As soon as the Public Safety section of the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) became operational in 2017, OIG began fielding concerns from members of the public about the “gang database.” Those concerns included the accuracy of the information, the length of time such information is maintained, and the potential life-altering impact the use of such information can have on individuals.
Community members reported personal accounts to OIG in which their experiences of CPD’s “gang database”-related strategies—including misidentification, harassment, obstacles to immigration, and racial profiling—furthered the historical divide between themselves and the police and contributed to inequities, especially in communities of color. Anonymous testimonials from community members can be found below.
Gang Database Testimonial – West Side Resident
Gang Database Testimonial – Humboldt Park Resident
Gang Database Testimonial – West Side Resident
Gang Database Testimonial – Southwest Side Resident
Gang Database Testimonial – Southeast Side Resident
Gang Database Testimonial – South Lawndale Resident
Gang Database Testimonial – Southwest Side Resident
Gang Database Testimonial – North Side Resident
Gang Database Testimonial – Little Village Resident
About Office of Inspector General
The mission of the independent and nonpartisan City of Chicago Office of Inspector General (OIG) is to promote economy, effectiveness, efficiency, and integrity by identifying corruption, waste, and mismanagement in City government. OIG is a watchdog for the taxpayers of the City and has jurisdiction to conduct inquiries into most aspects of City government. If you see misconduct, mismanagement, ineffectiveness, or inefficiency, we need to hear from you.
Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook for the latest information on how OIG continues to fight fraud, abuse, and inefficiency in Chicago government.