Who will be the next CPD Superintendent?

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CHICAGO (FOX 32 News) - The police board has just begun the process of finding a new CPD superintendent - or to be more specific - finding three candidates to recommend to Mayor Rahm Emanuel for his consideration.

But some names are already being floated around for possible consideration. 

Restoring trust in the police department is a top priority for Mayor Rahm Emanuel. Tuesday, FOX 32’s Craig Wall sat down with the head of the Chicago Police Board to talk about what is needed to bring about that change, particularly in communities plagued by crime and violence.

Craig Wall asked Lori Lightfoot, the Police Board chair, if she thinks the nest CPD Superintendent will need to be African American in order to restore trust in the community.

“I'm not going to prejudge what the race of the person is. This is a big and complicated job. We have the second largest police force in the country; we need somebody who is a proven leader. Clearly engagement with the community is going to be an important consideration, and a track record of accomplishment there,” Lightfoot said.

Among the early names surfacing as possibilities are Al Wysinger, who recently retired as First Deputy Superintendent. He is already gaining considerable support.

“He knows the culture, he knows the city, he knows the police department, he knows where all the challenges are. He can help us to deal with it,” Alderman Walter Burnett said.

Chief Eugene Williams, who was one of three finalists for the job in 2011, and currently heads up the Bureau of Support Services, is also considered a possible candidate.

So is First Deputy John Escalante, tapped by the mayor to lead the department on an interim basis.

“I want to be clear that we are not limiting this to people within the department.I think we owe it to the citizens of Chicago to get the best possible people, whoever they are and wherever they come from,” Lightfoot said.

State Police Director Leo Schmitz is also another possibility. He was very well respected and as a deputy chief. He also was commander of the 7th District Police in the heart of Englewood.