Fred Waller to become next interim CPD superintendent
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Chicago Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson is promising real change when it comes to fighting crime, and on Wednesday, he named former Chicago Police Chief of Operations Fred Waller as interim superintendent.
Waller will replace Eric Carter, who had in turn replaced David Brown – who resigned to take a job in the private sector in Texas.
"I'm old-school, as you all know, but I'm old-school with integrity, professionalism, and respect," Waller said.
Johnson made the announcement Wednesday morning. The soon-to-be interim superintendent made it clear almost from the get-go that he does not plan on applying for the permanent superintendent position. But he says he is honored to fill the role for now.
"We must rebuild trust, and we must rebuild morale in the department," said Waller.
"He is deeply committed to accountability, collaboration and excellence, which will set the tone for the entire department during this crucial interim period," added Johnson.
Waller is coming out of retirement to take the job.
"I understand firsthand the sacrifice that officers make every day to keep our city safe and I am committed to providing the resources, the direction and the training they need to fulfil the commitment to the people of our city," Waller said.
He left the department in the summer of 2020 as chief of operations after serving on the force for 34 years and working his way up through the ranks. As chief of operations – a title that was previously called chief of patrol – Waller was third in command and oversaw all 22 of the department's districts.
As CBS 2 Political Investigator Dana Kozlov reported, the pick has been met with some concern.
Waller will arguably have the respect of the rank-and-file as a veteran of the department. But Waller will oversee a department currently battling low officer morale, and severe staffing shortages.
He will also be the first superintendent to start implementing Johnson's promises of reimagining public safety.
"He shares my commitment to constitutional policing," said Johnson.
Policing reform is mandated by a 2019 federal consent decree to fix years of department corruption and failed oversight. That brings up a concern – in 2013, former Chicago Police Sgt. Ronald Watts pleaded guilty to overseeing a team that shook down and then framed people.
Watts went to prison. More than 200 of Watts' cases were vacated. But Waller had close professional ties to Watts.
Johnson sidestepped questions on that subject. The mayor-elect was asked if he was worried about the Watts connections, and if he had looked into them.
"We have had extensive conversations with Chief Waller," Johnson said. "I'm confident that Chief Fred Waller is the best person to serve as the interim superintendent to move our transition forward."
Jamie Kalven, founder of The Invisible Institute, is now writing a book on the Watts case. Kozlov asked Kalven if the city should be concerned about Johnson picking Waller given the Watts connection.
"You know, I think concerned is the right word. I think we should be concerned. I think the jury's out," Kalven said. "What I would like to see is a clarity from Mayor-elect Johnson about what his expectations are of the interim superintendent."
Waller did not address the Watts case Wednesday, but he did address a comment he made comparing the redeployment of beat officers to the citywide teams to rape.
That comment got him a 28-day suspension. He gave back his vacation instead of serving it.
"It was the wrong choice of words," Waller said. "It was an attempt to emphasize how much resources are being taken from patrol – and it was just inappropriate the way I phrased it."
Meanwhile, the mayor-elect and the former chief of operations indicated two immediate priorities are improving officer morale, and implementing a plan to combat violence that often spikes when the weather warms up.
"We are having ongoing conversations about how to best layer a response – not just for Memorial Day weekend, but throughout the entire summer," Johnson said.
Waller will take over May 15, and serve until a new permanent superintendent is chosen – which could take months.
Johnson has said he believes the next permanent superintendent should come from within current or former CPD ranks.
Carter, who is retiring, was the interim superintendent since Brown's departure in mid-March.
The newly formed Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability will conduct a search for the new permanent superintendent, and present Johnson with a list of three finalists.
