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
Man armed with club breaches school campus during lockdown in Putnam County

Intruder with Club Penetrates Putnam County School Grounds Amid Lockdown

In Putnam County, officials reported the arrest of a man who breached…
Missing Republican state Senate candidate found dead in truck days after disappearance

Republican State Senate Candidate Discovered Deceased in Truck Following Days-Long Search

A Republican candidate for the Oklahoma state Senate, who was reported missing…
Illegal immigrant suspected in Chandra Levy murder may have escaped justice after botched probe: detective

Detective Suggests Flawed Investigation May Have Allowed Suspect in Chandra Levy Case to Evade Justice

Two and a half decades have passed since Washington intern Chandra Levy…
Eric Swalwell is still messaging former staffers on Snapchat

Eric Swalwell’s Continued Snapchat Engagement with Former Staffers Sparks Discussion

Eric Swalwell, the former Congressman whose political career ended in controversy, continues…
Kentucky Derby history: Secretariat's victory helped catapult him into iconic status

Secretariat’s Legendary Kentucky Derby Triumph: How One Race Solidified an Icon’s Legacy

Secretariat’s legacy extends far beyond the racetrack, becoming a cultural icon that…
A Trump order aims to help more people get retirement savings plans in time for a new federal match

Trump’s New Executive Order Boosts Access to Retirement Savings with Federal Matching Incentives

WASHINGTON — In a significant move to enhance retirement savings options for…
Trump administration pulling 5K troops out of Germany over Iran war criticism

Trump Administration to Withdraw 5,000 Troops from Germany Amid Controversy Over Iran Conflict

On Friday, Pentagon officials announced plans to retract 5,000 American troops from…
Juror who helped convict man in fatal stabbing accused in knife attack days later: report

Juror from Recent Murder Trial Allegedly Involved in Knife Incident Shortly After Verdict

A murder trial in Washington state has taken an unexpected twist after…
Whopping water bills: Chicago landlord Sherife Jusufi in dispute with city over charges, new meter installed at Uptown property

Chicago Landlord Sherife Jusufi Challenges Skyrocketing Water Bills After New Meter Installation in Uptown Property

In the heart of Chicago, an exasperated landlord is challenging the city…
What Tyler Robinson's defense wants hidden and why prosecutors and media say no in court

Unraveling the Truth: How Defense Tactics Fueled Viral Misinformation in the Tyler Robinson-Charlie Kirk Case

Erika Kirk calls country ‘unrecognizable’ after WHCA Dinner scare Erika Kirk, the…
Suspect arrested for allegedly running meth lab at Michigan State University’s largest academic building

Michigan State University Shaken as Suspect Arrested for Alleged Meth Lab Operation in Major Academic Building

A clandestine meth lab was allegedly operated at Michigan State University’s Wells…
How to check if you're eligible for new Trump retirement accounts – and how much you could get in matching  

Discover Your Eligibility for New Trump Retirement Accounts and Potential Matching Benefits

On Thursday, President Trump signed an executive order designed to help millions…