Former Chicago Police Chief Waller Tabbed As Interim Superintendent

CHICAGO — Chicago Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson has tapped a veteran “old-school cop” as the city’s interim police superintendent who will oversee the department until a permanent choice can be made.

Johnson announced on Wednesday that Fred Waller, 61, will replace Eric Carter as interim police superintendent on May 15, when the new mayor is sworn into office. Carter had been serving as interim superintendent since former chief David Brown announced his resignation after Mayor Lori Lightfoot lost her bid for re-election to a second term. Brown announced that he will return to Texas to work.

Waller, who most recently served as CPD’s third in command, told reporters at a news conference on Wednesday that he does not intend to seek the position on a full-time basis.

"If there's one thing that could bring me out of retirement, it was the opportunity to lead and return to the place that I've given so much of my life to," Waller said at a news conference on Wednesday when he was introduced by Johnson.

Waller spent 34 years with the Chicago Police Department before retiring in 2020, served as chief of patrol and chief of operations before moving into third in command. In the news conference, Johnson said that Waller “has the experience and integrity” to lead the department during this time of transition.

Waller said Wednesday he considers himself a beat cop at heart after beginning his career as a patrol officer.

Johnson will be provided with three finalists for the police superintendent’s role in July by the Community Commission For Public Safety and Accountability.

"Throughout my campaign for mayor, in many conversations I had with Chicagoans, public safety was and remains a top priority," Johnson said on Wednesday "And during such a crucial time, I've been committed to finding someone to lead the Chicago Police Department who is caring, collaborative, compassionate, competent in their approach to supporting the people of Chicago. It was also important to find someone who understands the dynamics of our communities. Someone respected by both the rank and file officers and the residents that they serve."

Multiple news outlets reported that before retiring, Waller was suspended for 28 days for using the word “rape” while discussing police deployment strategies in a meeting at police headquarters. He reportedly said, “grope me, don’t rape me” during the meeting, but later said his words were taken out of context.