Review of the City’s Vehicle Immobilization Program

Executive Summary

The City of Chicago Office of Inspector General (IGO) has concluded an investigation into the waste of City resources in the Chicago Department of Finance’s (DOF) “vehicle immobilization program,” better known as the “boot program.” The investigation revealed that, from late 2009 through December 2011, the DOF Street Operations division wasted an estimated $160,000 annually by failing to appropriately schedule and staff its booters’ night shifts.

Attached is the public report of the IGO’s programmatic findings and recommendations. A separate disciplinary report has been sent to the Mayor and the Comptroller; a summary of that report will be made public in a future IGO quarterly report.

In his reply, City Comptroller Amer Ahmad reported that he instituted an appropriately staggered break and lunch schedule for booting personnel in response to the IGO investigation. This, and other actions he has taken, will save the City money and ensure more efficient delivery of City services.