City Council Meeting
April 13, 2016
-RESOLUTION
Whereas, Crossing Guards have been part of the Chicago Police Department (CPD) since 1951;
Whereas, since that time, the Crossing Guards have served and have proudly protected the children and
citizens of Chicago, and are valued civif servants;
Whereas, as part of the FY2016 budget process, 898 crossing guards positions were transferred from the Chicago Police Department to the Office of Emergency Management and Communications, with no cost savings;
Whereas, Crossing Guards have a close relationship with their schools, community, and the parents of the children they protect;
Whereas, Crossing Guards work in close coordination with principals, parents, and police, to identify and address risks to students traveling to and frorrvschool;
Whereas, the job description for Chicago Police'Crossing Guards-includes "directing pedestrian traffic across streets or intersections...haltfing] vehicular traffic only to prevent injury to a pedestrian or to allow pedestrians to cross when there is no break in traffic," and to further "seek supervisory approval and assistance to obtain a warrant of arrest...[whenj^a motorist has ... committed a traffic violation;"
Whereas, Chicago Police field operations directives:for Crossirig.Guards have applied since 1987;
Whereas, Crossing Guards,.and the parents whose children they protect, are concerned that Crossing Guards', transfer to the Office of Emergency Management and Communications from the Chicago Police-Department will result in changes to their job duties, classification and uniforms that will degrade their ability and authority to protect children and pedestrians throughout the City of Chicago;
Whereas 17,000 Chicago residents have signed a petition calling on the City of Chicago to keep Crossing Guards with the Chicago Police Department reflecting their concern over the changes;
NOW THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED that the Chicago City Council urges the Mayor to maintain the current practice of the Chicago Police Department supervising Crossing Guards, to maintain sufficient Crossing Guards to properly staff all mandatory crossing locations, to prohibit that Traffic Control Aide Hourlies cross-train to perform Crossing Guard work, and to allow Crossing Guards keep their current job classification, duties and uniform, under the authority of the Chicago Police Department.
