Evaluation of the Chicago Police Department’s Post-Firearm Discharge Policy

The City of Chicago Office of Inspector General (OIG) has completed an evaluation of the Chicago Police Department’s (CPD or the Department) compliance with its policy regarding post-incident requirements for members who discharge their firearms, on- or off-duty. Under General Order G03-02-03, CPD members are required to complete several steps before returning to regular field duties after a firearm discharge incident. OIG found that CPD has not operated in full compliance with this policy. OIG also determined that CPD’s internal controls are inadequate, as reflected in the Department’s insufficient policies and procedures, its inability to ensure the execution of those policies and procedures, and poor documentation of the return-to-duty process. In addition, OIG determined that the return-to-duty process is inadequate and inefficient.