and duties.

2-56-030 Inspector General - Powers and duties. In addition to other powers conferred herein, the Inspector General shall have the following powers and duties: (a) To receive and register complaints and information concerning misconduct, inefficiency and waste within the city government; (b) To investigate the performance of governmental officers, employees, functions and programs, either in response to complaints or on the Inspector General's own initiative, in order to detect and prevent misconduct, inefficiency and waste within the programs and operations of the city government; (c) To promote economy, efficiency, effectiveness and integrity in the administration of the programs and operations of the city government by reviewing programs, identifying any inefficiencies, waste and potential for misconduct therein, and recommending to the Mayor and/or the City Council policies and methods for the elimination of inefficiencies and waste, and the prevention of misconduct; (d) To report to the ultimate jurisdictional authority concerning results of investigations, audits and program reviews undertaken by the Office of Inspector General; (e) To request information related to an investigation, audit or program review from any employee, elected or appointed officer, department, agency, contractor, subcontractor, agent or licensee of the city, and every applicant for certification of eligibility for a city contract or program; (f) To conduct public hearings, at the Inspector General's discretion, in the course of any activity conducted pursuant to this chapter; (g) To administer oaths and to examine witnesses under oath; (h) (1) To issue subpoenas to compel the attendance of witnesses for purposes of examination and the production of documents and other items for inspection and/or duplication. Issuance of subpoenas shall be subject to the restrictions contained in Section 2-56-040; and (2) To work with the Law Department to retain counsel to enforce and defend against subpoenas, provided: (i) such counsel are, at the exclusive option and request of the Inspector General, either: (A) Office of Inspector General attorneys whom the Corporation Counsel designates as Special Assistants Corporation Counsel for the limited purposes stated in this paragraph (h)(2), or (B) outside counsel, acceptable to the Inspector General, retained for said limited purposes by the Law Department. Corporation Counsel approval of the Inspector General’s requests made under this paragraph (h)(2) shall not be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned; (ii) any such outside counsel are retained pursuant to the standard terms of engagement then used by the Corporation Counsel, including any limitations on fees or costs; and (iii) the costs of such representation are paid from the appropriations of the Office of Inspector General. Nothing in this provision shall be construed to alter the exclusive authority of the Corporation Counsel to either defend and supervise the defense of claims against the City and/or individual City defendants, or to provide the Inspector General or his Office with the authority to settle monetary or other claims against the City and/or individual City defendants. (i) To exercise any powers or duties granted to the Inspector General specified in this Code with respect to any sister agency, as that term is defined in Section 1-23-010, pursuant to an intergovernmental agreement that the City may enter into with such sister agency as authorized by the City Council, and as such power or duty may be modified by such agreement; (j) For the purpose of assisting in the investigation and prosecution of matters within the jurisdiction of the Inspector General as specified in this chapter, to engage in activities that are both authorized by and carried out under the direction of the Illinois Attorney General, the Cook County State's Attorney, the United States Department of Justice and other agencies authorized to investigate and prosecute violations of criminal law. The Inspector General shall undertake such training and certification as necessary and appropriate to engage in such activities. Provided, however, employees of the Office of Inspector General shall not, in the performance of their official duties under the Code: (i) arrest, commit for examination or detain in custody any person, or (ii) carry a firearm or other weapon; (k) To promulgate rules for the conduct of investigations and public hearings consistent with the requirements of due process of law and equal protection under the law; (l) To select, subject to the approval of the City Council, and supervise the Deputy Inspector General for Public Safety established by Sections 2-56-200 through 2-56-280 of this Chapter; and (m) To receive and address complaints of sexual harassment in violation of Chapter 2-156 in accordance with Section 2-56-050. (Prior code § 19-3; Added Coun. J. 10-4-89, p. 5726; Amend Coun. J. 10-8-14, p. 92142, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 3-18-15, p. 103772, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 2-10-16, p. 19348, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 10-5-16, p. 34471, § 5; Amend Coun. J. 11-8-17, p. 58447, § 6; Amend Coun. J. 7-24-19, p. 2394, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 11-7-22, p. 54984, § 3)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 2-56-035 Monitoring employment actions.

2-56-035 Monitoring employment actions. (a) Definitions. As used in this section: "Hiring plan" means the hiring plan adopted by the City of Chicago in 2014 and approved, on June 16, 2014, by the Court in Shakman, et al. v. City of Chicago, et al, Case Number 69 C 2145 (N.D. Ill.), setting forth the governing principles for city hiring, and other employment actions concerning both internal and external applicants and candidates and requirements for contractors. As used in this section, references to the hiring plan shall include the plan as amended from time to time. "Employment action(s)" includes, but is not limited to, hiring, firing, promotion, demotion, lay-off, reinstatement, re-employment, transfer, reclassification, overtime, and/or any job assignment. (b) Powers and duties. The inspector general shall have the authority to monitor, audit and review employment actions under the hiring plan and related policies and procedures. In addition, the inspector general shall have the authority to review or investigate allegations of non-compliance with the hiring plan and related policies and procedures. Complaints concerning employment actions and related policies and procedures, including claims of unlawful political discrimination, shall be made to the inspector general. (c) Reporting on monitoring of employment actions. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, the inspector general shall issue reports as required by the hiring plan and as otherwise necessary to carry out his functions under this section. These reports will be considered public records and will be posted, with personal identifying information stricken, on the inspector general's website. The inspector general shall also issue quarterly and annual reports that include statistics on the number of escalations (as that term is defined in the hiring plan) newly initiated, pending, closed with investigation, and closed without investigation. The quarterly and annual reports shall also include a description of the outcomes, findings, recommendations, and actions taken on the recommendations of any investigation of an escalation. The inspector general shall redact the personal identifying information prior to publicly disseminating such reports. (Added Coun. J. 5-12-10, p. 92409, § 5; Amend Coun. J. 2-10-16, p. 19348, § 1)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 2-56-040 Subpoena issuance and contents - Objections.

