Office of the Superintendent
Department head, policy authority, and final approval on promotions.
About the department
Who we are and how we are organized
The Chicago Police Department is led by the Superintendent of Police and organized into accountable bureaus with a single, defined chain of command.
DeAndre Hayes
Superintendent of Police
Message from the Office of the Superintendent
The Chicago Police Department exists for one purpose: to protect this city and the people who call it home.
To the law-abiding residents of Chicago, you deserve to live in safe neighborhoods, walk your streets without fear, and raise your families in communities where crime is not tolerated. Under my leadership, this Department will remain steadfast in that mission.
We will support the men and women who put on this uniform with the training, equipment, and leadership they need to perform their duties professionally, ethically, and confidently. Our officers will be held to the highest standards of integrity.
This is a new era of policing, built on accountability, proactive enforcement, constitutional policing, and unwavering service to the people of Chicago.
We will protect. We will serve. We will lead.
Department structure
Bureaus and offices
Office of Operations
Citywide operations, command coordination, and critical incidents.
Bureau of Patrol
District operations, watches, traffic, and field response.
Bureau of Detectives
Investigative services including violent crimes, narcotics, gangs, and intelligence.
Special Operations
SWAT, Aviation, K-9, and Dignitary Protection.
Forensic Services Division
Crime scene processing, evidence, property, and laboratory services.
Bureau of Internal Affairs
Complaints, discipline, background reviews, and accountability.
Training Division
Academy instruction and the Field Training Officer program.
Bureau of Organizational Development
Recruiting, applicant screening, onboarding, and career development.
Authority
Chain of command
1
Superintendent of Police
Department head
2
First Deputy Superintendent
Office of Operations
3
Chief
Bureau command
4
Deputy Chief
Area or citywide group
5
Commander
District or division
6
Captain
District executive officer
7
Lieutenant
Watch command
8
Sergeant
Field supervision
9
Police Officer and Detective
Patrol and investigations
Our commitment
The standard behind the star
Loyalty
To the city, to the oath, and to each other.
Service
Answer the call, take the report, and follow it through.
Integrity
The rules apply hardest to the people who enforce them.
Pride
The star means something. It is earned and upheld every shift.