Politics
Teen CPD Employee ‘Goose-Stepped’ Across High School Stage Wearing Nazi Uniform: Watchdog
A Chicago Police Department vehicle is parked on Clark Street near Daley Plaza on June 15, 2026. (Victor Hilitski / WTTW News)
A teen employee of the Chicago Police Department resigned under fire after they wore a Nazi uniform at their high school and “goose-stepped” across the stage while performing a “Sieg Heil” salute, according to a report released Wednesday by the city’s watchdog.
“The uniform, march and salute created the impression that the individual was evoking Nazi Germany,” bringing discredit to the police department, according to the first quarterly report released by Inspector General David Glockner.
Another member of CPD was fired after showing other employees of the police department photos of the teen dressed in the Nazi uniform while at work, creating “an offensive work environment,” according to the inspector general’s report.
That member also made a false statement during their investigation with the inspector general, according to the report.
Neither former CPD member were identified in the report, in keeping with the city’s rules. Both will be placed on the city’s ineligible for rehiring list, according to the report.
In addition, a senior CPD employee failed to appropriately report the misconduct as reported by CPD policy, according to the report. That employee was reprimanded, according to the report.
While CPD policy requires all officers to be at least 21, the department’s cadet program employs teens interested in preparing for a law enforcement career. CPD also offers a paid training academy for high school juniors and seniors.
The inspector general’s report did not identify when or where the incident occurred.
However, in November 2022, a student at Jones College Prep High School wore a Nazi uniform to a Halloween costume contest, triggering protests and the removal of the school’s principal. Paul Joseph Powers stepped down as the school’s leader several months after the incident.
Former Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez denounced the act as “antisemitic” and inconsistent with the school district’s values.
A spokesperson for CPD did not respond to a request for comment from WTTW News about the inspector general’s findings.
In May, the Chicago City Council voted to rid CPD of officers with ties to hate groups and far-right extremist organizations.
WTTW News coverage of policing and police reform is supported by The Joyce Foundation.
Contact Heather Cherone: @HeatherCherone | (773) 569-1863 | [email protected]
