Evanstonians filled the City Council Chamber on Oct. 10 as Mayor Daniel Biss swore in Schenita Stewart as Evanston’s first permanent female police chief.
“If the number of people here is any indication of how good of a decision this was … this might be the best decision the city made in a long time,” Councilmember Devon Reid said at the City Council meeting.
Stewart comes to Evanston from the village of East Dundee where she was deputy chief of police. She previously held the same role with the village of Lincolnwood. Stewart grew up in Evanston, graduated from Evanston Township High School and has family in the city.
Biss called Stewart a good pick to help oversee policing in Evanston — where the police department has historically faced employee morale issues.
“I think this is exciting for so many people because she is really a complete package, someone who is an excellent skilled, experienced, knowledgeable law enforcement professional who knows the city of Evanston so well,” Biss said. “That we didn’t have to sacrifice either professionalism or skill or experience or knowledge of Evanston and (having) deep roots here. We’re really fortunate.”
Biss then spoke directly to those from the Evanston Police Department in attendance and thanked them for getting through a “complicated” time for the department.
“I want to thank the members of the police department for not only showing up tonight and for embracing this new, exciting period for the department, but for all your professionalism. These have been complicated years in the law enforcement profession, complicated years in the Evanston Police Department,” he said.
Councilmember Krissie Harris, Evanston’s new 2nd Ward alderperson, also said she is excited for Stewart’s appointment but warns that improved public safety goals shouldn’t end at the police department.
” (This is a) great turnout (and) we are appreciative of the services that we are about to receive … this shows that the community is behind (Stewart) but I also encourage the community to stay behind (her),” she said. “This is not just her job, it is all of our job to serve Evanston well.”
Stewart spoke to the crowd, thanking them for letting her have her “dream job” and the opportunity of a lifetime.
“This is a home that raised me from birth through high school. You’ve held my hand,” Stewart said. “I’m forever grateful to each of you in this wonderful city I am proud tonight to call my home.”
Lincolnwood Police Chief Jay Parrot said her vibrant, outgoing personality will be an asset alongside her prioritization of community engagement
“She is a very talented and professional law enforcement (officer) who is very good at community engagement and knows how to work well with a diverse community,” Parrott told Pioneer Press in late September when Stewart’s appointment was announced. “I think she’ll do a great job.”
Stewart was chosen out of 10 candidates sourced through referrals by former Police Chief Richard Eddington and police leadership organizations, a city news release said.
Corey Schmidt is a freelance reporter with Pioneer Press.