2027 Police Department budget and staffing
Summary
The police budget is proposed to jump about $34 million (11%), nearly all from salaries and benefits under the new labor contract. Aldermen pressed hard on patrol visibility, response times, and only 3 community service officers on board against 7 funded positions — with Burgelis arguing one squad west of 27th Street on the south side is insufficient.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 2
- Last 30 days
- 2
Discussed at 2 meetings in the last 60 days; most recently Oct 12, 2026.
Impact analysis
About $34 million more than 2026, pushing an already strained city budget higher.
Citywide public safety services, with new grant-funded officer positions spread across districts.
Taxpayers absorb the increase; residents in under-patrolled districts like the 11th report feeling underserved.
Mentions & discussions (2)
FINANCE & PERSONNEL COMMITTEE — October 12, 2026
The police budget is proposed to jump about $34 million (11%), nearly all from salaries and benefits under the new labor contract. Aldermen pressed hard on patrol visibility, response times, and only 3 community service officers on board against 7 funded positions — with Burgelis arguing one squad west of 27th Street on the south side is insufficient.
COMMON COUNCIL — October 5, 2026
A speaker whose partner died after a 2024 police pursuit criticized alderpersons' handling of Fire and Police Commission pursuit-policy recommendations and called for better communication and oversight.
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