(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Evanston’s police chief has retired, effective immediately.
The news of Demitrous Cook’s retirement came Monday in a news release that cited Cook’s more than three-decade history with the Evanston and Northwestern University police departments. He became Evanston police chief in January 2019.
“It has been an honor to serve this community for more than 30 years,” Cook said in a prepared statement. “Public safety requires building a strong partnership and positive relationships between the community and the police officers who serve them each and every day.”
During Cook’s tenure, the department achieved federal Use of Force Certification from the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police, the city news release said.
His time on the job has not been without controversy. Pioneer Press, reporting on Cook’s departure, said the city in April paid $90,000 to settle a lawsuit after the police chief posted old booking photos on his Snapchat account last year.
Cook’s retirement comes as new Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss has announced plans to re-imagine public safety in the suburb across the northern border of Chicago.
There was no immediate word on plans to tap a successor.
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