March 17--Interim Chicago Superintendent John Escalante sent a letter to everyone in his department Thursday, hours after being passed over by the board looking for a permanent replacement.
Escalante, who took over a department in crisis the end of last year after release of the Laquan McDonald video, said he remained committed to leading the department "throughout this transition."
"I ask that all of you continue to join me in staying focused on the important police work ahead," he wrote.
Here is the text of his letter:
Good Afternoon Everyone,
As you already may know, this morning the Chicago Police Board announced the names of the finalists in the search for the next Superintendent of Police. While I was not named as a finalist, I would like to take this opportunity to re-emphasize my commitment in leading this department throughout this transition.
Since late last year, the Department has felt the effects of a challenging climate for law enforcement across the nation. We have faced this climate head-on and responded with numerous policy reforms that aim to increase the effectiveness of our crime reduction strategies while also protecting the rights of police officers and the civil liberties of the citizens we serve.
I was fortunate to visit countless roll calls in the last four months and hear your ideas, thoughts, and concerns. I know that these changes have not always been easy, but throughout the ranks, we have risen as a department to meet these challenges, and for that, I am humbly grateful.
I am confident that the next Superintendent will bring about new ideas that will allow us to do our job even better. I look forward to working with the new Superintendent to guide us through our review with the Department of Justice, provide additional training opportunities to officers, and usher in the next generation of leadership to CPD.
I have had the honor to serve alongside you as a Chicago police officer for nearly 30 years. I call Chicago home and love this department and I can't imagine a finer vocation than being a Chicago police officer. I will continue to serve the city of Chicago with the same resolve that I had when I graduated from the Academy. I ask that all of you continue to join me in staying focused on the important police work ahead.
Thank you for the opportunity to faithfully lead this department. Stay safe.
Sincerely,
John J. Escalante
Interim Superintendent of Police
Chicago Police Department
