Daywatch: Consent decree monitor raises alarm

Good morning, Chicago.

The independent monitor assessing the city’s compliance with a federal consent decree issued a dire warning Tuesday as proposed budget cuts once again loom over the Chicago Police Department’s Office of Constitutional Policing and Reform.

“Cutting these positions permanently could be a devastating blow to the future of CPD reforms,” Maggie Hickey, head of the independent monitoring team, told U.S. District Judge Rebecca Pallmeyer during a consent decree status hearing Tuesday.

“The proposed budget cuts would be a step backward for the CPD reform process at a pivotal point,” Hickey said, “just when progress is starting to be felt.”

Pallmeyer, overseeing the consent decree’s progress, echoed Hickey, noting the progress made so far but recognizing the work that remains for CPD to reach full compliance.

Read the full story from the Tribune’s Sam Charles.

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Bobby Reyes walks with his 12-year-old daughter Amelia Reyes, left, and 10-year-old daughter Quorra Reyes, right, after leaving school at William J. Onahan Elementary School on Nov. 11, 2024. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)

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Gov. JB Pritzker speaks about the state budget on Nov. 7, 2024, at Illinois state government offices in Chicago. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)
Gov. JB Pritzker speaks about the state budget on Nov. 7, 2024, at Illinois state government offices in Chicago. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

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Attorney General Kwame Raoul, joined by state's attorneys from around Illinois, and members of the Conviction Integrity Unit, announces the launch of Illinois' first targeted effort to evaluate the integrity of convictions throughout the state, during a news conference at the 555 W. Monroe St. office on Nov. 12, 2024. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune)
Attorney General Kwame Raoul, joined by state’s attorneys from around Illinois, and members of the Conviction Integrity Unit, announces the launch of Illinois’ first targeted effort to evaluate the integrity of convictions throughout the state, during a news conference at the 555 W. Monroe St. office on Nov. 12, 2024. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune)

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Marla Rose stands on her front porch in Berwyn on Nov. 12, 2024. Rose is considering pressing charges against Nick Fuentes following a pepper-spraying incident in front of Fuentes' home over the weekend. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)
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Dolton Mayor Tiffany Henyard, speaks with lawyer Max Solomon Nov. 6, 2024, during a Dolton Village Board meeting,. (Vincent D. Johnson / for the Daily Southtown)
Vincent D. Johnson / for the Daily Southtown

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Bears coach Matt Eberflus leaves the field after a loss to the Cardinals on Nov. 3, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)
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New Chicago Sky head coach Tyler Marsh sits in Wintrust Arena on Nov. 12, 2024. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
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Chicago Bears offensive coordinator Shane Waldron and quarterback Caleb Williams sit together on the bench in the fourth quarter Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)
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Wagyu beef Chawan at Omakase Shoji in Chicago's West Town neighborhood. (E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune)
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En route to Salt Spring Island, one of the many islands reachable by ferry from the city of Vancouver in British Columbia, Canada, Oct. 7, 2024. The largest city in British Columbia makes a perfect gateway to explore the rich marine wildlife and beauty of the region. (Jennilee Marigomen/The New York Times)
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American Blues Theater

Dara Cameron, Brandon Dahlquist, Audrey Billings and Michael Mahler in "It's a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago!" by American Blues Theater.

Michael Brosilow/HANDOUT

Dara Cameron, Brandon Dahlquist, Audrey Billings and Michael Mahler in “It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago!” by American Blues Theater. (Michael Brosilow)

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