McCarthy took office last year at a difficult time.
Cities, states, and the federal government are challenged by critical money shortages. That means, although Chicago has some 13,500 budgeted positions for sworn officers, about 1,400 of those positions reportedly are vacant. In addition, more than 700 officers are said to be on medical leave.
The superintendent was born in the Bronx and is the son of a New York City police detective. He also joined the department and rose to become deputy commissioner of operations.
When Mayor Rahm Emanuel chose him to head Chicago's police, McCarthy was Newark, New Jersey, police chief.
