The Town Hall Police District, located in the heart of Boystown, has a new commander who made history by becoming the first woman to lead that particular district. The development resulted from new Chicago Police Superintendent Jody Weis' recent massive department overhaul.
Former 20th District Commander Kathleen Boehmer, who has years of experience working with the LGBT community, replaced Gary Yamashiroya as commander of the 23rd District. Yamashiroya is now commander of the Area 3 Detective Division.
The Town Hall District is located at 3600 N. Halsted, meaning that it is practically next door to the Center on Halsted.
During the major leadership change, which officially took place March 14, 21 of 25 police districts received new commanders. Sixteen district commanders were promoted, eight were laterally promoted and one has yet to be named. Weis, a former FBI agent who was chosen by Richard M. Daley in November to lead the department, also announced his new chiefs of CAPS and Internal Affairs. It is the biggest police department shakeup in decades.
Boehmer, who was the 20th District commander for over two and a half years, has more than 28 years of experience on the force. Most of her law enforcement career has been spent in Area 3, which includes neighborhoods such as Lakeview, Uptown and Edgewater.
The new commander also has experience working on behalf of the LGBT community. The 20th District, which covers neighborhoods such as Uptown and Edgewater and borders the 23rd District, has a very large LGBT population.
'I'm really looking forward to it,' Boehmer told Windy City Times during her hectic first day on the job. 'I know a lot of officers here and a lot of people who live in this community. I look forward to the challenge.'
Her former district borders her current one. Through what she's learned by attending various beat and community meetings near the district's border, Boehmer understands that the two districts share similar issues. However, she is excited about learning issues and concerns unique to the area.
'I feel confident we can get a lot done,' Boehmer said. 'We've had a lot of good commanders in this district, and I'd like to follow in that line and maybe take it one step forward, put my spin on it, and see how it goes.'
As commander, Boehmer wants to focus on safety. 'The number one priority is making sure that everyone in the 23rd District feels safe and secure in the neighborhood,' she said. Even though it is a low-crime district compared to others, it remains her top concern. She wants every single person in the district to feel comfortable with local law enforcement, and wants her officers to be on top of the issues and there for the community at all times.
Boehmer is also focused on strengthening the district's interaction with the local community.
'I'm really looking forward to meeting people in the community, and seeing some of the issues that come forward,' Boehmer said. She encourages individuals and groups to approach the 23rd District with their issues. 'I want to work on the communication we have, and really get out there and communicate,' she added.
She feels that her people skills are her biggest strength that she can bring to the table. 'I'm here to listen, and I know not everything is written in stone,' Boehmer said. She is used to working closely with community groups and activists, including members of the LGBT community, on issues. Boehmer said that she is flexible, and open to a variety of input in order to resolve issues.
Boehmer said she is spending a lot of time learning the issues special to the 23rd District, and a lot of that is focused on the LGBT community.
'There isn't an area or place in the city where there isn't some gay population, but in particular, in the 23rd and 20th, there is a significant gay and population,' Boehmer said.
'We have concerns that all people in the district get fair treatment,' she added. 'We definitely want to look at problems of hate crimes or incidents motivated by hate.'
Boehmer also wants to ensure that programs are extended to the gay and lesbian community. 'The gay and lesbian community is a part of everything we do here and everything that we develop,' she said.
Another issue close to her heart is gay youth.
'Youth has always been one of my main concerns of the 20th District,' Boehmer said. 'I know there are youth here who are gay or questioning—surely they have maybe some special needs we can work on, like directing them to places for help. They should feel like they are not only a special community, but a part of the community.'
Lesbian and Gay Police Association of Chicago, Inc.-Gay Officers Action League ( LGPA-GOAL ) President Jamie Richardson described Boehmer as a 'strong leader' in an e-mail to Windy City Times. LGPA-GOAL Chicago is a fraternal organization that addresses the needs and issues of gay and lesbian law enforcement personnel.
'During the two years that I have worked with her, she has proven to be a tremendous supporter of the LGBT community and LGPA-GOAL's concerns,' Richardson said. 'She has advocated for and has enforced understanding, sensitivity, and fair treatment of all within her jurisdiction.'
'She has a great reputation as being a hands-on manager and tends to actively participate with the community of which she works in. I am confident to state that she is a fantastic commander and I feel a terrible loss that the 20th District is losing her but also feel that her transition to 23 with only bring wonderful things for the LGBT community as well as all of the 23rd District,' Richardson continued. 'I feel confident that she will listen with sensitivity to the needs of the LGBT community. I look forward to and I will continue working with her on LGBT issues. The 23rd District is fortunate to have her as their commander.'
In a statement, Yamashiroya praised Boehmer, calling her 'an extremely intelligent, highly experienced and conscientious police officer.' Yamashiroya was 23rd District commander for over four years.
'It has been my honor and pleasure serving the wonderful community and it is with anticipation that I continue to serve the 23rd District, although in a different capacity,' he added. Area 3 covers districts in the Northeast part of the city, including District 23.
Weis told press that the overhaul took place to strengthen the city's fight against crime, improve community relations and increase diversity. He said that he chose commanders who have proven track records of hard work and taking initiative.
'The selection process was thorough and deliberate,' Weis said at a March 14 press conference. 'We picked people with a proven track record of being engaged, not only with the men and women who serve, but also with the community they serve.'
'You need to get the people in place before you can focus on the strategies,' he added. Weis' focus includes reducing crime and building relationships in communities. He hopes a change in leadership will filter down and create a cultural change within the department.
According to Weis, Each new commander had an average of 20 years experience on the force. Out of the commanders appointed on March 14, four are women.
Since he stepped foot in office Feb. 1, Weis has made a number of promotions to change his top staff. Weis said he did not have any discussion with the mayor prior to the recent changes, but Daley has voiced his support of Weis' decisions to the media.
