Commander Schonella Stewart Expected to Become Beloit’s Next Police Chief

The Beloit Police and Fire Commission has announced its intent to select Commander Schonella Stewart as the next City of Beloit Police Chief. A conditional offer was extended to Stewart, who has accepted the position pending a standard employment drug screen, background investigation, and formal approval from the commission. The PFC is expected to meet in early November to take official action on the selection.

From what I learned, Stewart went through an extensive and competitive hiring process that included two rounds of interviews with the commission, an assessment center overseen by three police chiefs from other communities, a community forum, and interviews with both city leadership and department staff.

Stewart brings nearly two decades of law enforcement experience to the role. She has served 19 years with the Oak Park Police Department in Illinois, moving up through the ranks from patrol officer to commander. Her career includes work as a juvenile investigator, detective, tactical officer, patrol sergeant, and investigations commander. She also participated in several specialized task forces, including homicide, Internet Crimes Against Children, FBI hijacking, and human trafficking.

As a commander, she managed administrative, operational, and fiscal duties for the patrol, investigations, and community policing units. Her strong background in community engagement, media relations, and investigative tactics has earned her respect within her department and beyond.

Stewart’s education and leadership credentials also stand out. She graduated from Northwestern University’s School of Police Staff and Command in December 2023, where she received the Franklin M. Kreml Leadership Award. She holds a Master of Social Work from Chicago State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a minor in Criminal Justice from Barber-Scotia College, where she graduated with Cum Laude honors.

Before entering law enforcement in 2006, Stewart worked in social work, a background that adds a valuable community-centered approach to her policing philosophy.

More information about the next steps will be released once the Police and Fire Commission makes its formal decision in early November.

It’s always interesting to see new leadership coming into such an important local role, especially someone with Stewart’s blend of experience in law enforcement and community service. I’ll be keeping an eye on the commission’s next meeting for official confirmation.