With Jody Weis already out and Terry Hillard serving in only an interim capacity, both mayor-elect Rahm Emanuel and the Chicago Police Department are searching for their next leader.
The deadline for applications from those interested in the job is next Monday, April 11.
To get the job, candidates need to not only complete a lengthy form, but also submit to an intense interview.
The Chicago Police Board expects to read through the applications and then conduct one-on-one interviews, but probably not with all of those applying.
Ten to 12 interviews were done with the nine member board during the last vacancy in 2007.
Candidates must also answer a number of essay questions:
- Describe three accomplishments in your professional career,
- Homicides have decreased -- what steps would you take to build on this success,
- Morale -- how would you improve it,
- Diversity -- is it necessary to have greater diversity and how would you increase it
The answers must be no longer than three pages for each question. The entire application is on line at ChicagoPoliceBoard.org.
The question of morale is significant, as reports of low morale were rampant under Weis' watch. During his campaign for mayor, Emanuel said the morale battle between Weis and his department was too expensive.
Sources have told NBC Chicago that Emanuel has already met privately with Philadelphia police Chief Charles Ramsey.
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.
