Former interim Chicago Police Superintendent, Fred Waller, has assumed the position of deputy director in the superintendent's office, maintaining a close rapport with newly appointed Police Superintendent Larry Snelling, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. This move by Mayor Brandon Johnson's administration kindles questions concerning the progress of police reforms in the city, particularly the court-enforced consent decree.
Waller, self-described as an "old school" cop of integrity and professionalism, pulls a combined annual pay and pension of $333,323, as reported by WBEZ. As crime remains a pressing issue in Chicago, the direction of the police department under Snelling's leadership will be under vigilant scrutiny.
Upon Mayor Johnson's appointment of Waller as the interim superintendent, this was seen as a gesture toward the officers' reservations about Johnson's "defund the police" comments. Alderman Matt O'Shea approved this move, praising Waller's preservation of officer well-being and mental wellness, as per the Chicago Sun-Times.
It remains to be seen how Waller's continued tenure in the Chicago Police Department (CPD) will effectively increase transparency and bolster community trust. Waller, in 2012, promoted Sergeant Alvin Jones—a close associate of the infamous Ronald Watts, who later faced arrest for stealing from an FBI informant. Waller's latter connections to the Watts scandal remain problematic, despite Mayor Johnson's assurance.
In 2020, Waller faced suspension for inappropriate language during a police headquarters meeting. Post-retirement, he joined Monterrey Security, a Chicago-based firm, before Mayor Johnson reinstated him back to the CPD.
On the verge of Snelling's confirmation as superintendent, Waller initiated a revamp of the department's leadership, promoting commanders with questionable track records, furthers the Chicago Sun-Times. After Snelling's confirmation, the CPD aired a "goodbye and thank you" video featuring Waller, with Snelling as the narrator, mentions WBEZ.
