Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson is expected to announce he will retire as the city’s top cop, the Chicago Tribune reports. His departure would be announced as city Inspector General Joseph Ferguson continues to investigate an incident into police officers finding Johnson asleep in his car last month. He later told the mayor he had a few drinks earlier that evening. Johnson said a recent trip to London to see the Chicago Bears play helped him bring into focus what his family has given up so he could serve as police superintendent.”I have given 31 years now to this city, and almost four as superintendent,” Johnson said. “You know, but I recognize also that at some point it’s time to create another chapter in your life …I looked at my family and it made me realize how much of a sacrifice you make for your family when you take on positions like this.”
Johnson’s replacement is unknown, but two names being floated as candidates for the interim superintendent position are former Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck and former Illinois State Police Director Leo Schmitz. Schmitz is also a former deputy chief for the Chicago Police Department. Johnson was hired in 2016 by then-Mayor Rahm Emanuel. Johnson took over a department reeling from the court-ordered release of squad car-camera video showing a white Chicago police officer shot and killed black teen Laquan McDonald. During Johnson’s time, the city has seen some reductions in both homicides and shootings, but police have struggled to solve crimes, posting abysmal yearly clearance rates.