Ask the Author: Do you discuss corruption within the ranks of the Chicago Police Department?

Answer: When people would find out I was writing a book on the Chicago Police, the most common reply would almost always be: "Oh, you mean about all the corruption?" I thought that was such a sad commentary on the city's police department and its officers, even though the cynical reply wasn't necessarily out of bounds. Though certainly intriguing, talking about corruption, such a small piece of the Chicago Police world, would only have me falling into the sensationalistic trap; I wanted and needed to explore the depth of the CPD culture and those who inhabit it.

That said, corruption is an unfortunate piece of the CPD's history and I did address it in parts. I discussed the Summerdale Scandal of 1960, which I feel began to turn the tide of public perception against the police, while a few officers, such as Willie Calabrese and Bill Jaconetti, shared with me their thoughts on corruption in the ranks. In short, corruption has been a part of the CPD's story, but it's really a small piece of a much larger story. One of the great books on the topic is Richard Lindberg's To Serve and Collect, which adds to a compelling, often overlooked argument: corruption was perhaps more widespread and commonplace in the pre-Summerdale days than it is today.

Ask the Author is a running series of live audience or reader questions directed at On the Job author Daniel P. Smith. The series, which appears each Monday, is aimed at providing greater insight into Smith’s work in researching and writing On the Job: Behind the Stars of the Chicago Police Department as well as the book’s content. A speaker noted for his energy and engaging style, Smith is available for presentations at a wide range of events, including private book clubs, Citizen Police Academy meetings, libraries, senior centers, and schools. Please contact him directly at smithwriting@gmail.com to schedule an event.

Are you a reader with a question for On the Job author Daniel P. Smith? Send it to smithwriting@gmail.com.