Ernest Cato III

Chief Public Safety Officer, Illinois Department of Corrections

About the Talk

Ernest Cato challenges conventional wisdom about urban violence by exploring the relationship between law enforcement and vulnerable communities. From growing up on the West Side of Chicago to becoming Deputy Chief Commander in the Chicago Police Department, Cato shows how partnership-based policing can transform high-crime areas in America’s cities.

Source: WTTW

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“This is a quote from the speaker providing a testimonial for the coach”

— Ernest Cato

About Ernest

Ernest Cato III was appointed Chief Public Safety Officer in 2023. Chief Cato is responsible for oversight of Operations and the Parole Division.

Chief Cato retired from the Chicago Police Department after serving 32 years. In his last assignment, he served as the Chief of the Bureau of Counterterrorism, focusing on long-term Gang and Narcotics Investigations, providing resources and organization for large-scale city events, and creating citywide missions and deployment plans to curb violence with intelligence-led proactive approaches. Previously, Chief Cato served as Deputy Chief of Area Four-Bureau of Patrol, overseeing three Tier 1 police districts, the Area Community Engagement and Support Team, and citywide Intervention Connections. He also served on the Use of Force Working Group to assist in reform measures. Chief Cato previously served as the District Commander of the 015th District in Chicago. As Commander, he created and implemented multiple groundbreaking programs, such as the Austin Response Team, and collaborated with community organizations. He also previously served as the Tactical Lieutenant, overseeing multiple tactical teams in the 015th District.

His career highlights also include assisting in the development of a Gang Violence Reduction Strategy and detailing as a Supervisor of Investigations to the City of Chicago Office of Inspector General, and serving the United States Department of State in South Africa, where he consulted with the local government and police in building community policing programs. Chief Cato earned his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and master's degree in public safety administration from Lewis University.

Source: Illinois.gov

WTTW’s Firsthand Series: Peacekeepers

As crime and public safety are top of mind across Chicago’s communities, there are people who are working to prevent conflict before it happens and stop it from escalating when it does. WTTW spends a year exploring violence interruption and prevention in Chicago in Firsthand: Peacekeepers, a series of documentaries, expert talks, investigative journalism, and community engagement focusing on extraordinary people who are making a difference. Through their firsthand accounts, we witness their struggles and triumphs as they mentor youth, build trust, and mediate conflicts.

Learn more

Source: WTTW

Coach’s Reflections

Lorem Ipsum - a reflection on the talk process, what worked well for him, etc.

When We Become Invisible

Talk given at WTTW’s Firsthand Talks: Peacekeepers