Interim Chicago Police Supt. Eric Carter to retire after 30 years with department

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Interim CPD Supt. Eric Carter reflected on his 31-year career with the Chicago Police Department.

"Public service isn't easy, but more than a calling, enjoyed every moment," Carter said.

When Carter retires on May 15, he will have spent just two months serving as the city's top law enforcement officer.

"To the residents of Chicago, law enforcement agencies, clergy, community leaders, and the many organizations who work each day beside CPD, thank you," Carter said in a statement. "Your continued partnership strengthens public safety daily across our great city."

He took over the position from former Supt. David Brown just days after Officer Andres Vasquez Lasso was killed while responding to a call.

And, on the first warm weekend of the season, hundreds of young people overran downtown streets, terrorizing drivers and nearby business patrons and battering a couple. An internal investigation is now probing the police response to that attack.

On his way out, Carter promised strategic summer policing.

"We will be monitoring all activity, and police cameras will be able to ensure that we allocate positions, resources throughout the city as necessary," Carter said.

Carter will depart before a full-time replacement is named. A newly-formed civilian commission is hearing feedback from city residents as they search nationwide for Chicago's next police superintendent.

RELATED: Chicago police board to hold public meets in search for new CPD superintendent as Brown steps down

"We are not going to weigh whether it's an internal versus external. But, we're looking at the qualifications, the proven outcomes that Chicagoans are saying that they're looking for in the next leader of the Chicago Police Department, and we will make our decision based off of that," said Remel Terry.

Carter previously served as first deputy superintendent from July 2020 to March 2023, the second highest rank in CPD's chain of command.

Whoever takes over at police headquarters will inherit what some officers say is a demoralized police force and a city that is apprehensive about violent crime.