Chicago Police Council Chair Accused of Abandoning Duties for 10 Months

David Boykin continues to collect $500 monthly stipend despite lack of participation, fellow council members say

Feb. 3, 2026 at 8:07pm

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The chairman of a Chicago police council tasked with improving policing in high-crime neighborhoods has not attended a single meeting or responded to communications from his colleagues in nearly a year, but he continues to collect his $500 monthly city paycheck, according to officials and fellow council members.

Why it matters

The police district councils were created as part of a 'police reform' effort following the 2020 murder of George Floyd, with the goal of improving policing in Chicago's most violence-plagued areas. Boykin's alleged dereliction of duty raises questions about the effectiveness and accountability of these councils.

The details

David Boykin, the elected chair of the 6th District Council, has not attended a single council meeting since April 2025 and has not responded to communications from his two fellow council members, Aisha Humphries and Ciera Whitaker. Humphries and Whitaker are now publicly calling for Boykin's resignation, saying his absence has hindered the council's ability to function while taxpayers continue to fund his position.

  • Boykin has not attended a council meeting since April 2025.
  • Humphries and Whitaker sent a letter requesting Boykin's resignation on December 5.

The players

David Boykin

The elected chair of the 6th District Council in Chicago, who has allegedly not participated in council activities for nearly a year but continues to receive his $500 monthly stipend.

Aisha Humphries

One of the two other members of the 6th District Council, who is calling for Boykin's resignation due to his lack of participation.

Ciera Whitaker

One of the two other members of the 6th District Council, who is calling for Boykin's resignation due to his lack of participation.

Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability (CCPSA)

The body responsible for all aspects of police 'reform' and accountability in Chicago, which confirmed that Boykin continues to receive his monthly stipend.

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What they’re saying

“We are also unaware of any participation, engagement, or attendance at any community event on behalf of the 6th District Council, or any work done on behalf of the Council. Additionally, with one exception, the Council has not received a response to any emails, meeting notices, or correspondence sent to you between April 2025 and the present.”

— Aisha Humphries and Ciera Whitaker, 6th District Council members (Letter to David Boykin)

“Unless an elected District Councilor is removed from office, CCPSA does not have the authority to withhold a stipend.”

— CCPSA spokesperson (cwbchicago.com)

What’s next

The 6th District Council members are continuing to seek Boykin's resignation, but there is currently no clear mechanism to remove him from office unless he steps down voluntarily.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges in holding elected officials accountable, even when they appear to be neglecting their duties. It raises questions about the effectiveness and oversight of the police district councils created as part of Chicago's police reform efforts.