RICHARD WOOTEN · PRESS & SPEAKING
A public record of service, truth, and restoration.
For more than a decade, Richard Wooten has contributed to public conversations about policing, community safety, grief, faith, and neighborhood restoration. Explore the interviews and reporting behind that record.

Selected appearances and coverage
A public record of showing up.
As a pastor, Army veteran, retired Chicago police officer, community organizer, and founder of The Gathering Point, Richard brings experience from the places where service, pressure, responsibility, and faith meet.
These selected reports and interviews trace his work in public safety, accountability, community restoration, and the emotional weight of service.
Start with these conversations
Three entry points into Richard’s service, public voice, and community work.
CBS Chicago · 2015
Retiring Chicago Cop Not Done Making City Safe
Retirement, reentry & community services
WTTW Chicago Tonight · 2015
Exploring the Impact of Fatal Shootings on Cops
Officer trauma, use of force & CPD culture
WBEZ Morning Shift · 2016
What Chicagoans Need From Their Cops And What Cops Need From Chicagoans
Police-community relations
Public safety, service & accountability
Interviews and reporting on police-community relations, officer experience, reform, and public trust.
Medill Reports Chicago · 2015
Retired black CPD officers call for federal probe
Police accountability & federal probe
FOX 32 Chicago · 2015
FOX 32 Sunday: Richard Wooten
Chicago policing & leadership
WBEZ Morning Shift · 2016
Retired CPD Officer Reflects On Laquan McDonald
Laquan McDonald & police accountability
WBEZ Morning Shift · 2017
Retired CPD Officers Respond To DOJ Report: ‘Not An Attack On The Entire Department’
DOJ report & police reform
WTTW Chicago Tonight · 2018
Countering Racism: Is Racial Bias Training Enough?
Racial bias training & corporate response
ABC7 Chicago · 2019
Some Chicagoans see Van Dyke sentence as step backward in police-community relations
Van Dyke sentence & police reform
WTTW Chicago Tonight · 2020
Protests Raise Questions About Police-Community Relations in Chicago
George Floyd, racism & police-community relations
WTTW Chicago Tonight · 2021
Communities Affected by Police Violence Also Deal With Anger, Grief
Trauma, grief & police violence
WTTW Chicago Tonight · 2021
CPD Unveils New Foot Pursuit Policy After Fatal Shootings of Adam Toledo, Anthony Alvarez
Foot pursuits & police policy

Community restoration & leadership
Coverage of restorative practices, neighborhood advocacy, census participation, and support for families.
International Institute for Restorative Practices · 2010
IIRP Summer Training Institute Spreads Restorative Practices Worldwide
Restorative justice & school discipline
Chicago Crusader · 2018
Ald. Sawyer, community leaders speak out about new problem business in Chatham
Business standards & neighborhood safety
Citizen Newspaper Group · 2019
Crime App Developed to Protect and Serve Chatham Community
Crime Agitator app & emergency response
ABC7 Chicago · 2020
2020 US Census: Chatham residents go door to door to ensure South Side participation
2020 Census
South Side Weekly · 2020
Census Spotlight – Gathering Point Community Council
2020 Census & intergenerational engagement
WTTW Chicago Tonight · 2020
Chicago Tonight in Your Neighborhood: Chatham
Health access, retail & COVID recovery
NBC Chicago · 2022
Chatham Toddler Surprised With Gifts and Visit from Santa After Mother, Grandfather Killed
Trauma, healing & community aid
Chicago Sun-Times · 2022
Chatham group leaders urge liquor stores, bars to close two hours early on New Year’s Eve
Violence prevention & business responsibility
Profiles & civic record
Historical profiles and election coverage documenting Richard’s public service and neighborhood priorities.
Chicago Sun-Times · 2015
Sunday Sitdown with Richard Wooten, newly retired Chicago cop
Police career, retirement & community service
CBS Chicago · 2023
Chicago Decides: Richard Wooten and William Hall face off in South Side’s 6th Ward
Public safety, service & ward leadership
Chicago Sun-Times · 2023
6th, 21st Ward candidates discuss future of South Side ahead of runoff
Public safety, seniors & neighborhood investment
Chicago Sun-Times · 2023
Resurrect the dreams of residents: 6th Ward candidates share similar visions ahead of runoff
Mental health, schools & economic development

Bring an honest conversation to your audience.
Richard brings lived experience, Christian faith, and a practical approach to conversations about service, relationships, leadership, and purpose.
Speaking topics
- Strong Men Still Need Healing
- That’s Not Normal — Naming What Silent Survival Has Cost
- From Performance to Partnership
- Safety Before Solutions
- When Survival Becomes Your Personality
- Veterans, First Responders, and Life After the Role
- Pastoral and Leadership Wellness
- Faith, Shame, Worthiness, and Purpose
- Community Healing and Relationship-First Leadership
Formats
Keynotes · Workshops and training days · Church and ministry events · Panels, interviews and podcasts
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