2-56-040 Subpoena issuance and contents - Objections. (a) The Inspector General shall issue subpoenas only if: (1) the Inspector General is conducting an investigation authorized by this chapter; and (2) the investigation relates to misconduct within the programs and operation of the City government by any person described in Section 2-56-050; and (3) the Inspector General has a reasonable belief that such misconduct has occurred; and (4) the testimony of the witness or the documents or items sought by the subpoena are relevant to the investigation. A subpoena shall be served in the same manner as subpoenas issued under the Rules of the Illinois Supreme Court to compel appearance of a deponent, and subject to the same witness and mileage fees fixed by law for such subpoenas. (b) A subpoena issued under this chapter shall identify the person to whom it is directed and the documents or other items sought thereby, if any, and the date, time, and place for the appearance of the witness and production of the documents or other items described in the subpoena. In no event shall the date for examination or production be less than seven days after service of the subpoena. (c) No later than the time for appearance or production required by the subpoena, the person to whom the subpoena is directed may object to the subpoena, in whole or in part. The objection shall be in writing, delivered to the Inspector General, and shall specify the grounds for the objection. For seven days after receipt of a timely objection to a subpoena, the Inspector General shall take no action to enforce the subpoena or to initiate prosecution of the person to whom the subpoena is directed. During this seven-day period, the Inspector General shall consider the grounds for the objection and may attempt to resolve the objection through negotiation with the person to whom the subpoena is directed. The seven-day period may be extended by the Inspector General to allow completion of any negotiations. The extension shall be in writing addressed to the person to whom the subpoena is directed, and shall specify the date on which the negotiation period will end. Negotiations may include such matters as the scope of the subpoena and the time, place and manner of response thereto. The filing of an objection to a subpoena, and negotiations pursuant to an objection, shall not constitute refusal to comply with the subpoena, or interference with or obstruction of an investigation. (d) Nothing in this section shall limit the duty of any City officer, employee, department, or agency to cooperate with an inquiry conducted by the Inspector General pursuant to Section 2-56-090 of this Code. (Prior code § 19-4; Added Coun. J. 10-4-89, p. 5726; Amend Coun. J. 7-16-25, p. 30431, § 1)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 2-56-045 Reserved. Editor’s note – Coun. J. 7-24-19, p. 2394, § 1, repealed § 2-56-045, which pertained to complaints concerning aldermen; confidentiality.

Municipal Code of Chicago § 2-56-050 Conduct of City officers, employees, and other entities.

2-56-050 Conduct of City officers, employees, and other entities. (a) The powers and duties of the inspector general shall extend to the conduct of the following: (1) all elected officers and appointed officers of the city government in the performance of their official duties; (2) all city employees in the performance of their official duties; (3) lobbyists engaged in the lobbying of elected or appointed city officers or employees; (4) all contractors and subcontractors in the providing of goods or services to the city, the city council, any city council committee or bureau or other service agency of the city council pursuant to a contract; (5) persons seeking contracts or certification of eligibility for contracts with the city, the city council, any city council committee or bureau or other service agency of the city council; (6) persons seeking certification of eligibility for participation in any city program; and (7) any corporation, trust, or other entity established by the City pursuant to an ordinance adopted by the City Council on October 11, 2017 and in accordance with Division 13 of Article 8 of the Illinois Municipal Code, codified at 65 ILCS 5/8-13-5, et seq., for the limited purpose of issuing obligations for the benefit of the City. Nothing in this section shall preclude the inspector general from referring a complaint or information to the appropriate local, state or federal inspector general, the appropriate sister agency, or the appropriate federal, state or local law enforcement authorities. (b) (1) Notwithstanding any other provision in this chapter to the contrary, if the office of the inspector general receives a complaint alleging a violation of Chapter 2-156 against any elected or appointed city officer, city employee or any other person subject to Chapter 2-156, the inspector general, after reviewing the complaint, may only: (i) decline to open an investigation if he determines that the complaint lacks foundation or does not relate to a violation of Chapter 2-156; or (ii) refer the matter to the appropriate authority if he determines that the potential violation is minor and can be resolved internally as a personnel matter; or (iii) open an investigation. The board of ethics shall promulgate, in consultation with the investigating authorities, rules setting forth the criteria to determine whether a potential violation of Chapter 2-156 is minor. (2) Notwithstanding any other provision in this chapter to the contrary, at any point during an investigation that the inspector general conducts on matters pertaining to violations of Chapter 2-156, the inspector general may only: (i) dismiss the matter and close the investigation based on a finding that the alleged violation is not sustained; or (ii) refer the matter to the appropriate law enforcement authority, if he reasonably believes that the alleged misconduct would violate a criminal statute; or (iii) request a probable cause finding in accordance with Section 2-156-385. (3) The inspector general shall conclude his investigation of any violation of Chapter 2-156 under his jurisdiction no later than two years from the date of initiating the investigation; provided, however, that any time period during which the person under investigation has taken affirmative action to conceal evidence or delay the investigation, shall not count towards the two-year period. Notwithstanding any tolling or suspension of time applied, governmental ethics investigations by the inspector general under this Chapter are subject to an absolute four-year time limit from the date of initiation. (c) Before the Inspector General interviews a witness, except for criminal investigations pursuant to Section 2-56-030(j) of this Code, or a person subject to investigation or a subpoena in relation to a complaint under the Inspector General’s jurisdiction, the Inspector General shall inform the person of: (i) the general purpose of the interview; and (ii) that the person’s right to be represented by counsel and, if applicable, a union representative at the interview. Any such representation of the person by counsel and, if applicable, a union representative shall not limit the rights of City officers and employees to be represented by the Department of Law as authorized under the Municipal Code of Chicago or Section 21-11 of Revised Cities and Villages Act of 1941, codified at 65 ILCS 20/21-11. (d) Attorneys from the Department of Law may only attend an interview of a witness or person under investigation: (1) as requested by the person being interviewed if the Department of Law has agreed to represent such person pursuant to Section 2-60-020, Section 2-60-100 or Section 2-152-170, or as otherwise directed by the City Council in accordance with Section 21-11 of the Revised Cities and Villages Act of 1941, codified at 65 ILCS 20/21-11; (2) when the person being interviewed is a party or potential witness in pending or documented threatened litigation against the City, and such pending or documented threatened litigation is directly or indirectly related to the subject matter of the interview; or (3) as approved in writing by the Inspector General after receiving a request that the Department of Law has deemed such attendance necessary to fulfill its duty to represent the interests of the City under the Municipal Code of Chicago or Section 21-11 of Revised Cities and Villages Act of 1941, codified at 65 ILCS 20/21-11. (Prior code § 19-5; Added Coun. J. 10-4-89, p. 5726; Amend Coun. J. 5-12-10, p. 92409, § 3; Amend Coun. J. 2-13-13, p. 46730, § 3; Amend Coun. J. 11-18-15, p. 14398, § 2; Amend Coun. J. 2-10-16, p. 19348, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 10-11-17, p. 55903, § 7; Amend Coun. J. 7-24-19, p. 2394, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 7-16-25, p. 30431, § 1)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 2-56-055 Functions with respect to sister agencies.

