Deputy Chief Karla E. Johnson

Chief

Hello everyone, I am Deputy Chief Karla E. Johnson. Born and raised on the far South Side of Chicago, I am a proud CPS alum and a first-generation Police Officer. I have proudly served the Chicago Police Department for 24 years and currently serve as the Deputy Chief of the Training and Support Group. In this role, I oversee recruit, in-service, supervisory, and specialized training programs while leading department-wide training strategies, curriculum development, firearms instruction, and continuing education. Prior to this assignment, I served as Commander of the 005th District, where violent crime decreased during my tenure. I also served in the Office of Community Policing, focusing on youth engagement and community problem solving. As a Lieutenant, I worked in the Crime Prevention and Information Center and the Office of the Superintendent. As a Sergeant, I was assigned to the 003rd District and the Human Resources Division, where I assisted candidates through the hiring process. In addition, I served as an Evidence Technician within the Bureau of Detectives, processing crime scenes. I earned my MBA from Saint Xavier University and my BA in Psychology from the University of Illinois Chicago. I am also a graduate of the Northwestern University Center for Public Safety School of Police Staff and Command and recently completed the University of Chicago Policing Leadership Academy. Mentorship has always been important to me. My team and I are here to help to answer the call to service.

Sergeant Vazquez

Sergeant

My tenure with the Chicago Police Department exceeds a decade, it has been both an honor and a privilege to put on this uniform and serve the great city of Chicago. I joined the department after working as a Correctional Officer for the Illinois Department of Corrections, and prior to that, I proudly served as an enlisted member of the United States Marine Corps. Throughout my career as a patrol officer and later as a patrol sergeant, I’ve developed a deep understanding of the skills and dedication required to effectively serve our communities. In my current role, I focus on individuals who are not only highly qualified but also embody the core values of the Chicago Police Department: professionalism, integrity, courage, dedication, and respect. As a Latino who grew up in the inner city, I take great pride in shaping the future of our police force, ensuring that it reflects the diversity and strength of our communities. If you are ready to take on the challenge and pursue a meaningful career in law enforcement, I'm here to guide you through the process.

Sergeant Ramakrishnan

Sergeant

I’m Sgt. Ram, the proud son of immigrants who taught me the value of hard work, sacrifice, and service to others. After witnessing the events of September 11, 2001, I felt a deep calling to give back to the country that gave my family so much. That calling led me to join the department, where I’ve dedicated my career to protecting and serving my community with integrity and compassion.

Officer French

Police Recruiter

I am a proud product of Chicago, raised on the South Side in Auburn Gresham. My educational journey began at Clara Barton Elementary School, continued at Hyde Park Career Academy High School, and led to a Bachelor's Degree from Northern Illinois University and a Master's Degree from Keller Graduate School. Before joining the Chicago Police Department, where I’ve served for over 6 years, I spent 15 years in Corporate America as a Financial Analyst, Supplier Relations Manager, and Product Manager. While many didn’t understand my transition to law enforcement, it remains one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Throughout my time with the CPD, I’ve worked in several units, including the 007th District (Englewood), Community Safety Team, Vehicular Hijacking Task Force, Internal Affairs, Community Policing, Special Events, and now Recruitment and Retention. My journey from Corporate America to CPD is a story I’m proud to share, and I am passionate about helping guide candidates through the process as they embark on their careers with the Chicago Police Department.

Officer Cooley

Police Recruiter

I am excited to join the Recruitment and Retention Unit at CPD as I'm natural leader and self-motivated individual. I grew up in Dolton, IL, graduated from Thornridge High School, and earned a degree in Mathematics and Early Childhood Education from Chicago State University. I am a mother of four and I reside in Chicago's Southside. My career began as a drive-up teller at LaSalle Bank ABN AMRO (later Bank of America). I then joined MB Financial as a floating teller in 2004, quickly rising to a top customer service representative. In 2009, I became a teller supervisor at First Midwest Bank, and in 2016, I was promoted to Branch Manager in Hammond, Indiana. With my extensive experience in leadership and customer service, I am passionate about aiding incoming candidates for the CPD, ensuring they are well-prepared and supported in their roles.

Officer A. Mai

Police Recruiter

Since joining the Chicago Police Department in 2019, I have transitioned from a finance and marketing professional with over a decade of experience. This career change has been one of the most fulfilling decisions I have made. Currently, as a National Recruiter for the Chicago Police Department, I am dedicated to assisting others in recognizing the numerous opportunities the Chicago Police Department presents.

