Superintendent Search

Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability’s Role: 

By ordinance, when there is a vacancy for the Police Superintendent, the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability is responsible for leading a nationwide search and nominating three candidates for consideration by the mayor.  

From the day the vacancy is created, the Commission has 120 days to ask for applications, review the applications, interview candidates, conduct extensive background checks, and choose the top three candidates.  

As an essential part of the search process the Community Commission will host a series of public forums across the city, at which members of the public can provide recommendations to inform the selection of Superintendent candidates. The Commission will engage deeply to seek input from residents, Chicago police officers, and local and national experts on policing and public safety.

Click here to submit your thoughts on what to look for in the next Police Superintendent!

Press Releases about the Superintendent Search

  • Press Release: March 1, 2023 - Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability Announces Nationwide Search for New Chicago Police Superintendent
  • Press Release: April 7, 2023 - Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability Invites Applications
  • Press Release: April 26, 2023 – Commission Announces Hiring Public Sector as its Executive Search Firm

What are the Commission’s goals in the search process? 

  • The Commission’s top goal is to find the best candidate to lead the Chicago Police Department. 
  • The Commission is looking for a visionary leader that has, at a minimum, demonstrated experience in leading: proactive public-safety initiatives, advances in training and accountability, and increasing trust between police officers and the communities they serve, with a specific focus on doing so with communities of color, marginalized groups, and historically disenfranchised populations. 
  • The Commission is also committed to a community-driven search process that is inclusive, collaborative, and transparent. 

What are the next steps? 

  • Invite city and nationwide qualified and interested candidates to apply for the Superintendent position. An application brochure will be posted by Friday, April 7th. Interested candidates will be required to submit the required application materials by no later than Sunday, May 7th.
  • Identify entities with expertise in the identification and placement of executive-level police leadership positions to assist the Commission in its overall effort.  
  • In the month of April, the Commission we’ll ensure the inclusion of diverse voices and perspectives in our search process through a series of public hearings. We’ll gather input on what qualities, characteristics, and skills residents of our city believe we need in a Superintendent.
  • The Commission’s nomination of three candidates to the mayor is due by July 14.

Please see the Commission’s schedule below: 

  • April 11, 2023 at Kehrein Center for the Arts (5628 W Washington Blvd) 
  • April 19, 2023 at St. Sabina Church (1210 W 78th Pl)
  • April 25, 2023 - Virtual Public Hearing https://bit.ly/42UNfeE 
  • May 4, 2023 at Roosevelt High School (3436 W Wilson)
  • May 10, 2023 at Kennedy High School (6325 W 56th)
  • May 22, 2023 at Beverly Arts Center (2407 W 111th)

All sessions will be from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm, with door opening at 5:30 pm. 

Application 

Application for the position of the Superintendent - (due by Sunday, May 7th) 

Information on the Chicago Police Department 

The Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability is committed to providing updates on the search process and ensuring that the public is informed and engaged throughout the process. Updates on the search process will be posted to this webpage and given at the Commission’s monthly on the last Thursday of each month.  

Questions, comments, or concerns can be emailed to superintendentsearch@cityofchicago.org.