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
Dominican migrant with deportation order, wanted for murder in home country freed by Biden-appointed judge

Biden-Appointed Judge Releases Dominican Migrant Facing Murder Charges in Home Country

A judge appointed by former President Joe Biden has ordered the release…
LAPD disputes 'SNL' writer Jimmy Fowlie's claims that his missing sister is 'no longer alive'

LAPD Challenges ‘SNL’ Writer Jimmy Fowlie’s Statement on Missing Sister’s Fate

The Los Angeles Police Department is refuting allegations that it informed the…
Graham Platner: Dems Need to Shut the Trump Administration Down

Graham Platner Urges Democrats to Halt Trump Administration Policies: A Strategic Call to Action

On Thursday’s edition of MS NOW’s “The Briefing,” Democratic Senate hopeful Graham…
Mississippi man charged with killing mother, allegedly flushing her flesh down toilet after dismemberment

Mississippi Man Faces Charges for Gruesome Matricide and Dismemberment Allegations

A man from Mississippi faces serious charges after authorities allegedly discovered him…
Trump pitches new international coalition to coordinate reopening of Strait of Hormuz

Trump Proposes Uniting Global Powers to Reopen Strait of Hormuz: A New Era in International Cooperation

The Trump administration is urging allied nations to join forces in a…
Maine Gov. Janet Mills ends Senate campaign, clearing way for left-winger Graham Platner

Maine Governor Janet Mills Halts Senate Run, Paving Path for Progressive Graham Platner

On Thursday, Democratic Governor of Maine, Janet Mills, announced the suspension of…
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…
TSA stops Oscar winner from boarding with Trophy in JFK Airport

Hollywood Showdown: Oscar Winner’s Iconic Trophy Sparks TSA Drama at JFK Airport

A prized possession of an Oscar-winning filmmaker has mysteriously disappeared following a…
Swedish Hospital shooting: Suspect in shooting that killed CPD Officer John Bartholomew due in court

Suspect in Swedish Hospital Shooting That Resulted in Officer John Bartholomew’s Death Scheduled for Court Appearance

CHICAGO (WLS) — The individual accused of fatally shooting Chicago Police Department…
Stolen chemical-dispersing drones could have facilitated 'action against the homeland,' fmr DHS official warns

Former DHS Official Warns That Hijacked Chemical-Dispersing Drones Could Pose National Threat

Federal agents have successfully retrieved 15 missing industrial drones, originally designed to…
House votes unanimously to fund DHS, ending 75-day shutdown

House Unanimously Ends 75-Day Shutdown with DHS Funding Approval

WASHINGTON — After enduring the longest funding hiatus in US history, the…
Nolte: Florida Teacher Fired for ‘Twerking,’ Announcing Herself as ‘Million Dollar Prostitute’

Florida Educator Dismissed Over Controversial Conduct and Inappropriate Self-Identification

A substitute teacher in Florida has stirred controversy after an incident at…