The Latest Breaking News from CPD

Researchers say the department has failed to embrace or devote enough officers to community-based efforts.

I have seen police departments rise from the ashes of defeat due to great leaders with the courage and vision to drive change, writes former Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck. Chicago deserves no less.

The plan by the Action Center on Race & the Economy and the People’s Unity Platform “has nothing to do with what we’re trying to do,” said Jason Lee, a senior adviser to Mayor Brandon Johnson. The mayor’s approach, Lee said, involves “sober analysis of what might be feasible.”

It stems from an investigation into posts made amid a controversy over affordable housing in Jefferson Park that led to 3 cops quitting and 2 now fighting suspensions.

More than half of the applicants came from people affiliated at one time with CPD. The Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability will submit three names to Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson by mid-July.

At a gathering at the station where she was assigned, slain Officer Aréanah Preston was remembered as powerful, goal-directed and the kind of officer CPD needs.

Not only did a family lose a loved one, the city lost in Chicago Police Officer Aréanah Preston an intelligent, thoughtful and accomplished officer who exemplified the possibility of transforming the CPD for the better.

Interim Supt. Fred Waller is, by all accounts, respected throughout CPD. But we can’t help but think that real change in the department, which has been dragging its feet on reform, won’t happen without a fresh face.

Charlie Beck, who retired after running LAPD, served five months as CPD boss, implementing some key changes — most of which were rolled back by successor David Brown.