Chicago DUI lawyer comments on Chicago Police patrolling the expressways

This Chicago DUI lawyer isn’t surprised that times have changed. She’s posted here, here, and here about taxpayers needing to vote with their wallets on what is important to them. Now it looks like CPD may have to step up its game by patrolling Chicago Expressways.

March 24, Chicago, Il

The Chicago Police Department might be forced to assume primary responsibility for patrolling 53 miles of Chicago area expressways — at a time when police manpower is woefully short — under Gov. Quinn’s proposal to slash the Illinos[sic] State Police budget and lay off 464 troopers.

The state police have had exclusive control over the expressways since 1985.

In 2001, the Chicago Police Department joined with the state police to help enforce traffic laws on the Eisenhower, Dan Ryan, Stevenson, Kennedy, Edens spur and Bishop Ford to curb rampant speeding.

Now, Quinn’s sweeping budget cuts are threatening to shift the entire burden to Chicago as early as July 1.

It couldn’t come at a more difficult time. In year No. 2 of a hiring slowdown, the Chicago Police Department is 700 officers short of its authorized strength and more than 2,100 officers short each day, counting those on medical rolls and limited duty.

Perhaps giving out speeding tickets shouldn’t be CPD’s priority if ISP stops patrolling the expressways.