Committee on Health and Human Relations RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, there is an epidemic of suicides and mental health crises faced by law enforcement personnel across the United States, and especially within the Chicago Police Department; and
WHEREAS, according to 2021 data, law enforcement personnel are 54% more likely to die by suicide than other segments of the population; and
WHEREAS, according to 2017 Justice Department research, Chicago Police Department Officers were 60% more likely to die by suicide than the general population; and
WHEREAS, the Chicago Police Department has lost three police officers to suicide in just the past 30 days; and
WHEREAS, former wellness advisor to the Chicago Police Department, Alexa James, has been quoted as saying CPD is in drastic need of a "comprehensive strategy" for assisting overworked officers, and that the officers "need a break" to reduce "hugely impactful" stress from "inhumane" canceling of days off, actions which affects decision-making and compounds disorders, depression and anxiety; and
WHEREAS, mental health experts, like James, state clearly that the City of Chicago must reimagine its strategy in regards to detecting, intervening, and saving officers who are on the brink of a mental health crises;
WHEREAS, even the Chicago Police Department admits "We are in the midst of the most difficult and challenging time to be a Police Officers in this country." And further "Officer well-being and overall mental health is our top priority;" and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF CHICAGO, that we the members of the City Council of Chicago call upon the Committee on Health and Human Relations to convene a public hearing to examine the mental health challenges facing Chicago Police Officers; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF CHICAGO, that the Police Superintendent David Brown and representatives from the Chicago Police Department's Employee Assistance Program be invited to the Committee to provide testimony on their respective efforts to provide sworn officers with direct help or referral services for the challenges that they face; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF CHICAGO, that the Chicago Department of Police be invited to explain why it continues to enforce "inhumane" canceling of required days off; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF CHICAGO, that families of deceased officers Patricia Swank, Duran Lee and Andrew Dobda be given a "safe space" to address their concerns directly to the Chicago Police Department; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF CHICAGO, that former wellness advisor Alexa James, now Chief Executive Officer of the National Alliance on Mental Illness Chicago, and other mental health experts be invited to offer suggestions for a comprehensive strategy to address psychological issues within the ranks.
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