A coalition of community groups and civil rights organizations in Chicago has called for the city’s next police superintendent to demonstrate a strong commitment to racial justice and adherence to the Chicago Police Department’s (CPD) federal consent decree. The coalition, representing diverse constituencies across the city, emphasized the importance of selecting a leader who will prioritize reform and accountability within the department.
The group, which includes 411 Movement for Pierre Loury, the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois, Black Lives Matter Chicago, the Chicago Urban League, and several neighborhood and advocacy organizations, highlighted Chicago residents’ dual roles as both taxpayers funding the CPD's $2 billion budget and as individuals impacted by policing practices. While they recognize the value of effective police work, the coalition expressed concern over what they described as widespread unconstitutional and racially biased treatment by officers, along with incidents of misconduct and excessive use of force.
In a statement issued recently, coalition representatives outlined several criteria for evaluating candidates for police superintendent. They urged city officials to closely examine applicants’ professional histories, including their experience with diverse communities and responsiveness to complaints from Black and Brown residents. The groups stressed the need to understand candidates’ direct roles in addressing officer misconduct and holding personnel accountable.
The coalition also called for superintendent candidates to articulate clear positions on the progress of CPD’s compliance with the consent decree, the department’s history of discrimination against minority communities, and strategies for future reforms. They want candidates to present actionable plans to dismantle systemic racism in policing and improve collaboration with Chicago’s police oversight bodies, as well as reforms in recruitment, training, supervision, and discipline.
Among the demands outlined were a firm commitment to full compliance with the federal consent decree, an end to pretextual traffic stops, and the termination of CPD’s cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The coalition also emphasized the need to substantially reduce the use of force, including firearm pointing by officers.
In addition, they advocated for expanding alternative response programs such as the Crisis Assistance Response & Engagement (CARE) initiative, which pairs trained professionals with law enforcement to respond to nonviolent emergencies. Finally, the coalition recommended shifting patrol practices away from vehicular circulation to increased foot patrols, intending to foster greater community engagement and trust.
The coalition’s call reflects ongoing efforts by city residents and advocacy groups to ensure that Chicago’s police leadership embodies principles of transparency, accountability, and equity in law enforcement. With a new superintendent expected to be appointed in the coming months, the group hopes their recommendations will guide the selection process toward meaningful reform.