Just months into his training at the Chicago Police Academy, Kyjuan Tate found himself embroiled in a violent incident that would turn his life upside down.
During a night of heavy drinking at a bowling alley in Blue Island, Tate allegedly drew a pistol, pressed it against another patron’s head, and discharged it. The errant bullet not only pierced the victim’s ear but also struck a bystander in the chest before finally embedding itself in the hand of the bowling alley’s manager.
Tate was taken into custody following the shooting on January 11, 2022, after authorities discovered a Glock handgun in his vehicle, as per prosecutors’ statements. Just three days later, the probationary officer was terminated from his position, having been on the city’s payroll for less than nine months.
The Chicago Sun-Times has identified Tate as one of 64 recruits and officers who have been dismissed from the Chicago Police Department since 2016. Alarmingly, an additional twenty-five police officers resigned while under investigation or chose to leave to avoid being fired. Despite their disciplinary backgrounds, 19 of these former officers have since found employment with other law enforcement agencies in the state, according to official state records.
These revelations highlight an ongoing staffing crisis impacting nearly all operations within the Chicago Police Department. Experts argue that a diminishing number of applicants means Chicago can no longer afford to be as selective as it once was in filtering out candidates who may pose future risks after being hired.
Anthony Riccio, who retired in 2020 as second-in-command of the department, noted that the Chicago Police Department is now prone to overlooking significant red flags in potential hires — including previous arrests and financial troubles — primarily due to a limited candidate pool.
Riccio emphasized that newly hired officers who engage in inappropriate behavior tarnish the department’s image, making it considerably more challenging to attract competent candidates. “It ruins the perception of the professional police officer that everybody wants to have,” he said, explaining the critical need for officers to embody professionalism when responding to emergencies.
Since 2016, approximately one in six officers hired by the Chicago Police Department has left the city’s payroll, with findings revealing that 42% have secured jobs at other police agencies across Illinois or the Chicago Fire Department.
Six officers died from gunfire, while four others took their own lives in the same timeframe, reflecting the high stakes and emotional toll that accompany policing in a city plagued by violent crime.
Despite these challenges, a series of disciplinary failures and a controversial decision in 2022 to relax hiring standards have raised questions about the department’s recruitment process. Additionally, many early-career officers have run afoul of the law; the Sun-Times identified 16 others who, like Tate, ended up in police custody and were subsequently dismissed from the force. In another notable case, a probationary officer was terminated after being shot in September 2022, having failed a drug test just days prior, according to law enforcement sources.
Police Superintendent Larry Snelling stressed the necessity of conducting rigorous background checks to protect the department’s reputation and emphasized the need for vigilance in monitoring new recruits. “There’s a probationary period for officers. And, when we see that an officer is just not fit for the job… we have to make sure that we remove those officers from the job,” Snelling stated.
A recent incident involving recruit D’Angelo Silvar, who attacked a fellow recruit shortly after starting at the academy, further highlights ongoing issues with officer conduct. Silvar, who wore a ski mask during the assault, was quickly terminated and arrested.
In another disturbing case, officer Korey Giles faced charges for domestic violence against a former girlfriend, resulting in his resignation following a conviction. Sheila Bedi, a law professor at Northwestern University, remarked that the trend of young Chicago cops facing serious allegations is commensurate with the department’s longstanding issues regarding officers’ behavior.
“And I would say that is particularly true with regards to the domestic violence allegations,” Bedi stated. Alongside these challenges, the pressure of the job has exacted a heavy toll: seven young officers have tragically lost their lives while on duty in recent years due to various violent encounters.
Superintendent Snelling highlighted the urgency of equipping officers with de-escalation skills, even as Riccio raised concerns about a growing hesitancy among them to use their weapons due to fear of repercussions or negative publicity.
“A lot of officers will tell you that they drill into their head that, if you use deadly force… you’re going to be the next video on the news,” Riccio elaborated, indicating a need for a balance between preparedness and caution in potentially dangerous situations.