2-56-055 Functions with respect to sister agencies. Nothing provided in this chapter shall be construed to prohibit the inspector general from providing any service or undertaking any function with respect to a sister agency within the scope of an intergovernmental agreement entered into pursuant to Section 2-56-030(i). (Added Coun. J. 10-8-14, p. 92142, § 1)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 2-56-060 Investigation reports.

2-56-060 Investigation reports. Upon conclusion of an investigation the inspector general shall issue a summary report thereon. The report and supporting materials shall be filed solely with the designated ultimate jurisdictional authority as defined in Section 2-56-025(b). The report shall include the following: (a) A description of any complaints or other information received by the inspector general pertinent to the investigation; (b) A description of any illegal conduct, inefficiencies or waste observed or discovered in the course of the investigation; (c) Recommendations for correction of any illegal conduct, inefficiencies or waste described in the report; (d) Such other information as the inspector general may deem relevant to the investigation or resulting recommendations. Disclosure of reports and materials respecting disciplinary investigations concerning personnel of the City Council as defined in Section 2-56-025(a)(2) and (3) is hereby expressly limited to the ultimate jurisdictional authorities for such matters as set forth in Section 2-56-025(b), unless the matter concerns misconduct involving both personnel of the City Council as defined in Section 2-56-025(a)(2) and (3) and non-City Council personnel as otherwise defined in this chapter, in which case the report and all relevant information materials, including that concerning the subject City Council personnel shall be provided to all appropriate ultimate jurisdiction authorities as defined in Section 2-56-025(b). (Prior code § 19-6; Added Coun. J. 10-4-89, p. 5726; Amend Coun. J. 2-10-16, p. 19348, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 11-20-19, p. 9510, Art. IV, § 7)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 2-56-065 Response to recommendations by the inspector general.

2-56-065 Response to recommendations by the inspector general. If the inspector general issues a recommendation for discipline or other administrative action in a summary report, the ultimate jurisdictional authority must respond to that recommendation within 30 days with a written response to the inspector general. This response must include either (1) a description of any disciplinary or administrative action the ultimate jurisdictional authority has taken with respect to the employee in question or (2) a request for a 30-day extension of the 30-day decision period if additional time is needed by the ultimate jurisdictional authority to review the recommendation. If the ultimate jurisdictional authority did not take any disciplinary or administrative action, or took a different disciplinary or administrative action than that recommended by the inspector general, the ultimate jurisdictional authority must describe the different action and explain the reasons for the different action in the written response. This response must be submitted to the inspector general within the 30-day decision period. The inspector general may approve a request for an extension of this 30-day decision period for a period of time not to exceed 30 days if additional time is needed by the ultimate jurisdictional authority to review the recommendation of discipline. (Added Coun. J. 5-12-10, p. 92409, § 6; Amend Coun. J. 2-10-16, p. 19348, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 7-24-19, p. 2394, § 1)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 2-56-070 Confidentiality of informants - Exceptions.

2-56-070 Confidentiality of informants - Exceptions. The summary report shall not mention the name of any informant, complainant, witness or person investigated, except in the following instances: (a) Where the copy of the report given to the ultimate jurisdictional authority of any department or entity recommends disciplinary action against one of their employees under the control of that authority; (b) Where the copy of the report given to the ultimate jurisdictional authority or the chief procurement officer makes recommendations concerning any contractor, subcontractor, applicant for a contract, or person seeking certification of eligibility for a contract; (c) Where the copy of the report given to the ultimate jurisdictional authority of any department or entity makes recommendations concerning a person seeking certification of eligibility for a program administered by the department or entity; (d) Where the copy given to the mayor recommends disciplinary action against the head or any employee of any department or entity; (e) Where the copy of the report is given to the board of ethics or a hearing officer in compliance with a probable cause finding or a hearing on the merits or as otherwise provided in Chapter 2-156. If complainants or informants request that their identity remain confidential, they will be notified in the event that disclosure of their identity is required by law. (Prior code § 19-7; Added Coun. J. 10-4-89, p. 5726; Amend Coun. J. 7-19-00, p. 38206, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 2-13-13, p. 46730, § 3; Amend Coun. J. 2-10-16, p. 19348, § 1)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 2-56-080 Investigations not concluded within twelve months.

2-56-080 Investigations not concluded within twelve months. No later than the fifteenth day of January, April, July and October of each year, the inspector general shall submit to the mayor a report, accurate to the last day of the preceding month, indicating (1) the number of current investigations pending for more than twelve months; (2) the general nature of the allegations giving rise to each such investigation; and (3) the reason(s) why each such investigation is still pending. (Prior code § 19-8; Added Coun. J. 10-4-89, p. 5726; Amend Coun. J. 5-12-10, p. 92409, § 7)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 2-56-090 Duty to cooperate.

