The Asian American Law Enforcement Association (AALEA) is an IRS recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of Asian Americans in law enforcement.  Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests have revealed that from 2000-2014, the Chicago Police Department has meritoriously promoted just (2) Asian officers to the rank of Lieutenant; (3) Asian officers to the rank of Sergeant; and just (1) Asian officer to the rank of Detective. 

During this same time frame, (31) White; (28) African American, and (16) Hispanics have been meritoriously promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. (110) White; (77) African American; and (51) Hispanics have been meritoriously promoted to the rank of Sergeant.  (57) White; (36) African American; and (34) Hispanics have been meritoriously promoted to the rank of Detective. 

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Asians are the fastest growing population in the country.  Currently, Asian families account for 5.5% of Chicago residents and 7.2% of businesses.   We believe that this disparity is similar in other police departments in the State of Illinois.  

AALEA is requesting your assistance in petitioning the Chicago Police Department and the other police departments in the State of Illinois to immediately promote Asian American officers to the ranks of Lieutenant, Sergeant, and Detective so as to have and maintain a promotional mix reasonably representative of the growing Asian population.