Chicago inspector general alleges obstruction by city’s law department​on April 5, 2025 at 9:28 pm

CHICAGO (WLS) — Chicago’s inspector general is doubling down on a proposal that would change the way City Hall interacts with her office.

In February, Deborah Witzburg issued a memo, accusing the city’s Department of Law of repeatedly and intentionally interfering in investigations.

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The document alleges that law department “selectively acts in opposition to OIG’s investigative work when OIG’s work may result in embarrassment or political consequences to City leaders.”

In response, city council introduced legislation that would codify the inspector general’s independence, and ban the law department’s tactics of interference in investigations. However, a measure was quickly introduced to delay the ordinance.

Deborah Witzburg, Chicago’s inspector general, is now calling on the city council to protect her office from outside interference.

Witzburg also recommended changes to city law that would protect the OIG’s independence.

Mayor Brandon Johnson has opposed those changes, claiming they run counter to existing law.

But according to a legal opinion from the Better Government Association, there is no legal impediment to the proposed changes.

BGA Director of Policy Bryan Zarou joined ABC7 to discuss on Saturday.

You can read a full BGA report here.