The Chicago Transit Authority board has agreed to continue reimbursing off-duty police officers from suburban police departments, including Evanston Police Department, to patrol stations. But some board members wondered whether those contracts are the best use of CTA public safety funding.
During its Jan. 15 meeting, the board voted unanimously to extend contracts with Evanston, Forest Park and Oak Park police departments. Evanston City Council approved the contract during its Nov. 25 meeting. Under that contract, the CTA agreed to reimburse EPD off-duty officers who provide security at Evanston’s seven L stations. The reimbursement is capped at $265,000 a year.
The contract also calls for the CTA to reimburse EPD for 10% of what it pays officers for time lost and medical benefits if they get injured while providing security.
CTA doesn’t have its own police force, so it works with Chicago Police Department and suburban police departments and hires private security. In addition to off-duty security officers, on-duty officers regularly patrol the stations within their jurisdiction.
In recent months, transit board members have increasingly wondered whether the CTA is using its security budget effectively. During the November 2024 meeting, the board agreed to set aside $3.3 million for public safety pilot programs.
‘Void in security’
During the Jan. 15 meeting, board member Roberto Requejo noticed Oak Park and Forest Park police departments didn’t use the overtime up to their respective caps in the past. He wondered whether there might be a better way to use the money.
Kevin Ryan, the CTA’s vice president of security, blamed that on the shortage of personnel. He noted that the contract “under Evanston is almost at the normal rate.”
Requejo said he was still troubled by the money sitting unused.
“Do you feel that we’re well-covered in this model, and if not, what else is available?” he asked.
“I believe when the staffing is available, it’s adequate for those [suburbs],” Ryan replied. “They are adding on-duty response capacity that we discussed the other day.”
Board chair Lester Barclay said he was still concerned.
“So, if we don’t have officers for those suburbs that are patrolling, then that means we have a void in our security,” he said.
Ryan responded that it was only “somewhat” true, noting that on-duty officers still respond to emergencies.
CPD shortages
Barclay also wondered whether the off-duty officers security contract with Chicago Police Department had any shortages. Ryan responded that “it’s pretty much 100%.”
“I’m still concerned that CPD is using 100% of the budget and we are still having safety concerns,” Barclay said. “We’re spending that existing money, but we’re not getting the full value for our riders [to address] the concerns of safety.”
Ryan said that he would be willing to get back to the board with more details for how the money is being used and whether it’s effective.
CTA president Dorval Carter, who is resigning at the end of the month, said that the transit agency is “looking, obviously looking to other [public safety] alternatives, but I don’t want to sugarcoat the bottom line here — we need more police officers.”
Board member Michelle Lee wondered if any unused money from the agreement could be allocated elsewhere. Carter said that it could, if the board wanted.
Board member L. Bernard Jakes asked who would assume liability if Evanston off-duty officers get caught doing on camera doing something wrong.
“The City of Evanston assumes liability,” Ryan replied, adding that the same thing is true for the agreements with other municipalities.
CTA extends contract for off-duty EPD officers to patrol Purple Line stations is from Evanston RoundTable, Evanston's most trusted source for unbiased, in-depth journalism.