By MES Dispatch staff
The Briefing
• The Chicago Police Department plans to hire additional civilian investigators to reduce a backlog of officer misconduct cases.
• Department officials reported more than 5,300 misconduct complaints were received in 2025.
• Staffing shortages within the Bureau of Internal Affairs have contributed to delays in completing investigations.
• The hiring initiative is part of ongoing efforts to meet requirements under a federal consent decree.
CHICAGO, IL — The Chicago Police Department announced plans to expand its use of civilian investigators within the Bureau of Internal Affairs in an effort to reduce a growing backlog of officer misconduct investigations.
Department leaders disclosed during a federal consent decree status hearing that internal affairs received more than 5,300 complaints in 2025. Officials said staffing shortages have slowed the pace of investigations, resulting in delayed case resolutions.
Superintendent Larry Snelling stated that increasing civilian staffing is intended to strengthen investigative capacity while allowing sworn personnel to remain focused on operational duties. The department is currently budgeted for 144 internal affairs positions, with more than 30 vacancies.
Deputy Chief Traci Walker told the court that the city plans to fill 25 vacant positions with civilian investigators by the end of 2026. Officials said the additional staff will help improve timeliness and compliance with disciplinary standards.
State officials overseeing the consent decree reported that audits found fewer than half of misconduct cases closed in 2024 were completed within six months of the initial complaint. The department said policy updates and enhanced oversight of district-level investigations are also underway.