Major cuts to Community, Constitutional Policing Divisions raise concern, questions regarding commitment to police reform
CHICAGO – In a surprising shift, Mayor Brandon Johnson’s proposed budget for 2025 signals significant cuts to key Chicago Police Department divisions dedicated to constitutional and community policing reform. Although the $17.3 billion citywide budget allocates an increased $2.1 billion for CPD, these cuts have raised alarm among public safety experts and advocates for reform who warn that such reductions could hinder ongoing progress.
The mayor’s budget plan trims back CPD by 456 vacant positions, including 98 sworn officers and 358 civilian roles, saving the city more than $50 million. However, the cuts have heavily impacted the Office of Constitutional Policing and Reform, which faces a 57% reduction in staff, from 65 down to 28. This division was created in 2020 by then-interim CPD Superintendent Charlie Beck to centralize consent decree reforms, covering training, mental health resources, and reform tracking.