“If you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything.”

Chanel Crespo is a proud representative of Chicago’s West Side. With years of experience in private security, including hospitals, venues, high-profile clientele, and retail, Chanel transitioned into corrections in pursuit of a higher challenge and a broader impact. “I had already surpassed all levels of security, retail, hospital, venues, superstars, and clubs. Obtaining more notches on my belt seemed reasonable.” Her time inside the jail quickly revealed the urgent need for officer protection, policy accountability, and humane leadership, especially for staff placed in high-risk situations with little support.

Chanel has served across a wide range of assignments within the Department inside of the jail including, Division 3, Division 5, Division 8, Division 10 In-Person Visitation Unit, Division 11 and RCDC (Receiving, Classification, and Diagnostic Center). 

While working as a PCO in Division 5, a maximum-security tier, Chanel responded to an emergency call involving an aggressive and unsecured detainee. She acted immediately to assist fellow officers in de-escalating the situation, placing herself in physical risk to ensure the safety of others. In the process, her uniform was compromised. When she requested to be relieved due to the exposure and nature of the incident, her request was denied, and she was instead mandated and written up. “I reported the incident to my lieutenant and explained the situation. She mandated me and filed discipline. It was only later that the superintendent reviewed the case, recognized my actions, and threw out the write-up while commending me for stepping in.”

Why She Speaks Out

Her decision to begin advocating for officers came not from a single moment, but a repeated pattern. On Christmas morning, while still working as a PCO, Chanel reported to duty with a 101-degree fever, fearing termination if she called off. Despite being medically evaluated by the dispensary nurse and told to go home, her lieutenant denied the request and attempted to mandate her again while she was actively sick. “One of the veteran officers had to step in and say I was leaving, period. I was still written up. Again, the Superintendent stepped in and dismissed the discipline.” These experiences, being overruled, disrespected, and put in harm’s way despite doing the right thing, showed her the importance of officer empowerment through knowledge, policy, and collective voice.

Why She Joined C4

“When I was a PCO, I knew nothing. I’m three years in now, and I’ve learned so much. I learned that knowledge is powerful in a place where there is so much ignorance.” Chanel joined C4 to help bridge that gap, to share what she’s learned, and to ensure officers coming in behind her don’t go through the same violations in silence.

What She Brings to the Board

When asked what she brings to the board, Chanel answered honestly: “I’m unsure.” But her actions say otherwise. Chanel brings courage, real-life experience, and a grounded sense of justice. She understands what it means to be unsupported in critical moments, and she has chosen to stand so that others don’t have to go through the same thing alone.

Personal Mission

“Feeding knowledge into the brains of the empties.”

Message to Officers

“If you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything.”