Chicago police superintendent search commission says 53 apply for position

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Leading one of the nation's largest police departments is a tough and huge job, yet dozens of people want it. So far, 53 people have applied to become Chicago's next police superintendent.

The new Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability, known as CCPSA, has the job of choosing three finalists for the job.

"It's important this next superintendent have buy-in from everybody, from community, from the rank and file, from City Council, mayor, our commission," CCPSA President Anthony Driver said. "It's a person that needs to be very collaborative."

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Out of the 53 applicants, 42 are male and 11 are female, Driver said. Twenty four applicants are white, 22 are African American. Seven applicants are Latino, which is a low number considering over 32% of the entire police department is Latino, and the number increases every year.

"It is disappointing," 10th Ward Alderman-elect Pete Chico said. "We want representation in the application pool in the entire city. I wish the number was up, but we will see what happens."

Chico will soon leave his career as a Chicago police officer to become the 10th Ward's new alderman. While he is disappointed with the low number of Latino applicants, he said he is encouraged by the number of people with CPD ties. The commission said 32 applicants have a current or past affiliation with the department.

"I want somebody from the department who has police department experience from CPD who understands what the men and women go through on a daily basis," Chico said.

The commission said input from rank-and-file officers will carry a lot of weight in its decision. CCPSA is also reaching out to residents, activists, retired police, the business community and experts from around the country.

"There is a consistent theme that this person has compassion, empathy and a level of understanding on how to work with people on both ends," CCPSA Commissioner Remel Terry said.

Of the 53 applicants, interim police Superintendent Fred Waller is not one of them. He has kept his word that he is not interested in the permanent job.

The commission has until July 14 to submit three finalists to Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson. He then has 30 days to select one from the list or reject the names. If rejected, the commission would then submit three new finalists.