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
Two Kentucky bank employees shot and killed during robbery, police hunting suspect

Tragic Kentucky Bank Heist: Suspect on the Run After Fatal Shooting of Two Employees

Tragedy struck a Kentucky bank on Thursday as a robbery escalated into…
Savannah Guthrie reveals new details in mom’s disappearance that don’t add up as questions haunt case: expert

Three Months Post-Abduction: Sheriff’s Office Intensifies Search for Answers in Nancy Guthrie Case

Savannah Guthrie reveals terrifying new clues in Nancy Guthrie kidnapping case Savannah…
A person of interest is in custody after 2 U.S. Bank employees were killed in a Kentucky robbery

Kentucky Bank Robbery: Suspect Detained Following Tragic Double Homicide of U.S. Bank Employees

In Berea, Kentucky, authorities have detained a person of interest linked to…
Second alleged Guthrie ransom deadline missed, sparking new theories from Bongino, former FBI agent and doctor

Unraveling True Crime: Nancy Guthrie’s Case, Kohberger’s Legal Drama, and Mangione’s Moral Dilemma

On Friday, February 6, 2026, FBI agents were spotted conducting door-to-door inquiries…
Sheriff Grady Judd names Jan. 6 participant, MAGA influencer among 266 arrested in prostitution sting

Top MAGA Influencer Among 266 Arrested in Major Prostitution Bust, Reveals Sheriff Grady Judd

In Polk County, Florida, Sheriff Grady Judd spotlighted a diverse group of…
Mamdani raises eyebrows with Gracie Mansion video pushing DSA House candidate Claire Valdez

Breaking: Mamdani’s Gracie Mansion Video Sparks Controversy in Support of DSA’s Claire Valdez

Mayor Zohran Mamdani has come under scrutiny after using his taxpayer-funded residence,…
Two Kentucky bank employees shot and killed during robbery, police hunting suspect

Teen Linked to Kentucky Double Murder Takes Police on High-Speed Chase Reaching 130 mph

A masked individual, charged with the fatal shooting of two bank employees…
Iranian dad fatally beaten for using Starlink during web blackout; karate champ executed over protest: reports

Tragic Fallout in Iran: Father Killed for Starlink Use Amid Internet Blackout; Karate Champion Executed Over Protests

The oppressive Iranian regime is facing international condemnation following reports of the…
Chicago couple trying to get deposit back for wedding venue after Great Central Brewing Company in West Town closes suddenly

Chicago Couple Fights for Wedding Venue Refund After Unexpected Closure of Great Central Brewing Company in West Town

A couple from Chicago is facing a dilemma as they attempt to…
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…
UAE says Iran cannot be trusted over Strait of Hormuz as peace efforts remain deadlocked

UAE Expresses Distrust in Iran Over Strait of Hormuz Amid Stalled Peace Negotiations

ISLAMABAD/WASHINGTON/DUBAI — In a potential breakthrough, Tehran has submitted a new proposal…
Why is gas so high in Illinois? Gas prices today increased amid Iran war, after BP Whiting, Indiana refinery power loss

Illinois Gas Prices Surge: Impact of Iran Conflict and Indiana Refinery Shutdown Revealed

CHICAGO (WLS) — If you’re planning to fill up your tank this…