- Chicago taxpayers paid $80 million so far towards settlements for alleged misconduct by city workers.
- $67 million were allocated toward settlements over allegations of police misconduct.
- By contrast, the city budgeted $16.5 million for violence prevention programs in 2021.
The city of Chicago allocated $67 million of city taxpayer money to settlements over allegations of police misconduct and mistakes between January and August of 2021, local news outlet WLS reported.
The figure is a part of a total of $80 million that the city paid out in settlements so far due to misconduct and mistakes by all city workers — including police — during that same time period, the outlet reports.
By contrast, the city budgeted just $16.5 million for violence prevention and reduction programs in 2021 so far. The city plans on investing $400 million for an "Our City, Our Safety" plan through 2024, according to an email from a spokesperson from Mayor Lori Lightfoot's office.
The plan includes a 911 alternative response and violence reduction interventions. Lightfoot's office declined to provide further comment.
According to the Chicago Police Department's 55 Rules of Conduct, actions deemed as misconduct could include disrespect to or maltreatment of any person, conduct using the official position for personal gain or influence, and violation of any law or ordinance.
The Chicago Police Department declined to comment.
Most recently, the city council decided Wednesday on a $2.9 million settlement for Anjanette Young, who was arrested fully unclothed in her home in 2019 after a botched police raid. The settlement is not included in the aforementioned figure as it occurred outside of the timeframe.
Other city departments also involved in the $80 million approved settlements include, in part, the fire department, streets and sanitation, and transportation, according to WLS. Smaller payouts — as low as $50 — were given to resolve small accidents such as someone slipping or disagreements on contracts.
According to a report on police litigation for 2019, Chicago paid $46.8 million that year to 116 plaintiffs who accused police of misconduct — including excessive force, extended detention and false arrest, and failure to provide medical care.
Between 2004 and 2016, Chicago spent $662 million on settlements for alleged police misconduct, the Associated Press reported.
The City of Chicago Law Department did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.