2-56-090 Duty to cooperate. (a) It shall be the duty of every elected or appointed officer, employee, department, agency, lobbyist engaged in the lobbying of elected or appointed City officers or employees, contractor, subcontractor, agent, or licensee of the City, and every applicant for certification of eligibility for a City contract or program, to cooperate with the Inspector General in any inquiry undertaken pursuant to this chapter. Each department’s premises, equipment, personnel, books, records, and papers shall be made available as soon as practicable to the Inspector General, including any testimony, books, records, or papers subject to subsection (b) of this section. Every City contract and every bid, proposal, application, or solicitation for a City contract, and every application for certification of eligibility for a City contract or program shall contain a statement that the person understands and will abide by all provisions of this chapter. (b) Without limiting any duties under this section and subject to subsection (c) of this section, each City officer, employee, department, and agency shall comply with requests for oral testimony and provide all such books, records, and papers related to an inquiry undertaken by the Inspector General, without the need for the Inspector General to issue a subpoena. (c) In the event that the Department of Law determines that any such testimony, books, records, or papers may be subject to attorney-client privilege or work-product protection belonging to the City, the Inspector General shall consult with the Department of Law to receive legal advice as to: (1) determine which, if any, such privilege or protection applies; (2) the Inspector General’s and the Office of Inspector General’s legal duties and responsibilities to preserve applicable privileges and protections, including under this chapter and in light of the fiduciary duty owed to the City; and (3) any steps or processes the Office of Inspector General is required to take to preserve any applicable privileges or protections. To the extent production of testimony, books, records, or papers to the Inspector General may be deemed a waiver of privilege, the Department of Law may produce a privilege log in lieu of the requested testimony, books, records, or papers. The Inspector General may request the Corporation Counsel to undertake further review of the logged materials. If the Inspector General makes a written request to the Corporation Counsel to review the logged materials, the Corporation Counsel shall make such logged materials available for the review of the Inspector General to the extent such review is not prohibited by law. Illustrative examples of such prohibition include, but is not limited to, a pending litigation, court order or federal investigation. Provided, however, the Department of Law shall not be required to produce testimony, books, records, or papers that are subject to attorney-client privilege or work-product protection and involve communications in which an attorney is representing a City officer or employee for the purposes of Section 2-60-100, or as otherwise directed by the City Council in accordance with Section 21-11 of the Revised Cities and Villages Act of 1941, codified at 65 ILCS 20/21-11. Nothing in this subsection shall relieve any City officer, employee, department, or agency, including the Corporation Counsel and employees of the Department of Law from the duty to cooperate under this section, unless specifically provided herein. (Prior code § 19-9; Added Coun. J. 10-4-89, p. 5726; Amend Coun. J. 5-12-10, p. 92409, § 8; Amend Coun. J. 2-10-16, p. 19348, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 11-7-22, p. 54948, Art. I, § 6; Amend Coun. J. 7-16-25, p. 30431, § 1)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 2-56-100 Retaliation prohibited.

2-56-100 Retaliation prohibited. (a) No person shall retaliate against, punish, or penalize any other person for complaining to, cooperating with or assisting the Inspector General in the performance of the duties of the Inspector General’s office. (b) No person shall retaliate against, punish, or penalize any other person for requesting the attendance of any Department of Law attorney in an interview conducted pursuant to Section 2-56-050(d) of this Code. (c) No person shall retaliate against, punish, or penalize a Department of Law attorney for attending interviews pursuant to Section 2-56-050(d). (Prior code § 19-10; Added Coun. J. 10-4-89, p. 5726; Amend Coun. J. 5-12-10, p. 92409, § 9; Amend Coun. J. 7-16-25, p. 30431, § 1)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 2-56-110 Files and reports confidential - Public statements authorized when.

2-56-110 Files and reports confidential - Public statements authorized when. (a) Except as otherwise provided in this section, all investigatory files and reports of the office of inspector general shall be confidential and shall not be divulged to any person or agency, except to the United States Attorney, the Illinois Attorney General or the State’s Attorney of Cook County, or as otherwise provided in this chapter or Chapter 2-156. The inspector general is authorized to issue public statements in the following circumstances: (a) upon written request by (i) a person publicly known to have been under investigation that exonerates that person; or (ii) an elected official publicly known to have been under investigation that results in a not-sustained finding; (b) if an investigation, audit or review concerns inefficient or wasteful management; and (c) in a public summary of each investigation resulting in sustained findings of misconduct. The public summary shall briefly state, without disclosing the name of any individual who was the subject of such investigation, (i) the nature of the allegation or complaint; (ii) the specific violations resulting in sustained findings; (iii) the inspector general’s recommendation for discipline or other corrective measures; and (iv) the ultimate jurisdictional authority’s response to and final decision on the inspector general’s recommendation. (b) The Corporation Counsel, in his sole discretion, is authorized to release reports of the Office of Inspector General to the public as provided in this subsection (b). Any release pursuant to this subsection (b) shall be limited to reports containing sustained findings regarding conduct that either (1) is associated with a death, or (2) is or may be a felony as defined in the Illinois Criminal Code and is of a compelling public interest. Prior to releasing any reports in whole or in part pursuant to this subsection (b), the Corporation Counsel shall determine, following a non-binding consultation with the Inspector General, that such a release would not: (i) constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy; (ii) interfere with due process in an ongoing or contemplated City employment or disciplinary process; (iii) impede an ongoing or contemplated administrative, civil or criminal investigation or proceeding; (iv) compromise law enforcement or investigative operations; (v) reveal the identity of confidential sources, including protected witnesses; (vi) endanger the life or safety of any person or cause a threat to security; or (vii) contravene applicable law, court order, or collective bargaining agreement. (Prior code § 19-11; Added Coun. J. 10-4-89, p. 5726; Amend Coun. J. 5-12-10, p. 92409, § 10; Amend Coun. J. 2-13-13, p. 46730, § 3; Amend Coun. J. 2-10-16, p. 19348, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 9-18-19, p. 5223, § 1)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 2-56-120 Quarterly reports to City Council.

