C.P.D. Superintendent Eddie Johnson Resigns

Nico DeGrazia

Nico DeGrazia

11-7-19

 

C.P.D. Superintendent Eddie Johnson Resigns

After more than three decades on the Chicago police force and three and a half years as superintendent, Eddie Johnson announced his retirement. He announced this on Thursday, November 7th, 2019, amid an active investigation surrounding an incident where he was found sleeping behind the wheel. Nathan S ‘25 said, “I heard that he was retiring but I don’t know much about it.” It was known that Johnson had health issues at the time, and admitted to having a few drinks before the incident, although a breathalyzer test was oddly not given. “We have to let the investigation run its course,” Mayor Lightfoot said at a recent press conference. Johnson took over the department in April of 2016, replacing Garry McCarthy, who held the title since 2011 and was fired by Rahm Emmanual. Johnson was chosen for the position by Rahm, who bypassed three Chicago Police Board chosen finalists to give Johnson the job. Johnson was appointed Chicago Police Superintendent at a rough time for Chicago. He took over the department amid the release of a police dashboard camera video showing a white officer, Vandyke, shoot black teen Laquan McDonald 16 times. In just his first year in office, Chicago experienced the highest homicide rates in two decades. In 2016, Chicago had over 750 homicides. Johnson is said to step down by the end of this year, with homicides and shootings down 10% for the third year in a row. This is an impressive accomplishment. Johnson says he is retiring to focus more on his family. Johnson stated, “It’s time for someone else to pin these four stars to their shoulders. These stars can sometimes feel like carrying the weight of the world. But I’m confident that I leave CPD better.” Emily Servin ‘21 states, “I think it’s sad that he’s stepping down on such a low note given his accomplishments and reform. I wish him the best.” Like Emily, Nancy Meza ‘20 says, “I don’t know much about the situation but I heard that he did some good things,” I agree with Emily and Nancy and hope that the citizens of Chicago can give him credit for the good things that he has done for our city.