Chicago police to have $93 million in overtime

Chicago Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy says the department expects to spend $93 million on overtime this year.

McCarthy on Thursday appeared before the Chicago City Council’s budget committee. He said the overtime was due to the creation of Operation Impact, a program that floods Chicago’s 20 most violent crime zones with police.

McCarthy said he expects the city won’t be paying as much overtime next year because new police recruits paid straight-time are replacing veteran officers working overtime.

The superintendent said 502 police officers have been hired this year, with more on the way. He added the department will remain at the authorized strength of 12,538 despite 450 retirements expected next year.

McCarthy also pointed out the city has had a decline in shootings, homicides and overall crime this year.