2-56-120 Quarterly reports to City Council. No later than the fifteenth day of January, April, July and October of each year, or the next business day after the fifteenth day of the relevant month, if the fifteenth day falls on a Saturday, a Sunday, or a holiday, the Inspector General shall file with the City Council a report, accurate as of the last day of the preceding month, indicating: the number of investigations initiated since the date of the last report; the number of investigations concluded since the last report; the number of investigations pending as of the reporting date; the number of investigations that were declined in accordance with Section 2-56-050(b) and the reasons for such declination, the number of complaints initiated but discontinued and the reasons for such discontinuations, the number of self-initiated complaints investigated by the Inspector General, and the number of complaints referred to other agencies pursuant to Section 2-56-050(a) and the name of such agencies. Provided, however, that if all of the following three circumstances are present with regard to a complaint referred to another agency by the Inspector General, then he may delay including in his report any information related to that complaint until after the conclusion of the investigation associated with that complaint: (i) the complaint addresses potential criminal conduct and has been referred to a state or federal law enforcement agency; and (ii) the investigation of the conduct at issue is ongoing; and (iii) in the judgment of the Inspector General, public disclosure of the referral would compromise the effectiveness of the investigation. The report shall also include the number of investigations of the conduct of employees; the number of investigations of the conduct of appointed officials; the number of investigations of the conduct of elected officials; the number of investigations of the conduct of contractors, subcontractors, and persons seeking City contracts; the number of investigations of the conduct of persons seeking certification of eligibility for City contracts or other City programs; the number of investigations involving alleged misconduct; the number of investigations involving alleged waste or inefficiency. (Prior code § 19-12; Added Coun. J. 10-4-89, p. 5726; Amend Coun. J. 2-13-13, p. 46730, § 3; Amend Coun. J. 12-16-24, p. 22879, Art. V, § 2)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 2-56-130 Inspector general - Conditions for removal from office.

2-56-130 Inspector general - Conditions for removal from office. The inspector general may be removed prior to the expiration of his term only for cause and in accordance with the provisions of this section. The mayor shall give written notice (a) to the city council of his intent to remove the inspector general; and (b) to the inspector general of the cause of his intended removal. Within ten days after receipt of the notice, the inspector general may file with the city council a request for hearing on the cause for removal. If no such request is made within ten days, the inspector general shall be deemed to have resigned his office as of the tenth day after receipt of the notice of intended removal. If such a request is made, the city council shall convene a hearing on the cause for removal of the inspector general, at which the inspector general may appear, be represented by counsel and be heard. The hearing shall be convened within ten days after receipt of the request therefor and conclude within 14 days thereafter. The mayor's notice of intended removal shall constitute the charge against the inspector general. Removal of the inspector general for cause after the hearing shall require the affirmative vote of a majority of the members of the city council then holding office. (Prior code § 19-13; Added Coun. J. 10-4-89, p. 5726)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 2-56-140 Obstructing or interfering with investigations - Penalty.

2-56-140 Obstructing or interfering with investigations - Penalty. No person shall wilfully refuse to comply with a subpoena issued by the inspector general, or otherwise knowingly interfere with or obstruct an investigation authorized by this chapter and conducted by an announced investigator of the office of inspector general. Any person who wilfully violates the provisions of this section shall be subject to a fine of not less than $300.00 and not more than $500.00 for each such offense, or imprisonment for a period of not less than 30 days and not more than six months, or both a fine and imprisonment. Each day that a violation continues shall constitute a separate and distinct offense. Actions seeking the imposition of a fine only shall be filed as quasi-criminal actions subject to the provisions of the Illinois Code of Civil Procedure, as amended. Actions seeking incarceration, or incarceration and a fine, shall be filed and prosecuted as misdemeanor actions under the procedure set forth in Section 1-2-1.1 of the Illinois Municipal Code, as amended. (Prior code § 19-14; Added Coun. J. 10-4-89, p. 5726)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 2-56-145 False claims - Penalty.

2-56-145 False claims - Penalty. Any person who makes a false statement, material to the issue or point in question, which he does not believe to be true, in any complaint relating to an investigation conducted by the inspector general shall be guilty of knowingly furnishing false statements or misleading information. Any person who violates this section shall be subject to a fine of not less than $1,000.00 and not more than $2,000.00 for each such offense, and/or imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months. Actions seeking the imposition of a fine only shall be filed as quasi-criminal actions subject to the provisions of the Illinois Code of Civil Procedure, as amended. Actions seeking incarceration, or incarceration and a fine, shall be filed and prosecuted as misdemeanor actions under the procedure set forth in Section 1-2-1.1 of the Illinois Municipal Code, as amended. (Added Coun. J. 2-13-13, p. 46730, § 3)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 2-56-150 Political activities prohibited.

2-56-150 Political activities prohibited. (a) No inspector general or employee of the office of the inspector general may, during his term of appointment or employment: (i) hold, or become a candidate for, any other elected or appointed public office except for appointments to governmental advisory boards or study commissions or as otherwise expressly authorized by law; or (ii) actively participate in any campaign for any elective office. (b) The inspector general shall pledge in writing, at the time of his appointment, that, for two years after the termination of his appointment for any reason, the inspector general shall not: (i) become a candidate for any elected public office which includes the City of Chicago in its geographic jurisdiction: or (ii) hold any elected public office which includes the City of Chicago in its geographic jurisdiction. (c) Neither the inspector general nor any employee of the office of inspector general shall engage in any political activity as defined in Chapter 2-156 of the Municipal Code. (d) This section shall not apply to the inspector general or any employee of the inspector general to the extent that it is inconsistent with any law or regulation of the United States or the State of Illinois that preempts home rule. (Prior code § 19-15; Added Coun. J. 10-4-89, p. 5726; Amend Coun. J. 2-13-13, p. 46730, § 3)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 2-56-155 Statute of limitations on ethics investigations.

