Chicago City Wire

Anthony Driver, president of the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability, said a letter signed by 19 Chicago City Council members and Mayor Brandon Johnson suggesting a candidate head the city’s police department is “completely inappropriate.” 

“It’s frustrating, but it’s not unexpected,” Driver said, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. “That is the Chicago way, and that’s exactly why our commission was created — and to rid ourselves of that. I’m 100% confident that every person who applied for this position was treated fairly.”

Driver clapped back to the council members.  

“As the commission engages in an independent process and something comes out along the lines that disqualifies your candidate you have to ask yourself the question: Does the commission then have the right to disqualify a candidate, or does the commission have to be worried about political pressure or community pressure or any underlying influence, where our whole job should be finding the right … people to submit to the mayor?” Driver asked.

Nineteen members of the Chicago City Council have expressed disappointment and dismay that the independent commission responsible for the search for the city's next police superintendent did not grant a follow-up interview to Chief of Patrol Brian McDermott, who applied for the position. Driver's group claims their process is fair and will be transparent. However, the City Council members expressed disappointment and dismay over McDermott's treatment, highlighting his record and rank within the police force, Fox Chicago reported.

"A 28-year law enforcement veteran, Chief McDermott is the third highest-ranking member of the second largest police department in the country and currently the most experienced chief in the department," part of the letter reads. "As Chief of Patrol, McDermott oversees all 22 police districts, leads over 6,700 officers and supervisors, and directly mentors 33 executive leadership staff members, including 26 commanders and 7 deputy chiefs."

The Council member said they “do not understand why Chief McDermott was not granted an interview, especially given his impressive qualifications and deep commitment to the Chicago Police Department.”

“We write today to share our disappointment and dismay that CPD Chief of Patrol Brian P. McDermott was not afforded an interview to apply for the job of Chicago Police Superintendent,” the letter reads. “As was requested in the search criteria, Chief McDermott provided the CCPSA with a list of his extensive qualifications in a cover letter and resume on May 6. We have no explanation as to why he was given a phone screening, but not a follow-up interview.” 

The commission is set to recommend three candidates to Johnson by July 14. The City Council members argue that they have the right to complain about the commission's handling of McDermott's application, while some officials believe the superintendent selection process should be conducted by the City Council and the mayor. Johnson emphasized the importance of an independent process that is free from political interference but acknowledged the right of aldermen to express their thoughts.

The letter also stated, "For a process that purports to be 'community-driven' as well as 'inclusive, collaborative, and transparent,' overlooking Chief McDermott as a candidate for police superintendent calls into question the validity of the search process and community listening tour. Residents at the CCPSA tour stop at Wentworth Park on May 10 spoke passionately about their desire to have Chief McDermott serve as Chicago’s next police superintendent.”

They reiterated that McDermott's record speaks for itself. Among his many accomplishments, according to them was leading "CPD from the front lines during our most trying times, including through periods of civil unrest and the ongoing reform efforts outlined in the consent decree.”

“We believe Mayor Johnson, the City Council and every Chicago resident deserves to know why someone as qualified as Chief McDermott was not even afforded an interview for one of the city’s most important leadership roles," the Council members wrote to the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability. "We look forward to hearing back from you.”