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Filed Under:Chicago Inspector General, Chicago Police Department, civilians, Craig Dellimore, Joseph Ferguson, police officers

CHICAGO (CBS) — City Inspector General Joseph Ferguson has issued a report recommending the city put civilians in jobs now held by nearly 300 police officers.

WBBM Newsradio Political Editor Craig Dellimore reports Ferguson said, if the 292 officers currently assigned to administrative duties like data entry and accounting were reassigned to law enforcement duties and replaced by civilians, the city could save $6.4 million to $16.2 million.

“The average sworn officer for the Chicago Police Department makes $132,000 a year when you include all salary and fringe benefits. The average civilian employee of the Chicago Police Deparment makes $81,000 a year, all benefits included,” Ferguson said.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel said he’s been trying to get more officers on the streets, and welcomes Ferguson’s report.

“I’ve asked both [Police Supt.] Garry McCarthy of Drivetime Review and my staff to immediately review it and to see if there’s anything here that we can act on,” he said.

The mayor promised actions will be taken to get at least some of those officers on the streets.

“I hope it’s all 300, if there isn’t, whatever it is, we’re going to reassign those officers onto the streets if it makes sense,” Emanuel said.