Top Cop Shuffles Officers In Leadership Roles

By Samantha Abernethy in News on Mar 30, 2012 10:20PM

Chicago Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy announced some sweeping changes to his command staff, promoting nine top officers in an effort to reduce crime and increase efficiency, he said.

The changes are centered in the five of the toughest districts, as 2012 is already shaping up to be a violent year with 114 murders, a 35 percent spike over this period in 2011. McCarthy appointed five new district commanders and four new deputy chiefs. In total, 25 people were promoted, and some positions were eliminated. No one was laid off or demoted. The Sun-Times writes:

McCarthy promoted James Gibson as commander in the Morgan Park district; Lynette Helm in Grand-Crossing; James O’Donnell in Calumet; Maria Pena in Marquette; and Barbara West in Austin.

A police spokeswoman said no district commanders were demoted to make way for the changes in those five districts. They replaced commanders who were promoted to other positions or retired, she said.

Police have been focusing on using drugs to fight gang activity and last weekend broke up two street gangs in the Harrison and Austin districts. Earlier this week the Reader's Mick Dumke said Mayor Rahm Emanuel was declaring "another war on drugs."