The Chicago Police Department (CPD) welcomed 131 new detectives to begin training. “Detectives are embarking on a new chapter of their calling as public servants,” said Mayor Rahm Emanuel. “These detectives will not be able to fix what’s broken and bring loved ones back to life. But by working to bring their killer to justice, they will be able to give a sense of closure in knowing that their crime did not go unpunished.” Public Safety Committee Chairman Ariel Reboyras joined Mayor Emanuel and CPD Superintendent Johnson at this kick-off event at Police Headquarters. The detectives are part of the Mayor and Superintendent Johnson comprehensive two-year hiring plan to add 970 sworn officers, detectives and supervisory positions of Lieutenant and Sergeant to the department through the hiring of new recruits, filling existing vacancies due to promotions and retirements, and keeping pace with anticipated attrition.

Promotional exams are administered for detectives. Once promoted, detectives receive eight weeks of training. These newly promoted detectives will be assigned directly to Chicago communities, work with residents in a partnership to address violence and add more resources into investigating and clearing cases. These moves underscore the Mayor’s and Police Department’s commitment to restore trust and rebuild relationships with the community, to ensure that violent offenders will be brought to justice. “The Mayor and Police Department are committed to improving safety and security in every neighborhood,” said Chairman Reboyras. “As they continue to add more resources and sworn personnel to bolster the challenging work of the department, it also important that we acknowledge their sacrifice and that of their families to serve and protect this great city.” This is the second promotional class of detectives in 2017. The next police graduation is March 15.