(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson has named Fred Waller to the crucial role of interim police superintendent, effective May 15.
Johnson on Wednesday said he and Waller, a retired chief of patrol who served 34 years as a Chicago cop, share values that include accountability and community-based policing.
“I’m old school, as you all know. But I’m old school with integrity, professionalism and respect,” said Waller, who noted he worked all across the city. “I’ve seen the brutality on the Chicago streets. But I’ve also seen the beauty in the city, and in our neighborhoods and in the people.”
Asked if Waller is a permanent candidate for the permanent “top cop” job, Johnson said no. Rather, he said, Waller will help with the transition to a permanent superintendent. Waller agreed.
Waller will take over ahead of Memorial Day, traditionally one of the most violent weekends in the city. Waller says CPD is planning for that.
He and Johnson say it will have to be a collaborative effort, working with community leaders and families as well.
Waller is said to be well liked among the rank and file. But his record at the department was not unblemished. He was criticized for recommending a promotion for an officer allied with another cop who was corrupt.
And he was suspended for a month after a complaint from women at CPD that he compared a planned reduction in the patrol force as a "rape.'' He apologized, saying his remarks were inappropriate.
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