FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 15, 2026
PRESS CONTACT:
Deanna Shoss, Communications
773-478-8417
The City of Chicago Office of Inspector General (OIG) today released its Third Quarter 2026 Report, detailing oversight work conducted between July 1 and September 30, 2026. During the quarter, OIG reduced the number of investigations pending for more than one year by nearly 30 percent and resolved more than twice as many investigations as in the previous quarter, reflecting the office’s focus on improving the timeliness, efficiency, and impact of its work. This report is filed with City Council pursuant to Section 2-56-120 of the Municipal Code of Chicago.
“Our audits and investigations have the greatest value when they are completed quickly enough to inform decisions, drive improvements, and ensure accountability. This quarter’s results demonstrate that we can improve timeliness while maintaining the quality, rigor, and independence of our work,” said David Glockner, Inspector General for the City of Chicago. “The misconduct we investigate can be serious, and we owe it to City employees, departments, and the public to resolve these matters as promptly as possible.”
Investigations
During Q3 2026, OIG opened 25 new investigations and concluded 81 investigations. At the end of the quarter, OIG had 187 active misconduct investigations. The quarter’s sustained investigations reflect the wide range of misconduct allegations OIG is charged with examining. Among the matters reported this quarter was an investigation that found a former Department of Water Management employee engaged in repeated sexual, racial, and religious harassment, violence in the workplace, and other misconduct. OIG also sustained investigations involving firearm-related misconduct and numerous cases of fraud involving federal pandemic-relief programs.
Audits and Program Review
OIG’s Audit and Program Review section published 11 reports during the second and third quarters of 2026, matching the highest number of audits OIG has ever published in a full year. Reports published in Q3 examined the Department of Finance’s vendor payment timeliness, the Department of Streets and Sanitation’s rat abatement program and administration of auto pounds, an advisory concerning the City’s inactive $57 million Chicago Community Catalyst Fund, as well as explainers on the City’s support of the new arrivals mission and demographic outcomes in Chicago Fire Department hiring and promotions.
Ethics and Public Safety
OIG also continued proactive oversight efforts outside of its investigative work. Through campaign finance enforcement activities, the office resolved 19 matters that resulted in the return of $38,200 in improper political contributions. OIG additionally issued a notification concerning weaknesses in controls over access to Police Observation Device camera footage and recommended improvements to strengthen accountability and security practices.
OIG’s Public Safety section published follow-up reviews of CPD’s 911 response time data collection and wellness support programs and issued recommendations aimed at improving police accountability and investigative practices.
Quarterly oversight activity: by the numbers
- During Q3 2026, OIG’s Audit and Program Review section published three audits, one follow-up audit, two explainer reports, one advisory.
- The Public Safety section published nine Recommendations to Reopen CPD Disciplinary Investigations, two follow-up evaluations on 911 response time and officer wellness, and one Recommendation to Inform and Improve CPD practices.
- During Q3 2026, OIG initiated 25 investigations and concluded 81 investigations.
- At the close of the quarter, OIG had 187 active misconduct investigations involving City employees, elected officials, contractors, or others connected to City business.
- OIG reduced the number of investigations pending longer than 12 months by approximately 30 percent.
- Campaign finance investigations resulted in the return of $38,200 in improper political contributions.
- The Public Safety section reviewed 305 closed disciplinary investigations conducted by CPD’s Bureau of Internal Affairs and COPA and opened 26 cases for in-depth review.
OIG remains committed to promoting integrity, effectiveness, efficiency, and fairness throughout City government and will continue providing updates on its oversight activities through future public reports.
Read and download OIG’s Third Quarter Report.
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About the Office of Inspector General (OIG)
The mission of the independent and nonpartisan City of Chicago Office of Inspector General 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, or waste, we need to hear from you.
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