Mayor Rahm Emanuel wants to raise fines for resisting police as the city gears up for anticipated protests that will come with the G8 and NATO summits to be held in Chicago next May.



Protesters found guilty of resisting a police officer or aiding escape would have to pay a maximum fine ranging from $200 to $1,000. Currently, the range is $25 to $500.



The proposal introduced at today's City Council meeting also would allow Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy to deputize officers with other agencies, including the FBI and Illinois State Police.



The proposal also would appear to give the mayor greater power to sign contracts related to planning security and logistics without City Council approval.



A companion measure also introduced by the mayor would limit the hours of approved parades that have amplified music or sound. They would be allowed between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m.



Chris Mather, the mayor's top spokeswoman, said the changes to parade and protest restrictions are designed to make them more in line with restrictions in other cities. They make the ordinances easier to enforce and easier for the public to understand, she said.



Emanuel in recent days has said freedom of speech, as well as the rule of law, will prevail during the conferences, which have attracted sometimes disruptive protests in other cities around the world.