Let the search begin.
This isn't the first time Chicago officials -- namely Mayor-elect Rahm Emanuel -- have thought about who ultimately will replace former Police Supt. Jody Weis.
But on Wednesday, the Chicago Police Board officially launched its search, giving applicants until April 11 to answer four essay questions about past achievements, boosting diversity, continuing the reduction of homicides and improving morale.
The fourth question is new this year, the Sun-Times points out. It speaks to reports of bad morale on Weis' watch.
Earlier this month, Weis didn't receive the written contract extension that would have kept him on as police superintendent until the end of Mayor Richard Daley's term this May.
He left the post, and veteran Daley aide Terry Hillard intermittently took over.
Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles H. Ramsey acknowledged on Wednesday that he and Emanuel have discussed his possible return to Chicago, the Daily News reports.
Ramsey said he couldn't "dismiss" the idea of returning to his hometown, where he spent three decades at the Chicago Police Department.
Chicago's police board plans to present three candidates to Emanuel for consideration. Emanuel hopes to have a new superintendent in place by May 16, inauguration day.
