Metra hires firm for police chief transition

Metra will pay $100,000 over two months to Chicago-based security firm Hillard Heintze as part of a transition of its police force that includes an interim chief.

The agency is still holding on to a Hillard Heintze report that’s expected to unveil issues within the police force, which has been criticized for excessive overtime in the past.

Former Chief James Sanford retired Wednesday after three decades with Metra.

The agency announced Thursday it was hiring Harvey L. Radney, a Hillard Heintze executive and former Chicago Police Department deputy superintendent, to serve as interim chief over two months.

Radney will “plan, coordinate and direct the day-to-day activities of the department,” officials said in a statement. He will also implement recommendations in the Hillard Heintze report, which “Metra plans to release in the near future.”

The report was completed in 2013.

Hillard Heintze, which Metra also hired in 2010 to assist in reforms after a corruption scandal, will consult with the agency on finding a permanent police chief and improving the police force.