A 28-year veteran of the Chicago Police Department became the first deputy chief in charge of community policing Friday in a move that has the potential to help Mayor Rahm Emanuel in his re-election bid.
"This newly expanded position should further solidify the role community and expanded community partnerships have taken in our department," Garry McCarthy, Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department, said.
Officer Eric Washington filled the new position, which has the potential to help Emanuel's election campaign by addressing criticisms that there are too few African-Americans in the police department's top brass. Former challenger Willie Wilson often made this allegation, and now the mayor is courting Wilson's endorsement.
On Friday, mayoral challenger Jesus "Chuy" Garcia picked up endorsements from the leaders of City Council's "progressive caucus" and talked about how Emanuel is now reaching out to the communities where his support was weak during the February election.
"He is entitled to do whatever he wants to do. He's got a lot of money and a lot of influence, so if he can influence people that's fine," Garcia said.
While some see political motivations behind Friday's police promotions, the mayor said the office is more about changing perceptions about the department, from one that occupies a community to one that works with its residents.
"Every officer from the superintendent down to the beat officer practices community policing, and the first part of what we want to see, everyone safe in every area of the city, is community," Emanuel said.
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As for Washington, he admits there is work to be done rebuilding police community relations.
"It's making sure we have that connection with the community and enforcing that connection," Washington said. "The connection has been there, but it's been a little stagnant."
