Samantha Steele, a Cook County Board of Review Commissioner in Illinois, is under fire after her arrest on November 11 for allegedly driving under the influence in Chicago’s Andersonville neighborhood.
Police body-camera footage obtained by WBEZ and the Chicago Sun-Times captures Steele asserting her status as an elected official and resisting cooperation with officers during the encounter.
A Cook County politician told a Chicago police officer, “I’m an elected official,” during her DUI arrest.
— The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) November 26, 2024
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The video shows Steele repeatedly emphasizing her position, declaring, “I’m an elected official,” when asked to comply with police instructions.
Officers had to warn her that refusal to exit her vehicle could lead to them physically assisting her. Steele responded, “You don’t want that! I’m an elected official.”
When one officer asked, “Elected official of what?” Steele replied, “Cook County.” However, she refused to provide her full name, identifying herself only as “Sam.” Officers noted her lack of cooperation as they documented the interaction.
Throughout the arrest, Steele appeared reluctant to follow instructions, such as providing her driver’s license or stepping out of her car.
She reportedly drank from a water bottle and used her phone to contact someone she described as her attorney—Cook County Commissioner Scott Britton, a Democrat from Glenview.
Britton, who is not Steele’s attorney, advised her to cooperate with the officers, provide her license, and exit the vehicle. Despite his counsel, Steele’s behavior during the arrest has drawn widespread criticism.
Following the release of the body-camera footage, the Chicago Sun-Times editorial board published a scathing critique, calling for Steele’s resignation.
“A major part of holding public office is the ability to maintain a sense of professionalism — whether the official is on or off duty,” the editorial stated. “Steele was arrested on the North Side for DUI earlier this month, which is bad enough. But her actions during the encounter as shown in recently released police body-camera footage — from her refusal to cooperate with officers to a pitiful attempt to throw around her weight as a public official — are enough to consider Steele unfit to hold elected office. In fact, she should resign.”
The editorial emphasized that elected officials have a responsibility to uphold public trust, regardless of the circumstances.
Steele’s attempts to use her political position to influence the situation were described as inappropriate and damaging to her credibility.
The incident has sparked questions about Steele’s future in office and her ability to serve her constituents effectively. Calls for her resignation have gained traction, with critics pointing to the need for accountability and professionalism in public service.
As of now, Steele has not publicly addressed the incident or the editorial board’s demand for her resignation. The Cook County Board of Review has not issued an official statement regarding the matter.
Steele’s arrest serves as a stark reminder of the scrutiny public officials face, both on and off duty, and the high standards to which they are held by the public and their peers.