Chicago probably has plenty of police bodies, in absolute numbers.
But the department is top-heavy with administrators, and politically-connected sash weights.
Beyond organizational dysfunction, the #1 problem is morale, since the Lightfoot administration is continuing the Emanuel approach of blaming the cops rather than the thugs.
Then, as you pointed out, there’s all of the extra paperwork caused by the “consent” decree, and other policies that force otherwise productive officers to do nothing but fill out forms.
I would reorganize the department before adding more officers.
My name is Orlando Wilson!
“My name is Orlando Wilson!”
Mrs. L and I are fairly fanatical bass anglers so I know that name.
Best,
L