Officer Ivanova

Police Recruiter

I have been with the Chicago Police Department for over 7 years. I started my career as a patrol officer and now I am on the Recruitment and Retention Unit. I am a strong, determined, reliable, motivated, and passionate individual who has faced adversity throughout my life and surmounted it, growing stronger for any experience that comes my way. I am fluent in both English and Bulgarian, with excellent service spirit. I am a first-generation daughter of immigrants from Bulgaria, who was the first in my family to graduate from college. I played volleyball at the club, high school, and collegiate level. I also coached club volleyball for ten years, as well as two years at the high school and collegiate level prior to joining the force. For some time, I've been working with people to change their lives through sports, not only to train them to become athletes, but also to help them develop their lives positively. I love passing on tried and true advice I have picked up along the way to help others with their goals, dreams and desires. I believe that everybody has potential, and if given the right guidance, can unlock the greatness within themselves. Being an athlete, a coach, an immigrant and a police officer I have gained a plethora of life skills and knowledge that I want to pass along to you! Let me be that coach, that mentor, that someone in your corner to help you succeed. Let me be your favorite recruiter, I will help you get there!

Officer Ramirez

Police Recruiter

Hey everyone, Officer Rigoberto Ramirez here, but everyone calls me Rigo. I was born and raised on the South Side of Chicago in a big Mexican household. I'm proudly the son of Mexican immigrants! I never thought I was meant to be a cop. I figured I didn’t fit the mold — I wasn’t the biggest, the toughest, or the loudest guy in the room. One night, I decided to change that and filled out an online application for the Chicago Police Department. I told myself I couldn’t assume I wouldn’t be accepted, and at 32, I started the academy. I have no regrets about becoming a police officer. The doors it’s opened for me are endless. If you think you can’t do this, I promise you can. Join CPD and start your own adventure.

Officer Rapier

Police Recruiter

I am regarded as a well-rounded individual, possessing a proven track record of success, kindness, and trustworthiness. Additionally, I’m known for my ability to provide lighthearted humor in various situations. I thrive on social interactions, cultural exploration, and spending quality time with friends and family. I’m characterized by my relaxed and easygoing demeanor, making me an adaptable and collaborative team member. I am open-minded and willing to engage in respectful discussions that do not cause harm or offense. My interests include travel, building crafts, house design and renovations, plus I have a talent for turning what others perceive as trash into works of art! As a Police Recruiter, I have had the privilege of working with a diverse range of individuals, communities, attitudes, and demands. This experience has honed my adaptability in how I accomplish goals. I am committed to fostering connections with people from all backgrounds, regardless of their age, race, gender, or socioeconomic status. My ultimate objective is to enhance the experiences of the communities we serve.

Officer Rodriguez

Police Recruiter

Hi everyone, I’m Officer Rodriguez, the newest recruiter with the Chicago Police Department. Before joining CPD, I served as SFC Rodriguez in the Illinois Army National Guard, where I dedicated more than 12 years to military service. My experience in the Guard strengthened my leadership, discipline, and commitment to duty. I am now focused on a new objective: helping veterans transition after service and identifying where their skills and experience align within the Chicago Police Department.

Officer Boyer

Police Recruiter

Hello, everyone. I'm Officer Boyer. I joined the Chicago Police Department in 2016. It has been an honor to work in various communities in the great city of Chicago. I am now one of the newest members of the Recruitment and Retention Unit. During my time on patrol I spent several years as a Field Training Officer, and helped new officers apply what they learned in the academy to real life situations. Being a Field Training Officer was an honor, and I feel that experience will translate well to recruiting.

Officer Ward

Police Recruiter

I have proudly served with the Chicago Police Department for seven years, working in the 005th and 019th Districts as a patrol officer before joining the Extradition Unit, where I processed warrants and supported department operations. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Southern Illinois University Carbondale and am honored to continue my father’s legacy in law enforcement. I’m passionate about helping others and strive to bring empathy, integrity, and service to everything I do. As a mother to a two-year-old son, I understand the importance of resilience, hard work, and sacrifice, and I carry those values with me both on and off duty.

Officer B. Mai

Police Recruiter

I’ve been proudly serving in the Chicago Police Department since 2019. I have worked in the near west side and central districts of Chicago as a patrol officer and now I’m a recruiter in the Recruitment and Retention Unit. Being a recruiter gives me the opportunity to connect with so many people from all walks of life. I’ve helped many people in need when I worked on patrol, but now I have been given the opportunity to change lives by offering others a career path in law enforcement with CPD. This job is truly satisfying when you’re making a difference in your community and other people’s lives. If you got what it takes to become a Chicago Police Officer or even just curious about the career, feel free to reach out and let me be your recruiter!