The Chicago Police Department has expanded its Unity of Command and Span of Control Pilot Program from three police districts to eight police districts. The program establishes an operational structure that forges stronger bonds between officers and the communities they serve.
Unity of Command assigns police officers to a specific sergeant who work the same schedules and within the same geographical areas within their district of assignment. These schedules provide more consistent supervision to officers and build team cohesion within the Bureau of Patrol. Unity of Command also emphasizes beat integrity through more consistent staffing, which helps build relationships with community members.
The Span of Control portion of the program helps to manage supervisory responsibility by striving to have no more than 10 police officers per sergeant.
The program was first piloted in the 4th (South Chicago), 6th (Gresham) and 7th (Englewood) Districts. The expansion includes the 15th (Austin), 16th (Jefferson Park), 17th (Albany Park), 20th (Lincoln) and 24th (Rogers Park) Districts.
Unity of Command and Span of Control are designed to benefit officers by facilitating greater opportunities for mentorship and leadership and improve district operations by increasing consistency in equipment and vehicle assignments.
Lieutenant Erika Derouin, Sergeant Huyen Ho and Officer Joshua Lopez, who are assigned to the 4th District and work within the Unity of Command and Span of Control schedule, have seen these benefits come to fruition.
“To have a supervisor who knows you as an officer as well as a person creates great rapport,” said Officer Lopez. “There’s mutual understanding of each other’s feelings and perspectives.”
Sgt. Ho says Span of Control ensures she has a manageable number of officers under her direct supervision, which has improved communication with those officers.
“I am able to be more accessible to my officers, provide timely guidance and address issues proactively,” said Sgt. Ho. “Unity of Command and Span of Control has created a more supportive and cohesive team environment.”
Officer Lopez has seen firsthand how this program has given him the resources to grow positive partnerships amongst the community members of the 4th District.
“Responding to my jobs and engaging with community members on the beat has made me familiar with specific people and locations,” said Officer Lopez. “I have had moments where community members remember me from previous jobs, and they trust me enough to find the best solution for their circumstances.”
CPD will continue to review the successes and challenges that result from this pilot program to ensure officers and supervisors have the resources they need to effectively do their jobs, while also meeting the needs of all Chicagoans.
Lieutenant Derouin has seen how this program leads to stronger teamwork within CPD and in the community.
“The consistency in supervisors and police officers organically builds positive professional relationships benefiting department members’ professional development and morale while continuously forging community partnerships to reduce crime,” said Lieutenant Derouin.