2-56-155 Statute of limitations on ethics investigations. An investigation of any violation of Chapter 2-156 may not be initiated more than five years after the most recent act of alleged misconduct. (Added Coun. J. 2-13-13, p. 46730, § 3; Amend Coun. J. 7-24-19, p. 2394, § 1)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 2-56-160 Violation - Penalty - Discharge or other discipline.

2-56-160 Violation - Penalty - Discharge or other discipline. Any employee or appointed officer of the city who violates any provision of this chapter shall be subject to discharge (or such other discipline as may be specified in an applicable collective bargaining agreement) in addition to any other penalty provided in this chapter. (Prior code § 19-16; Added Coun. J. 10-4-89, p. 5726)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 2-56-170 Severability.

2-56-170 Severability. If any provision, clause, section, part or application of this chapter to any person or circumstance is declared invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity shall not affect, impair or invalidate the remainder hereof or its application to any other person or circumstance. It is hereby declared to be the legislative intent of the city council that this chapter would have been adopted had such invalid provision, clause, section, part or application not been included herein. Nothing contained in this chapter is intended otherwise to alter or amend the rights or obligations of the city or any person affected by this ordinance. (Prior code § 19-17; Added Coun. J. 10-4-89, p. 5726)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 2-56-180 Transition.

2-56-180 Transition. In addition to the rights and powers conferred by this amendatory ordinance of 2016, the inspector general and the office of inspector general shall assume, respectively, all rights and powers of the former legislative inspector general and the office of the legislative inspector general. All books, records, property and funds relating to the former office of the legislative inspector general and such rights and powers are transferred to the office of inspector general. The inspector general shall succeed the former legislative inspector general in administering and investigating pending matters under the jurisdiction of the former legislative inspector general. (Added Coun. J. 2-10-16, p. 19348, § 4)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 2-56-190 Professional standards; peer review.

2-56-190 Professional standards; peer review. (a) Audits, investigations, inspections, and performance reviews conducted by the Office of Inspector General shall comply with applicable laws and regulations and shall conform to the applicable professional standards for inspectors general, including, but not limited to, standards promulgated by the Association of Inspectors General. (b) Audits, investigations, inspections, and performance reviews conducted by the Office of Inspector General shall be subject to quality assurance reviews by a professional non-partisan objective group at least every three years. Such quality assurance review may be conducted on a peer review basis, including, but not limited to, under the Association of Inspectors General’s peer review program or a similar peer program established by an organization recognized for such purpose by the United States Government Accountability Office. A copy of the written report summarizing such review shall be submitted to the Mayor and the Committee on Ethics and Government Oversight, and shall be posted on the Inspector General’s website. Any costs associated with quality assurance reviews under this section shall be paid for from funds duly appropriated for such purpose. (c) Failure by the Office of Inspector General to comply with subsection (a) of this section shall be a ground to remove the Inspector General prior to the expiration of the Inspector General’s term as provided in Section 2-56-130. (Added Coun. J. 7-16-25, p. 30431, § 1)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 2-56-200 Public safety deputy - Definitions.

2-56-200 Public safety deputy - Definitions. The following terms wherever used in Sections 2-56-200 through 2-56-280 shall have the following meanings unless a different meaning appears from the context: "Office" means the Civilian Office of Police Accountability established in Chapter 2-78. "Police Board" means the Police Board established in Chapter 2-84. "Police Department" means the Chicago Department of Police established in Chapter 2-84. "Public Safety Deputy" means the Deputy Inspector General for Public Safety established in this chapter. "Superintendent" means the Superintendent of Police or the Superintendent's designee. (Added Coun. J. 10-5-16, p. 34471, § 6)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 2-56-205 Public safety deputy - Establishment - Composition.

2-56-205 Public safety deputy - Establishment - Composition. There is hereby established within the Office of the Inspector General a section to be known as the Office of the Deputy Inspector General for Public Safety, which shall include the Public Safety Deputy and such assistants and other employees as may be required to implement the Public Safety Deputy's powers and duties as set forth in Sections 2-56-200 through 2-56-280. The Public Safety Deputy shall be appointed pursuant to Section 2-56-220, and may be removed from office only for cause pursuant to Section 2-56-280. (Added Coun. J. 10-5-16, p. 34471, § 6)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 2-56-210 Purpose.

2-56-210 Purpose. The mission of the Office of the Deputy Inspector General for Public Safety is to initiate reviews and audits of the Police Department, the Office and the Police Board with the goal of enhancing the effectiveness of the Police Department, the Office and the Police Board; increasing public safety, protecting civil liberties and civil rights; and ensuring the accountability of the police force, thus building stronger police-community relations. (Added Coun. J. 10-5-16, p. 34471, § 6)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 2-56-220 Public safety deputy - Qualifications and appointment.

