The city's new top cop cleaned house big time Friday by dumping his three deputies, including two finalists for the superintendent's job initially, Charles Williams and Hirman Grau, who, along with John Risley, have chosen to retire, rather than face demotions.
"It is kind of a cruel system, but that is the way our system is. And they opted for retirement," said Weis said.
The New First Deputy is James 'Jimmy' Jackson, whose promotion from commander of the Harrison District on the West Side is one of the biggest career jumps in department's history.
"I was shocked," Jackson said.
Beatrice Cuello has become the first woman to head up the patrol division. Her promotion was another giant jump. Cuello's last job was district commander of the Marquette District on Chicago's Southwest Side.
"I had six brothers. So, I've had very good training. I'm the only female in the family. So, I think I'm up to the challenge," Cuello said.
>The other promotions were Michael Shields to run the Bureau of Strategic Deployment and Steve Peterson to head Investigative Services. The moves are designed to improve morale and the overall operation by indicating that anything is possible if you focus on performance instead of politics.
"It's time for a change, and I wanted to bring in some fresh ideas. I wanted to show, 'Yes, if you do a good job, you're going to move up in this organization.'> Is change a good word here," Weis said.
The president of the police union says it all sounds good, but time will tell.
"Change is a word that draws a lot of expectations, and the proof is in the pudding," Mark Donahue of the Fraternal Order of Police said.
The shake up includes a new Bureau of Professional Standards to be run by one of Supt. Weis's former colleagues at the FBI..
Weis said he told Mayor Daley about the shake up as a courtesy after he decided on a new team based on resumes, interviews and gut feelings. Daley is expected to comment on the changes Saturday.
