The below statement can be attributed to Karen Sheley, Director, Police Practices Project, ACLU of Illinois.
“The announcement of Superintendent Johnson’s retirement presents an opportunity to bring policing in Chicago into the 21st Century. Superintendent Johnson took the helm of CPD during a time of crisis and uncertainty. Since then, many of the department’s serious problems – problems long recognized in many communities across Chicago – have been exposed. The Department of Justice issued a scathing report about CPD’s use of force against people of color. And, we now have a court-enforced consent decree designed to bring about much-needed reforms.
Chicago needs vigorous, forward-thinking leadership that will bring real meaning and order to reform of CPD. The Department continues to lag far behind police agencies in other communities on curbing excessive use of force and building strong, meaningful relationships between the police and communities of color. Chicago has a long way to go and needs a leader with a plan to transform the department.”