2-56-220 Public safety deputy - Qualifications and appointment. (a) Qualifications. The Public Safety Deputy shall have the following minimum qualifications: (i) An attorney with substantial experience in criminal, civil rights, and/or labor law, or corporate and/or governmental investigations; or an individual with substantial experience in law enforcement oversight, preferably with a graduate degree. (ii) Knowledge of law enforcement, particularly of internal investigations of wrongdoing and use of force. (iii) A commitment to and knowledge of the need for and responsibilities of law enforcement, as well as the need to protect basic constitutional rights of all affected parties. (iv) Demonstrated integrity, professionalism, sound judgment, and leadership. (v) The ability to work with diverse groups and individuals. The Public Safety Deputy shall not be a current or former employee or member of the Police Department, the Independent Police Review Authority, the Civilian Office of Police Accountability, or the Police Board. (b) Selection process. Within 90 days of an actual or expected vacancy in the position of Public Safety Deputy because of death, resignation, removal, or the Inspector General's decision not to reappoint an incumbent Public Safety Deputy, the Inspector General is authorized to, and shall, engage a nationally recognized organization with expertise in government oversight to perform a nationwide search and to create a pool of no less than ten of the most qualified candidates for the position of Public Safety Deputy. The Inspector General shall within two business days of engaging such organization submit to the City Council in an official communication placed on file with the City Clerk the name of such organization. The organization shall submit the identities of such candidates, including resumes, qualifications, and statements detailing each candidate's credentials, to the Inspector General, within 60 days. Any costs associated with the selection process under this Section shall be paid for from funds duly appropriated for such purpose. The Inspector General shall, within 30 days of receipt of the information submitted under this subsection, select and nominate the most qualified candidate for approval by the City Council. If the City Council rejects the candidate, the Inspector General shall select and nominate another candidate from the pool, until the candidate selected and nominated by the Inspector General is approved by the City Council. If deadlines established in this subsection have not been timely met, the Chair of the Committee on Ethics and Government Oversight may convene a public hearing, at which the Inspector General shall appear to speak upon request of such Committee as to the cause or causes of delay and the steps taken to complete their responsibilities under this subsection. (c) Term. The term of the Public Safety Deputy shall commence upon the approval of their nomination by the City Council, and shall continue for the remaining term of the incumbent Inspector General, provided that the Public Safety Deputy shall continue in office until a successor has been approved by the City Council. At the conclusion of a term, the incumbent Public Safety Deputy may be reappointed by the Inspector General, subject to approval by the City Council. If the incumbent Public Safety Deputy is not reappointed, or if at any time a vacancy occurs due to the death, resignation, or removal of the incumbent Public Safety Deputy, the Inspector General shall select a new Public Safety Deputy pursuant to the process set forth in this section, subject to the approval of the City Council. In the event of a vacancy of the Public Safety Deputy, the Inspector General may appoint an interim Public Safety Deputy who is currently employed within the Office of Inspector General without City Council approval until a permanent selection is made. An interim Public Safety Deputy shall have all investigatory, oversight, and jurisdictional powers of the Public Safety Deputy. (Added Coun. J. 10-5-16, p. 34471, § 6; Amend Coun. J. 7-19-23, p. 1888, § 2)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 2-56-230 Public safety deputy - Powers and duties.

2-56-230 Public safety deputy - Powers and duties. The Public Safety Deputy shall have the following powers and duties: (a) To conduct periodic analysis and evaluation of the results of all closed disciplinary investigations conducted by the Office and the Police Department to identify trends and summarize the number and results of such investigations, and to issue an annual report concerning such analysis and evaluation, and the performance of the police disciplinary system more generally; (b) To conduct reviews and audits of particular policies, procedures or practices of the Police Department, the Office, and the Police Board with respect to police disciplinary investigations and hearings, and to make findings and recommendations based on those findings to inform and improve future investigations and hearings; (c) To review and audit individual closed Office and Police Department disciplinary investigations, and to make findings and recommendations based on those findings: (i) to inform and improve future investigations and ensure that they are complete, thorough, objective, and fair; and (ii) if it finds a deficiency that it concludes materially affected the outcome of the investigation, recommend that the investigation be reopened; (d) To review and audit the Police Department's policies, practices, programs and training (i) with respect to constitutional policing, discipline, and use of force, or (ii) that affect the Police Department's integrity, transparency, and relationship with City residents; and to make recommendations to the Superintendent and the Chair of the City Council Committee on Police and Fire, or its successor committee, to address problems or deficiencies or make improvements in such policies, practices, programs, and training; (e) To review, audit and analyze civil judgments and settlements of claims against members of the Police Department, and to issue recommendations based on its findings to inform and improve or correct deficiencies in the conduct, or operation of the Police Department; (f) To review and audit all sustained findings, disciplinary recommendations, and decisions made by the Police Department, the Office, and the Police Board, and any subsequent arbitration decisions, for the purpose of assessing trends and determining whether discipline is consistently and fairly applied, and determining whether final disciplinary decisions are being carried out; (g) To address community groups and inform the public on the mission, policies and ongoing operations of the Public Safety Deputy; (h) Subject to applicable law, to have full access to all information in the possession or control of the Police Department, the Office, the Police Board, and any other City department or agency in order to conduct, any review or audit within the Public Safety Deputy's jurisdiction; and (i) To set minimum qualifications and appropriate screening procedures for all persons to be considered for employment by the Office of the Deputy Inspector General for Public Safety, and to set appropriate staffing levels to carry out the powers and duties set forth herein. The Public Safety Deputy shall have the authority to make recommendations, based on its reviews and audits, to the Police Department, the Police Board and the Office with respect to changes in policies, procedures, practices, operations, directives, training and equipment to address any deficiencies or problems or implement any improvements identified by its reviews and audits. The Public Safety Deputy is also authorized to make recommendations to other City departments and agencies that it determines are necessary or helpful to effect its recommendations as to the Police Department, the Police Board, and the Office. (Added Coun. J. 10-5-16, p. 34471, § 6; Amend Coun. J. 7-19-23, p. 1768, § 1)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 2-56-240 Public safety deputy - Reports.

2-56-240 Public safety deputy - Reports. (a) Reporting the results of individual reviews or audits. Upon concluding a review or audit, the Public Safety Deputy shall issue a written report setting forth its findings and conclusions and recommendations to the entity or entities that were the subject of the review or audit (i.e. the Police Department, the Police Board, and/or the Office). The report shall include: (1) A description of the scope of the review or audit, the categories of information collected in connection with the review or audit, and the method of conducting the review or audit; (2) The Public Safety Deputy's findings and conclusions, including findings or conclusions with respect to any problems, deficiencies, or improvements observed or discovered in the course of the review or audit; (3) The Public Safety Deputy's recommendations for addressing any problems or deficiencies, or implementing any improvements, described in the report; and (4) Such other information as the Public Safety Deputy may deem relevant to the review or audit, or its findings, conclusions, and recommendations. (b) Annual report. The Public Safety Deputy shall publish an annual report that summarizes its reviews and audits conducted during the prior calendar year, and that reports on the Public Safety Deputy's analysis of information, including patterns and trends, during the prior calendar year, the outcomes of individual reviews or audits, and its recommendations during the prior calendar year. The annual report shall also report on the status of the Police Department's, the Police Board's, the Office's, and any other City departments or agency's adoption of the Public Safety Deputy's previous recommendations. The Public Safety Deputy shall make all reports prepared under this section publicly available in accordance with Section 2-56-250. (Added Coun. J. 10-5-16, p. 34471, § 6)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 2-56-241 Appearance before committee.

