Chicago aldermen, community leaders share what they want from next CPD superintendent

A commission announced three internal candidates as finalists for Chicago Police Department superintendent to send to Mayor Brandon Johnson.

The Details

The search for Chicago's next police superintendent is moving forward after the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability selected three finalists for the position, sending the names to Mayor Brandon Johnson for consideration.

All three finalists are Chicago Police Department veterans with more than 25 years on the force.

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Chris Papaioannou is chief of the bureau of counterterrorism.

Antoinette Ursitti is first deputy superintendent, the department's second-highest-ranking official.

As the selection process continues, community and elected leaders are sharing what they want to see from the next person leading the department.

LeVon Stone Sr., CEO of Acclivus Inc., a community violence intervention group, said he believes the next superintendent should understand the ins and outs of Chicago.

2 elementary school students killed after Amtrak train strikes vehicle in Western Springs: officials CPD sergeant appears to die by suicide while on the job at 17th District station Baby buried alive for 24 hours released from the hospital; father charged "I'm pro-Chicago 100 percent. I think it always should come within Chicago," Stone said.

Stone said he also hopes the next superintendent continues building relationships with community organizations working to curb violence.

"What I'm hoping for the superintendent is to continue the relationship we've had with CPD at this point, where that it's going to be mutual respect for each other's role," Stone said. "I want to be on a first name basis. I want to be able to pick up the phone and call. It's no different than what I was able to do with Eddie Johnson, no different than what I was doing with Superintendent Waller or Snelling."

Ald. Brian Hopkins, who represents the 2nd Ward, said he wants the next superintendent to incorporate more technology into the city's public safety efforts.

"We're getting a new 911 system at the 911 center. There's other things that we can be doing using better surveillance technology, using aerial technology like drones," Hopkins said. "As criminals get more sophisticated we need to step up our game to do a better job catching them."

With Chicagoans heading to the polls in February for the mayoral election, there is uncertainty about how long the next superintendent will remain in the position. Hopkins said the person selected should approach the job as a long-term commitment regardless of who occupies the fifth floor of City Hall.

"What we're not doing here is hiring a placeholder. We want this superintendent to actually do the job on day one. You know, don't act like you're temporarily there. Act like you're going to be there for the long haul and bring that experience to bear," Hopkins said.

The finalist selected by Johnson would still need confirmation from the City Council. Johnson also has the option to reject all three finalists. If that happens, the commission would have to restart the search for a superintendent.

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• 3 internal candidates named finalists for CPD superintendent

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