Tracking technology is helping city spend less on Chicago police officers' overtime, CPD says

May 6, 2026 - 07:48

The Chicago Police Department says a new digital tracking system is helping the city reduce spending on officer overtime. According to department officials, it is now mandatory for every officer to enter a specific tracking code when submitting overtime requests. This change allows supervisors to trace exactly where and why the extra hours are being used.

Before this system, overtime was often approved with little oversight, leading to ballooning costs. The new process gives command staff a clearer picture of spending patterns. They can now see which units or districts are generating the most overtime and whether those hours are necessary. This data helps them make smarter decisions about staffing and resource allocation.

Police leaders say the tracking technology has already shown results. Early data indicates a noticeable drop in overtime expenses compared to previous years. The department believes this is partly because officers and their supervisors are more aware that every hour is being monitored. While the system does not eliminate overtime entirely, it makes the process more transparent and accountable. City officials hope the savings can be redirected to other public safety needs, such as equipment upgrades or community programs. The department plans to continue refining the system to ensure it remains effective without hindering officers' ability to respond to emergencies.