Police ban on 'extremism' clears City Council committee

CHICAGO CITY HALL (WBBM Newsradio) -- Chicago aldermen have advanced a plan to ban the city's police officers from membership or any activity in so-called extremist organizations.

North side Alderman Matt Martin's ordinance directs the city's civilian police oversight board known as "COPA" to investigate claims of officers involved in groups that advocate for the overthrow of the government.

An earlier version would also have covered other city workers with high-level clearances, but Martin told members of the Workforce Committee that police have an unique role in patrolling neighborhoods, often with the potential of force.

"There's a reason we're on Version 17, said Ald. Martin (47th Ward) before the vote giving the ban preliminary approval. "There's a reason we spent 14 months on this. It's better to move forward than to do nothing at all."

In addition, Justin Edge from the city's Law Department told aldermen that adding other groups of city workers to a ban could increase the risk of free-speech violation cases: "This is an incredibly difficult area to legislate in and not violate the law."

Martin called the ordinance "content-neutral," but he and other supporters cited the January 6th riots, and an Inspector General's report showing police officers' memberships in conservative groups including the Oath Keepers.

It follows recommendations from the office of Inspector General Deborah Witzburg, who in an extensive interview ahead of her departure told WBBM Newsradio that she's "proud of the contributions" her office has made on the issue.

"The work that we have done on extremism in law enforcement has meaningfully contributed to that being a public policy conversation in this city in the light of day," said Witzburg, who's set to step down from her post as the city's top official watchdog on April 24.

She also noted that her office also recommended the mayor's office establish a task force with all relevant city departments to organize a "whole of government" approach to rooting out extremist elements.

"There has been some indication of some task force work, although not much in the way of public reporting or public transparency into any of those efforts," Witzburg said, calling it "disappointing."

Southwest Side Ald. Derrick Curtis opposed the ban as written, saying he'd be more comfortable supporting a ban on all city workers, instead of just singling out police officers.

"I'd be more afraid of a custodian," said Ald. Curtis (18th Ward), "because they have access to the building."

During the meeting's public comment period, Fraternal Order of Police president John Catanzara bashed the proposal, suggesting Ald. Martin should "get a refund" on his law school admission.

"It's a violation," said Catanzara. "We'll see you in court because you clearly don't know what you're doing."

The full Council could take it up as soon as April 15.