Alderman James Balcer proposed the amendment on Monday after discovering a city ordinance required only a fine of up to $100 for impersonating a police officer and $10 for imposing a firefighter.
Under the proposal, both crimes become misdemeanors which could send offenders to jail for up to six months with fines of up to $1500.
"We've had people impersonating police officers in our city, and it creates a danger not only for the police, but for the public, and people need to know that the person that's coming to them is a Chicago police officer or a Chicago fireman," said Alderman James Balcer, 11th Ward.
The police and fire committee approved the amendment which is now on the agenda for the full council's March 18 meeting.