2-56-241 Appearance before committee. Within 45 days of issuance of the annual report required in Section 2-56-240(b), the Public Safety Deputy or their designee shall appear at a hearing of a joint City Council Committee consisting of the Committee on Police and Fire and the Committee on Public Safety, or their respective successor committees, to respond to questions concerning such report. (Added Coun. J. 10-5-16, p. 34471, § 6; Amend Coun. J. 7-19-23, p. 1768, § 1)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 2-56-245 Response to recommendations by the public safety deputy.

2-56-245 Response to recommendations by the public safety deputy. If the Public Safety Deputy's report includes recommendations concerning the Police Department, the Police Board, the Office, or another City department or agency, that entity must submit a written response to such recommendation within 60 days of its receipt of the Public Safety Deputy's report. The response shall include either (1) a description of any corrective or other actions taken or to be taken in response to the recommendation, (2) the basis for rejecting the recommendation in whole or in part, or (3) a request for a 30-day extension for making its response if additional time is needed by the entity to respond to the recommendation. In addition, at the request of at least three aldermen, the Chair of the City Council Committee on Police and Fire, or its successor committee, shall request that the head of the department or agency in question, or their designee, appear at a hearing of a joint City Council Committee consisting of the Committee on Police and Fire and the Committee on Public Safety, or their respective successor committees, to explain and respond to questions concerning such response. (Added Coun. J. 10-5-16, p. 34471, § 6; Amend Coun. J. 7-19-23, p. 1768, § 1)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 2-56-250 Publication of the public safety deputy's reports and responses to the public safety deputy's recommendations.

2-56-250 Publication of the public safety deputy's reports and responses to the public safety deputy's recommendations. Upon receipt of the response(s) to its reports and recommendations, the Public Safety Deputy shall promptly post the report and recommendations and all responses thereto on the Public Safety Deputy's website for public review and serve copies on the Mayor, or their designee, the Chair of the City Council Committee on Police and Fire, or its successor committee, and the Chair of the City Council Committee on Public Safety, or its successor committee, except to the extent that information contained therein has been redacted because it is exempted from disclosure by the Illinois Freedom of Information Act or any other applicable law. Neither the Public Safety Deputy nor the Police Department, the Police Board, or the Office shall publicly disclose any recommendations or responses provided in Section 2-56-240(a) and Section 2-56-245 before the processes set forth in Section 2-56-245 are completed. (Added Coun. J. 10-5-16, p. 34471, § 6; Amend Coun. J. 7-19-23, p. 1768, § 1)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 2-56-260 Public safety deputy - Cooperation in reviews or audits.

2-56-260 Public safety deputy - Cooperation in reviews or audits. It shall be the duty of every officer, employee, department, and agency of the City to cooperate with the Public Safety Deputy in any review or audit undertaken pursuant to Sections 2-56-200 through 2-56-280. (Added Coun. J. 10-5-16, p. 34471, § 6)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 2-56-270 Public safety deputy - Retaliation, obstruction or interference prohibited - Penalty.

2-56-270 Public safety deputy - Retaliation, obstruction or interference prohibited - Penalty. (a) Retaliation. No person shall retaliate against, punish, intimidate, discourage, threaten or penalize any other person for providing information, testimony or documents to, or otherwise cooperating with or assisting the Public Safety Deputy in the performance of his duties. (b) Obstruction or interference. No person shall knowingly interfere with or obstruct a review or audit authorized by this chapter and conducted by an announced employee of the Public Safety Deputy. (c) Penalty. Any person who willfully violates this section shall be subject to a fine of not less than $1,000.00 and not more than $5,000.00 for each such offense, or imprisonment for a period of not less than 30 days and not more than six months, or both a fine and imprisonment. Each day that a violation continues shall constitute a separate and distinct offense. Actions seeking the imposition of a fine only shall be filed as quasi-criminal actions subject to the provisions of the Illinois Code of Civil Procedure. Actions seeking incarceration, or incarceration and a fine, shall be filed and prosecuted as misdemeanor actions under the procedure set forth in Section 1-2-1.1 of the Illinois Municipal Code, 65 ILCS 5/1-2-1.1. (Added Coun. J. 10-5-16, p. 34471, § 6)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 2-56-280 Public safety deputy - Conditions for removal from office.

2-56-280 Public safety deputy - Conditions for removal from office. Prior to serving a complete term, the Public Safety Deputy may be removed only for cause and in accordance with this section. The Inspector General shall give written notice to the Mayor, the Chair of the City Council Committee on Police and Fire, or its successor committee, and the Public Safety Deputy of their intent to remove the Public Safety Deputy and stating the reasons for the proposed removal. Within ten days after receipt of the notice, the Public Safety Deputy may file with the Mayor and the Chair of the City Council Committee on Police and Fire, or its successor committee, a request for hearing on the cause for removal. If no such request is made within ten days, the Public Safety Deputy shall be deemed to have resigned their office as of the tenth day after receipt of the notice of intended removal. If such a request is made, the Chair of the City Council Committee on Police and Fire, or its successor committee, shall convene a hearing on the cause for removal of the Public Safety Deputy, at which the Public Safety Deputy may appear, be represented by counsel, and be heard. The hearing shall be convened within 21 days after receipt of the request for the hearing and conclude within 35 days thereafter. The Inspector General's notice of intended removal shall constitute the charge against the Public Safety Deputy. Removal of the Public Safety Deputy for cause after the hearing shall require the approval of the City Council. (Added Coun. J. 10-5-16, p. 34471, § 6; Amend Coun. J. 7-19-23, p. 1768, § 1)

Source: City of Chicago, Municipal Code of Chicago (American Legal Publishing, codelibrary.amlegal.com)URL: https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/chicago/latest/chicago_il/0-0-0-2599756Fetched: 10/24/2026