Escalante talks about CPD applications and combating gang violence
Interim Police Superintendent John Escalante spoke with officers, applicants and community members in the Little Village Community Center last Saturday
As the deadline for applying to be a Chicago Police Department (CPD) officer, there is a full court press to have men and women put in their applications. John Escalante, CPD's Interim Superintendent, says that he is pleased with the results.
CPD Applications
While there was not a target number for applications, they have approximately 15,000 completed applications and are hoping for several thousand more. "We are close to being fully staffed to our authorized level of close to 11,800 and have a class in the Academy now," said Escalante.
"I get a report every couple of days and so far we are very pleased with where we are in total recruitment and actually in minority recruitment because we want the Department to reflect the City In terms of diversity."
Officers were on hand to help applicants register online
With the test for becoming a Chicago Police Officer happening every few years, January 31 is the last day to apply to have a chance to become one of Chicago's finest.
Combating gang violence
In the announcement about the renewed partnership with Cook County Tom Dart's office, it was stated "CPD gang enforcement teams have been decentralized and have been assigned to Areas North, Central and South. Throughout the city this action will result in increased discretionary manpower, allowing for the ability to assign officers to the areas that need the most attention."
Escalante explained the convoluted, resource consuming process that was "decentralized." Under the previous process, "If a commander or deputy chief in patrol wanted some assistance, the commander had to reach out to his deputy chief who would have to contact the chief of patrol, who would contact the chief of organized crimes, who would contact the deputy chief of organized crime, who would contact the gang enforcement commander.
"Now we distribute officers among the deputy chiefs. If a commander needs some gang re-enforcement resources he just calls his deputy chief."
Editorial comment: "Glad to see the Superintendent is making the Police Department less like some large corporations that I have seen!"