By Gary Barlow

Staff writer

Chicago Police Supt. Jody Weis announced sweeping staff changes in the Chicago Police Department March 13, replacing 21 of the CPD’s 25 district commanders, including those who lead the Town Hall (23rd) District in Lakeview and Uptown and the Foster (20th) District that encompasses Andersonville and Edgewater.

Weis said the new commanders reflect his commitment to promoting diversity in the CPD and promoting officers “who have demonstrated a strong work ethic throughout their law enforcement careers.

“Many of these faces are familiar to the rank and file as well as the community, and I believe that they are solid choices that will no doubt enhance the department’s mission going forward.”

Weis reached into the 20th District to find a new leader for the 23rd District, installing Kathleen Boehmer as commander. Lucy Moy was appointed to take over the 20th District command.

Boehmer said she’s looking forward to the challenge and praised her predecessor, Cmdr. Gary Yamashiroya, who’s earned high marks from GLBT leaders on North Halsted Street for improving the relationship between the police and the GLBT community.

“I know Gary has done a good job,” Boehmer said March 17, just hours after she took command at Halsted and Addison. “I want to build on the things he’s done and make them even better.”

Weis took over leadership of the CPD earlier this year, appointed by Mayor Richard M. Daley to reinvigorate a police department that’s been battered by charges of police brutality and off-duty misbehavior by a handful of officers. At a swearing-in ceremony for the new commanders March 14, Weis said the changes are intended to help him carry out his vision for the CPD.

“My No. 1 priority has always been to create an atmosphere of excellence with a team of proven leaders who will bring a new vision, new ideas and the positive role models for the men and women of this department,” Weis said.

Boehmer said she hasn’t had lengthy conversations with Weis yet about his expectations but said the overall goals he’s set forth are straightforward.

“Obviously there’s a lot of change going on,” she said. “The superintendent has made it clear that we’re here to serve the residents of the community. We’re here to make the community feel safe and to make them feel comfortable working with the community.”

Boehmer said her past experiences in the 20th District and as a detective in Area 3 headquarters have included working with the GLBT community.

“I’m looking forward to dealing with the GLBT community here,” she said. “All over the city there’s a sizable GLBT community and that’s certainly been true in the 20th.”

Yamashiroya was tapped by Weis to take over command at Area 3, which includes lakefront neighborhoods from River North to Evanston. That command leaves him in charge of detectives who investigate, among other things, violent crimes against GLBTs in Lakeview and other heavily gay North Side Lakefront neighborhoods. That detective division has investigated two high-profile slayings of gay men in recent years, Brad Winters in August 2003 and Kevin Clewer in March 2004, that remain unsolved.

Sidetrack co-owner Art Johnston praised Yamashiroya’s leadership in the 23rd and said the GLBT community is fortunate that he’s taking over at Area 3.

“Although I’m sorry to see Gary Yamashiroya move out of our district, I’m thrilled he’ll have an area of even greater responsibility that will include us,” Johnston said. “We’ve had in the past some problems with the way hate crimes were investigated and that should improve under Gary.”

Johnston also praised Boehmer’s appointment.

“The reputation of the incoming commander is excellent and we’re looking forward to working with her,” he said.

The new commanders took over in their new roles March 17.