The Evanston branch of the NAACP has called an emergency meeting this afternoon to discuss rumors regarding Evanston Police Chief Demitrous Cook’s job status, one board member confirmed this afternoon.
Chief Cook was called to a meeting at the Evanston Civic Center with City Manager Erika Storlie and Deputy City Manager Kelley Gandurski, where he was presented with a typed-out letter of resignation to sign, said sources who had conversations with the Chief after.
The Chief reportedly declined to sign the letter, which included severance terms, and told officials he would give it to his attorney.
He said when he asked the basis for the request he was told “it was the will of the Council,” according to one conversation he had after.
Ms. Storlie and Mayor Daniel Biss could not be reached for immediate comment.
NAACP members have called the meeting “to discuss the Branch’s response to the situation,” said Kevin Brown, a board member.
Mr. Cook was appointed Evanston Police Chief in January 2018 by then City Manager Wally Bobkiewicz.
The RoundTable will update this story as additional information is received.
I’ve heard chatter about other problems with him, but, this is for sure suspect
True “will of the council” may by state law require a vote in open session of a regular meeting or properly called and notified special meeting. Whether the city manager can hire or fire department heads without council action is beyond my ken.
The “will of the council”? The incident hasn’t changed nor has the settlement; only the council has changed. Think about that!
I worked with, and for this man for many years. Blood, sweat and tears! Highly inteligent, ethicial and committed to serving the public.
Details of settlement in mid-April 2021. https://dailynorthwestern.com/2021/04/14/city/council-approves-90000-settlement-in-class-action-lawsuit-against-chief-cook/
This happened last year, but I believe it ended with a settlement that the city recently agreed to: https://dailynorthwestern.com/2020/02/22/city/evanston-police-chief-apologizes-for-posting-mugshots-other-confidential-information-on-snapchat/
I haven’t heard of anything wrong he has done. Why are they asking for his resignation? Truly hoping it’s not because of his skin color!
Because he’s black let’s be real what did he do wrong…I’ll wait