Chicago Police Superintendent Johnson Announces His Retirement
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CHICAGO ― Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot joined Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie T. Johnson today to announce his retirement as Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department (CPD). A native Chicagoan and 31-year veteran of the Chicago Police Department, Superintendent Johnson has commanded the nation's second-largest police force since 2016, leading CPD to historic reductions in gun violence, strengthening community partnerships across the city and implementing systemic reforms around police accountability and transparency.

"Superintendent Johnson has dedicated more than three decades of his life to serving and protecting the people of Chicago, and he will end his service standing on a record of reform and progress that will be felt long after his retirement," said Mayor Lightfoot. "Chicago is better because Superintendent Johnson called this city his home and dedicated his career to serving it."

Since his appointment in April 2016, Johnson has implemented a data-driven crime strategy that has reduced overall crime in Chicago and achieved a 38 percent reduction in total shootings. Using camera technology, predictive analytics and gunshot detection through the Department's Strategic Decision Support Centers (SDSCs) and its partnership with the University of Chicago Crime Lab, this technology-driven approach to crime-fighting has also resulted in 20-year-lows in robberies and burglaries citywide.

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"Chicago is my home, and it has been an honor to serve as Superintendent," said Superintendent Eddie T. Johnson. "I want to thank every officer for buying into the changes we have brought to CPD. Chicago is a safer place than when I was appointed Superintendent in April 2016. People in every neighborhood and on every block trusted me with their safety. I will never forget this job or those that have helped me succeed."

Over the past three years, Johnson has led the Department's monumental hiring campaign, which has added nearly 1,000 new police officers to patrol Chicago's neighborhoods and nearly 300 detectives to increase the quality of investigations. Additionally, Johnson launched strategic crime-solving nerve centers, called Area Technology Centers (ATCs), in each of the City's Detective Areas, which have helped improve the Department's clearance rate by nearly 20 percent.

As one of his first initiatives as Superintendent, Johnson launched a Community Policing Advisory Panel (CPAP), made up of community residents, national experts, and police officers to develop a set of recommendations for a reinvigorated and reimagined community policing strategy unique to Chicago. The Department has championed this strategy ever since, creating a new Office of Community Policing and making structural changes so that community partnership and service are not just programs for uniformed officers but a fundamental philosophy for every officer of the Department.

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From ensuring every patrol officer has body-worn cameras to expanding use-of-force training and mental health supports for all officers, Superintendent Johnson has pushed needed reforms in the Department over the past three years.

Superintendent Johnson joined the Chicago Police Department in May of 1988, serving the majority of his career within the Detective Division and Gang/Tactical units, and Patrol Bureau where he rose to the rank of Chief.  Johnson was born and raised in Chicago, growing up and residing in Cabrini Green until he was 9 years old, at which point his family moved to the City's South Side where he continues to reside. He holds a B.A. from Governors State University.

In accordance with the Chicago Municipal Code, the Chicago Police Board will initiate the process for identifying a permanent Superintendent of Police. An Interim Superintendent will be appointed by the mayor in the coming days to ensure a smooth transition for the Chicago Police Department following Superintendent Johnson's retirement.

Filed Under: Government, City
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