[14] As a result of the consent decree, Johnson validated the CPD's community policing efforts, making substantial improvements in officer training, which eventually led to a decrease in officer-related shootings.
[18] Another controversy linked to Johnson was the high-profile case against actor Jussie Smollett,[19] who was accused of staging a fake hate crime on Chicago's North Side.
However, the charges were subsequently dropped by State's Attorney Kim Foxx, enraging Johnson as well as Mayor Emanuel.
[14] Trump in turn traded words with Johnson, who criticised Chicago officials over their mishandling of the city's high crime rate.
In October 2019, Johnson refused to attend a speech by Trump at the International Association of Chiefs of Police that took place in Chicago, a move supported by Mayor Lori Lightfoot.
"[22] Johnson called Trump's words frivolous and stated that he "would not attend the conference while racial insults and hatred are cast from the Oval Office.
[24][25] On November 8, 2019, Mayor Lightfoot appointed retired Los Angeles police chief Charlie Beck as the city's interim superintendent.
[28] On December 4, 2019, he chose to accept retirement under his career service position as lieutenant, which completely severed his relationship with the CPD.
[34][35] Both Johnsons support Illinois' organ donation program, and were honored by the National Kidney Foundation with an award at its 2019 Gift of Life Gala.