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
Chicago weather forecast: Potentially severe storms expected Monday, with risk of high winds, hail and tornadoes

Severe Weather Alert: Chicago Faces High Winds, Hail, and Tornado Threat on Monday

CHICAGO (WLS) — The Chicago area is bracing for potentially severe weather…
Cole Allen identified as suspect in White House Correspondents' Dinner shooting

Wisconsin Teacher Suspended Over Controversial Social Media Post

A high school teacher in Wisconsin has found himself on administrative leave…
KKK informants to the SPLC de-hooded: One-legged 'true believer' and cleaning lady, who show no signs of reform

Unmasking the KKK: SPLC Reveals Identities of Unreformed Informants Including One-Legged Devotee and Cleaning Lady

Among the eight individuals who received substantial payments from the Southern Poverty…
Trial of Austrian man accused of plotting to attack a Taylor Swift concert set to begin

Austrian Man’s Trial Commences for Alleged Plot Against Taylor Swift Concert

In Austria, a high-profile trial is set to commence on Tuesday involving…
Ex-inmate wanted over suspected abduction of 5-year-old Sharon Granites in remote Alice Springs town

Urgent Alert: Former Convict Sought in Mysterious Disappearance of 5-Year-Old in Alice Springs

Authorities are on the hunt for a former prisoner in connection with…
Colorado grandpa finishes world's largest jigsaw puzzle with 60K pieces 4 years after starting it

Colorado Grandpa Completes Epic 60,000-Piece Jigsaw Puzzle After Four-Year Journey

A dedicated grandfather from Colorado has triumphantly completed the world’s largest jigsaw…
Google co-founder Sergey Brin says he fled socialism in statement ripping billionaire tax

Google Co-Founder Sergey Brin Criticizes Billionaire Tax, Citing Escape from Socialism

Sergey Brin, co-founder of Google and a billionaire, recently broke his silence…
Trump admin warns Iraq over Iran terror proxies as US reportedly blocks cash payments

Trump Administration Intensifies Pressure on Iraq Amidst Rising Threat from Iran-Linked Terror Proxies and Halted Cash Transfers

The Trump administration has reportedly escalated its efforts to pressure Iraq into…
White House ballroom lawsuit: National Trust says it won't drop suit after DOJ request's amid Correspondents' Dinner shooting

National Trust Stands Firm: Lawsuit Over White House Ballroom Continues Despite DOJ’s Plea Following Correspondents’ Dinner Incident

WASHINGTON — Advocates for historic preservation are moving forward with their legal…
Florida murder suspect asked ChatGPT about dumping human remains days before killings: docs

Florida Murder Suspect Consulted ChatGPT on Disposing Human Remains Prior to Alleged Crimes, Documents Reveal

Towel-wearing suspect arrested by SWAT team The remains of missing University of…
IDF restricts gatherings in northern Israel as Hezbollah attacks escalate

IDF Imposes Restrictions on Northern Israel Gatherings Amid Rising Hezbollah Hostilities

On Sunday, the Israel Defense Forces’ Home Front Command issued new security…
White House ballroom lawsuit: National Trust says it won't drop suit after DOJ request's amid Correspondents' Dinner shooting

National Trust Defies DOJ: White House Ballroom Lawsuit Stands Firm Amid Correspondents’ Dinner Turmoil

Preservationists are forging ahead with their legal challenge against President Donald Trump’s…