Ask the Author: What do Chicago cops think of their new boss?

Answer: I wouldn't want to speak for all of Chicago's officers, but there are a few prevailing thoughts regarding the tenure of new Chicago PD Superintendent Jody Weis. One group will never accept Weis. He's not only an outsider (only Chicago's second ever outside chief), but a Fed at that. There's long been a tension between Chicago cops and their colleagues on the federal side. Another group has taken a wait-and-see approach. He might do some good and do some bad. A final group is happy at the prospect of some new blood who has no loyalties to "his boys." I'd say one overriding philosophy, however, is that Weis' tenure will end sooner than later. History tells us that Chicago chiefs don't stay at the job long. Supt. Weis just finished his first year in February 2009, so the clock's ticking.

Here's what I will comment on regarding the hiring of Supt. Weis and, more notably, his boss, Mayor Richard J. Daley. Weis' hire is a play right out of the old man's playbook. When the Summerdale Scandal shook up the CPD ranks in 1960 and threatened the former Mayor Daley's election bid, he brought in the city's first outside chief with Orlando Wilson, a professor at UCLA. Fast forward over four decades and a few well-viewed CPD scandals challenge the current Mayor Daley's power and control. His response? Bring in an outsider. I'm a big believer that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

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.