Public Safety Infrastructure

Effective public safety requires strong institutions working together with communities to create a safer Chicago for all.

Chicago’s public safety infrastructure encompasses the interconnected government agencies responsible for preventing crime, responding to emergencies, administering justice, and supporting rehabilitation. This ecosystem includes law enforcement, prosecution, courts, corrections, and emergency services that must collaborate seamlessly across city, county, and state levels to protect our communities.

The Civic Committee recognizes that strategic, limited private sector investment in these critical government agencies has the potential to catalyze long-term, sustainable public sector success. We identify specific areas where business expertise and resources can drive improvements in operational effectiveness, community engagement, and leadership development, without compromising the essential autonomy and public accountability of these vital institutions.

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Whether you're a potential investor, a community leader ready to collaborate, or an individual eager to contribute, there are numerous ways to participate in this transformative initiative.

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Partnering with Chicago Police Department

The Civic Committee and its members are implementing four partnerships with the Chicago Police Department (CPD) that leverage business expertise to enhance public safety operations.

Strategy

Our affiliate organization, the Civic Consulting Alliance, provides pro bono services to local government and is supporting CPD's evolution of community policing with strategic consulting and implementation support. This work aligns with Superintendent Larry Snelling's vision of community policing as a department-wide philosophy, strengthening relationships between officers and the communities they serve. Learn more about the impact of the Civic Consulting Alliance.

Workforce

Matrix Consulting Group is conducting a comprehensive 12-month workforce allocation study required under the consent decree in Illinois v. Chicago. This analysis will optimize staffing distribution, improve efficiency, and help rebuild community trust through data-driven deployment of personnel. Learn more about the Chicago Police Department: Workforce Allocation Study.

Technology Investments

Support for a Digital Forensics Training Center at CPD will train CPD detectives on use of the digital analysis tools that play an increasingly critical role in solving crimes.

Leadership

The Civic Committee and University of Chicago’s Crime Lab, Booth School of Business, Harris School of Public Policy, and Office of Civic Engagement are partnering with CPD to develop a comprehensive leadership development program for department supervisors at the rank of sergeant and above. The curriculum draws from the Crime Lab’s Police Leadership Academy, a national program for training police district/precinct commanders on advanced management skills to effectively lead large teams under challenging conditions. Learn more about this innovative effort, funded by a generous gift from the Sue Ling Gin Foundation.