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…