Tuesday marks Chicago Police Interim Superintendent Eddie Johnson’s first full day as the leader of a department facing many challenges.
Johnson, 55, grew up in Cabrini Green. He is a 27-year veteran of the Chicago Police Department and was chief of patrol. He never applied for the superintendent job, but waschosen by Mayor Rahm Emanuel.
At a press conference Monday afternoon, Johnson said he knows there is a lot of work to be done.
“I would say to these young people out here shooting and killing, they are destroying our communities. They’re destroying families and it has to stop,” Johnson said.
In the coming weeks, Johnson said he plans to meet with aldermen, activists, residents and community and business leaders.
Not everyone is welcoming Johnson with open arms. Later Tuesday morning, a group plans to protest outside of police headquarters.
