Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Chicago Police Department (CPD) Superintendent Eddie Johnson today commemorated 338 new and promoted CPD members during a graduation ceremony at Navy Pier as part of the ongoing hiring plan to grow CPD by nearly 1,000 officers. During the ceremony, the Department celebrated the graduation of 218 new police officers, 111 new detectives and nine command staff promotions.

“Growing the size of CPD by nearly 1,000 officers is one component of a broader public safety strategy including increased investments in youth, in neighborhoods, and in public safety technology,” said Mayor Emanuel. “Thanks to the commitment of those graduating and being promoted, Chicago’s future will be brighter, stronger and safer.”

The 218 police officers graduating includes 69 percent from minority backgrounds, 27 percent women, 39 percent CPS graduates, 13 percent veterans, and 20 percent who have a CPD family member. Police recruits spent six months at the Police Academy and will now begin their one-year probationary period, which includes three months training with a Field Training officer and district patrol functions.

“The individuals that we celebrate today, who will serve as our newest police officers, detectives, and command staff, are part of the next generation of CPD members that will forever change how we serve the City,” said CPD Superintendent Eddie Johnson. “Through best-in-class training, they have learned the value of de-escalation tactics, body cameras, and cultural sensitivity among other topics. I would like to thank them for answering the call to serve in and helping us to be a Better Department for every Chicagoan in every community.”

The 111 new detectives will be deployed to Area North, Area South and the Special Victims Unit. The detectives promotional class is 26 percent women and 35 percent who are from minority backgrounds. These new detectives completed two months of additional training at the Academy and will support the Bureau of Detectives in solving crimes and bringing justice to victims.

The nine command staff promotions will ensure greater professional standards when enacting new reform measures across Departmental units. This includes new Commanders for District 2 (Wentworth), District 5 (Calumet), District 7 (Englewood), and District 11 (Harrison). Promotions also include new leadership at the Police Academy, Internal Affairs, Area Central Bureau of Detectives and a District 7 (Englewood) Captain. Diversity at the CPD’s senior command ranks has reached historic levels in recent years as CPD works to create a Department that mirrors the demographics of Chicago. Today, more than 60 percent of bureau chiefs and 50 percent of deputy chiefs identify as minorities. The new appointments were made in response to the planned retirements.

This graduation continues to fulfill CPD’s hiring plan to add nearly 1,000 officers to the Department with that reflect the values of the communities they serve. Since the beginning of 2017, more than 2,912 CPD members have been hired or promoted as part of the hiring plan. This includes more than 1,957 new recruits, 86 Lieutenants, 264 Sergeants, 382 Detectives and 223 Field Training Officers.

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