There is nothing more fundamental in policing than making sure people who hold white supremacist ideology never wear a badge, and that those already in the profession are removed. In the early 2020s, when membership lists of extremist organizations like the Oath Keepers became public, America had to confront an uncomfortable truth: police officers were on those lists, and Chicago was no exception.
When Chicago faced this reality, leaders of the Chicago Police Department and then-Mayor Lori. Lightfoot offered all kinds of assurances that they would take strong action. What followed was little more than a slap on the wrist. Progressive members of the City Council tried to pass legislation giving city government and the police accountability system the power to investigate ties to these groups and remove those involved. Without backing from the mayor or police leadership, those efforts stalled.
That has now changed. After more than a year of meetings and negotiations, the Chicago City
Council passed an ordinance aimed specifically at the Chicago Police Department. It empowers
the Department and the police accountability system to investigate officers’ ties to white
supremacist and extremist organizations, and to remove officers who are active participants.
In this episode, we sit down with the ordinance’s chief sponsor, Ald. Matt Martin of the 47th
Ward, to talk about:
- Why Chicago needs an ordinance barring police from active participation in white
supremacist groups - Whether the law names specific organizations or defines categories of groups
- Why the ordinance applies only to the CPD and not to other city agencies
- Whether the CPD lacked the tools, or the will, to clean up its ranks
- The delayed task force under Mayor Brandon Johnson
- What he hopes the ordinance will change for Chicagoans and for public trust in policing
Accountability doesn’t happen on its own. It takes sustained pressure, clear rules, and people
willing to see the work through. This conversation is a look at what it took to get this ordinance
passed, and what it will take to make sure it’s enforced.
Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
