Chicago is making efforts to diversify the police force. The “Be the Change” campaign aims to target minority groups to take the police entrance exam and “have a department that reflects the unique dynamics of our communities,” according to Supt. Eddie Johnson.
The campaign comes at a time when the Chicago Police Department is reacting to a Department of Justice report that found examples of excessive and unnecessary force by cops. Mayor Rahm Emanuel has tapped Deborah Farmer of Brown Farmer Media Group to lead the “Be the Change” efforts. We talk to Farmer about her task, and what she’s hearing from communities where the city wants more officers.