Chicago's Inspector General Deborah Witzburg's final report reveals city employees drinking on job, falsifying work hours
Share this @internewscast.com

CHICAGO — A recent investigation by Chicago’s inspector general has uncovered several violations among city employees, including incidents of drinking while on duty and falsifying their work hours.

As her tenure draws to a close next week, Inspector General Deborah Witzburg reflects on the challenges and importance of her role, acknowledging the difficulties and rewards inherent in her work.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

“This job has been both more rewarding and exciting and much harder than I anticipated,” Witzburg remarked.

Witzburg has chosen not to pursue a second four-year term and will be stepping down from her position soon.

She expresses confidence that she is leaving the office in a stronger state than when she arrived, crediting new legislation passed by the City Council aimed at safeguarding the office’s independence.

“We are working towards building a city government that better reflects what Chicagoans deserve,” Witzburg stated.

RELATED: Chicago police not consistent about stripping powers from officers under investigation: OIG report

That means turning a lens on city government, as the city’s top watchdog.

Witzburg says the office’s work has not been welcomed by the Johnson administration, which she says has demonstrated hostility to oversight.

“During this administration we have seen what I think is a pattern of decisions to challenge, disempower and to obstruct the work of this office,” Witzburg said.

In a response, a spokesperson said Mayor Brandon Johnson remains committed to transparency and ethical governance.

This follows Witzburg’s final report as inspector general that found four officers failed to properly investigate after a vehicle driven by a Chicago Fire Department employee struck and killed an individual. It also found several police officers allegedly scammed COVID-era relief funds and several Department of Aviation employees were drinking on the job.

“That investigation revealed alcohol consumption on city time, falsification, failure to report misconduct, shady statements to the OIG,” Witzburg said.

Witzburg’s last day is next Friday. She says an interim inspector general will likely be appointed, while the process gets underway to identify her successor.

Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Still Broken: Journos Demand DC Hacks Protest Trump's Appearance at WH Correspondents' Dinner

Journalists Rally Against Trump at WH Correspondents’ Dinner: A Call for Change in D.C.

In a surprising turn of events, former President Donald Trump is set…
Iran 'prepared to reveal new cards on the battlefield' as Trump threatens to drop 'lots of bombs' if there's no deal

Iran Ready to Unveil Strategic Battlefield Moves Amid Trump’s Intensified Bombing Threats Over Nuclear Deal Stalemate

In a tense escalation, Iran has cautioned that it will unveil “new…
Mom, pregnant teen and 12-year-old found bound and murdered as police hunt multiple suspects

Tragic Discovery: Police Seek Multiple Suspects After Mom, Pregnant Teen, and Child Found Bound and Murdered

Authorities in Alabama have reported the tragic discovery of an Alabama woman,…
Mexico pyramid shooter loads weapon before shooting at tourists: video

Shocking Incident: Gunman Opens Fire on Tourists at Mexico Pyramid, Video Reveals

In a shocking incident, a gunman was caught on video atop an…
UAE airlines the first to resume flights to Israel since beginning of Operation Epic Fury in Iran

UAE Airlines Lead the Way, Relaunch Flights to Israel Amidst Middle East Tensions

In a significant move underscoring the strengthened relations between Israel and the…
The Post tries Gwyneth’s delivery menu

The Post Explores Gwyneth Paltrow’s Latest Delivery Menu

New Yorkers have weathered their share of culinary quirks, from the ubiquitous…
2 killed in North Carolina when 'planned' fight escalates into shooting near middle school

Tragic Shooting Near North Carolina Middle School Leaves Two Dead After Fight Escalation

Dad of alleged school shooter convicted of murder Criminal defense attorney Donna…
DOJ charges Southern Poverty Law Center with fraud for paying white supremacist groups $3M to 'stoke racial hatred'

DOJ Accuses Southern Poverty Law Center of $3M Fraud Scheme Involving Payments to White Supremacist Groups

On Tuesday, the Department of Justice revealed that a grand jury has…
Nolte: Man Accused of Rubbing Genitals on Woman’s Face in Whole Foods

Man Allegedly Involved in Disturbing Incident at Whole Foods Store

A 28-year-old man faces serious charges after being caught on camera allegedly…
Alan Osmond, the eldest member of The Osmonds, has died at 76

Legendary Osmonds’ Patriarch Alan Osmond Passes Away at 76: A Tribute to His Enduring Legacy

Alan Osmond, the oldest member of the famous family band The Osmonds,…
Suspect allegedly guns down deputy in ambush during routine call that rocked quiet town, police say

Quiet Town Shaken: Deputy Fatally Ambushed During Routine Call, Suspect at Large

An Oklahoma sheriff’s deputy lost his life and a police chief was…
Nancy Guthrie update: Investigators are looking into reports of suspicious activity in her neighborhood

Advanced Forensic Lab Links Gilgo Beach Conviction to Nancy Guthrie Abduction Case

A forensics lab in San Francisco, which played a crucial role in…