Lastly, the mental health crisis among law enforcement has garnered considerable attention, with requests for enhanced mental health resources following a spate of officer suicides. Alexa James from the National Alliance on Mental Illness has worked closely with the department to prioritize officer wellness, advocating for supportive mentoring programs aimed at assisting new recruits.
Between 2016 and 2023, the Chicago Police Department recorded 31 suicides among its members, with 2022 marking a particularly grim year, during which seven officers took their own lives. The current state of mental health resources is critical, as new officers are often under immense pressure without proper mentorship.
James pointed out that fostering insight into mental health is crucial for resilience, calling for a workforce that recognizes the importance of asking for help when needed.
Interview with Anthony Riccio, Former Deputy Chief of the Chicago Police Department
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today, Anthony. In light of recent events, particularly the incident involving Kyjuan Tate, what are your thoughts on how these occurrences reflect the ongoing challenges within the Chicago Police Department?
Anthony Riccio: Thank you for having me. The incident with Tate is a glaring example of what can happen when we lower our standards in the recruitment process. We’re seeing an alarming trend where a significant number of officers are dismissed or resign under troubling circumstances, which certainly raises questions about our hiring practices.
Interviewer: You mentioned lower standards. Can you elaborate on how these changes have impacted the quality of recruits being brought into the department?
Anthony Riccio: Certainly. Over the years, the applicant pool has shrunk to a point where we’re often forced to overlook red flags—things like previous arrests or financial difficulties. This crisis is compounded by the urgency we feel to fill vacancies, which can lead to hiring officers who may not be suited for the demanding role of law enforcement.
Interviewer: Given the challenges facing the department, how do you think incidents like this affect public perception of police officers?
Anthony Riccio: They have a significant negative impact. When the public sees officers engaging in inappropriate behavior or violence, it undermines the credibility of the entire department. It makes it incredibly difficult to attract capable, professional candidates who genuinely want to serve their community. We want the public to view law enforcement in a positive light, but these incidents certainly hinder that.
Interviewer: With such a concerning trend, what measures do you think need to be implemented to improve the situation?
Anthony Riccio: First and foremost, we need to restore rigorous background checks and a thorough vetting process. Police Superintendent Larry Snelling is correct—we must hold our recruits to high standards during their probationary periods and remove those who are not fit for the job quickly. Additionally, the department should invest in ongoing training and mental health support for officers, which could help them manage the stresses associated with policing in a high-crime environment.
Interviewer: It’s clear that there are systemic issues that need addressing. What do you see as the long-term solution for the Chicago Police Department?
Anthony Riccio: The long-term solution lies in rebuilding trust and integrity within the force. This starts with effectively recruiting and retaining officers who align with the values of the community they serve. We must focus on community-oriented policing and ensure that our officers understand their role is not just to enforce laws but to build relationships with the citizens. Community trust is essential for successful policing.
Interviewer: Thank you, Anthony. Your insights into these pressing issues provide a valuable perspective on the critical role of policing in our communities.
Anthony Riccio: Thank you for having me. It’s essential that we continue to discuss and address these challenges to foster a safer environment for everyone involved.
Uperintendent Snelling has mentioned the importance of monitoring recruits closely during their probationary period, and I believe that should be prioritized. Additionally, investing in mental health resources and support systems for officers is crucial. We must ensure that they have the necessary tools for coping with the pressures of the job, particularly as we see increased occurrences of distress and suicide among officers. A well-supported officer is better equipped to make sound decisions and to serve the community effectively.
Interviewer: You touched on mental health resources. How essential do you think these supports are, especially in the context of the recent suicides and the overall emotional toll on officers?
Anthony Riccio: They are absolutely critical. The statistics are troubling, and we must recognize that policing is inherently stressful. Officers often deal with traumatic events, and without proper mental health support, they’re at increased risk of burnout and other mental health challenges. Implementing supportive mentoring programs and fostering an environment where asking for help is encouraged can make a substantial difference in officer well-being and retention. A healthy police force is fundamental to community safety.
Interviewer: Thank you, Anthony. Your insights shed light on the multifaceted issues facing the Chicago Police Department today, and we appreciate your time.
Anthony Riccio: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial that we address these issues head-on for the safety of both officers and the communities they serve.
