Law and Government in Chicago

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Law and Government

When you move to a new city or state, it's a good idea to be familiar with current state or county laws. Sometimes cities have civil ordnances that prohibit or restrict certain activities in residential or commercial districts. Law enforcement officials will tell you that ignorance of the law is not an excuse. If you need to get in contact with a specific Chicago law enforcement official , contact the appropriate number below. The 3-1-1 number is to be used in non-emergency situations. For example, you should use this number if your bike has been stolen or your car has been broken into. The same number can provide you with information for selected Chicago events, like the Taste of Chicago or information about various neighborhood festivals. If you or someone else is in immediate danger of physical injury, or death, call 9-1-1 for immediate assistance. Below there is also a list of numbers to call for specific instances like theft, arson & bomb, drug activity, and gang activity. If you can't find what you need on the list below, the operator can help you get in touch with the correct agency.

The following also contains a list of the current government officials that serve the state of Illinois , Cook County , and the City of Chicago . For more detailed information for each level of government, click on the link to access their respective websites. If you live outside the actual city of Chicago limits, you should contact the state or county government for information about your local city government. This information can also be helpful if you want to get involved in your community or even run for office.

Illinois State Government Officials

• Governor of Illinois - Rod Blagojevich, Democrat
• Lt. Governor of Illinois - Patrick Quinn, Democrat
• Sec. of State of Illinois - Jesse White, Democrat
• Attorney General Of Illinois - Lisa Madigan, Democrat
• Treasurer of Illinois - Judy Baar Topinka, Republican
• Senate President of Illinois - Emil Jones, Jr., Democrat
• House Speaker of Illinois - Michael Madigan, Democrat

Cook County Government Officials

• Board of Commissioners President of Cook County - John Stroger, Democrat
• Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County - Dorothy A. Brown, Democrat
• Assessor of Cook County - James M. Houlihan, Democrat
• Clerk of Cook County - David Orr, Democrat
• Treasurer of Cook County - Maria Pappas, Democrat
• Recorder of Deeds of Cook County - Eugene Moore, Democrat
• Sheriff of Cook County - Richard Devine, Democrat
• State's Attorney of Cook County - Richard Devine, Democrat

Chicago City Government Officials

• Mayor of the city of Chicago - Richard M. Daley, Democrat
• Clerk of the city of Chicago - James J. Laski, Democrat
• Treasurer of the city of Chicago - Judith Rice
• Fire Commissioner of the city of Chicago - James Joyce
• Superintendent of Police of the city of Chicago - Terry G. Hillard

Chicago Police