The search for a new Chicago police inspector begins with the first of 4 city hall meetings

CHICAGO (WLS) — The search for a new Chicago police inspector officially began Tuesday night with the first of at least four city hall meetings.

In the past, the search for a new inspector was carried out by the police council. For the first time, a newly formed civic oversight committee is placing the public at the center of the process.

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The gathering was organized by the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability, a civic body set up in 2022 to give citizens a more voice in police oversight.

“Now this is a historic moment right? We never had the chance to hear our voices or weigh our thoughts on who we wanted to serve when it came to police inspectors,” said Remel Terry, interim commissioner of CCPSA.

The Commission hopes to nominate three candidates in July. Mayor Brandon Johnson will then have 30 days to elect one of the three or solicit a new set of candidates.

“This is the first time the community has been on the front lines, so we want to make sure their voice is loud, loud, front and center,” said Anthony Driver, Jr., interim president of CCPSA.

During his mayoral campaign, Johnson said he would prefer an overseer from within the Chicago Police Department, but that the search for a committee would be national and centered on the interests of the community.

“In my opinion, the person must come from a community that he knows, who has worked in the community,” said resident Juanita Little.

In addition to this community town hall, the commission held separate meetings with other stakeholders, including high-ranking police and union sergeants.