By Supt. Jody P. Weis
Chicago Sun Times
The Chicago Sun-Times column by Neil Steinberg on Jan. 8 [“Diversity Goal Puts Police to the Test”] makes an incorrect assumption about why the City of Chicago has discussed replacing the police entrance exam with an application. Let me be clear: Race is not one of the reasons why it is under discussion. In fact, the current test already has an 85 percent pass rate, so it doesn’t have a disparate impact on any minority group.
Rather, our discussions have been about figuring out how active-duty military personnel, who are serving our country with distinction and valor across the globe, can apply for the position of Chicago Police officer. Right now, applicants taking the test have to be in the city when it is administered -- something that is not an option for those currently serving in Iraq, Afghanistan or stationed at military bases elsewhere. In addition, every aspect of the current entrance exam is covered in other areas of the application process, so the opportunity exists to streamline the procedure.
The city explored the option of administering the test online, but no vendor responded to the request for proposals. At this point the discussions continue and no decision has been made. However, I felt it necessary to come forward with the facts before the idea of replacing the test is mislabeled any further. In these challenging times, we need to seek new and creative ways to open the application process to the men and women serving our country overseas. At the same time, we must show our willingness to go beyond the status quo if improvements can be made.
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