The Chicago City Council Progressive Reform Caucus on Monday joined the growing chorus of voices urging the Emanuel administration to keep its promise to submit to federal oversight on police reform. “The mayor has reversed course on his commitment to submitting to a consent decree on police reform with little explanation around his decision,” said Ald. Scott Waguespack (32), chair of the 11-member Progressive Caucus. “That lack of transparency in approach is part of the reason we’re in this crisis today. We need bold leadership in this moment, not vacillation and secrecy.”

Experts agree–if we are to build public trust in this process, we must have federal oversight,” said Ald. Leslie Hairston (5), who has been a leading voice on police reform efforts. “Our criminal justice system is broken, and we need sweeping change–not half measures. The only way to get there is via a consent decree.” Mayor Emanuel has indicated that an out-of-court agreement with the Trump administration could lead to the desired results, rather than a consent decree. “The idea that we can negotiate our way through this with the Trump Department of Justice on the other side of the table is delusional,” said Ald. Susan Sadlowski Garza (10). “The Emanuel administration must submit to federal judicial oversight, as it already committed to doing.”