15 Facts About Renault Robinson

Renault Alvin Robinson was an American police officer who served at the Chicago Police Department from 1964 to 1983.

Renault Robinson was most known for founding the African American Patrolman's League.

Renault Alvin Robinson was born as the oldest of eight children in Chicago, Illinois, to Mabel and Robert Robinson.

Renault Robinson was raised in the Woodlawn neighborhood on the city's south side.

Renault Robinson attended Corpus Christi Catholic church, attending and graduating from Corpus Christi Grammar School in 1956.

For high school, Renault Robinson first attended Corpus Christi High School for two years and later graduated from Hyde Park High School in 1960.

Renault Robinson took the Chicago Civil Service Commission written police exam in 1963.

Renault Robinson joined the Chicago Police Department in 1964, and was involved in providing police protection for the September 4,1966, march on Cicero, Illinois.

In 1968 Renault Robinson co-founded the Chicago Police Department's Afro-American Patrolmen's League, an organization aimed at improving police service to the black community and at getting more blacks into policymaking positions in the department.

Renault Robinson was criticized for the firing of the authority's elevator mechanics and maintenance personnel without having adequate replacements, which caused problems for residents living in high-rise buildings.

In 1984, Renault Robinson began a political war with the new executive director Zirl Smith for control over the Chicago Housing Authority which lasted for three years.

In January 1987, a week after Smith resigned as executive director, Renault Robinson resigned as chairman.

Renault Robinson died in Chicago on July 8,2023, at the age of 80.

Renault Robinson was married to Annette from 1966 until his death in 2023.

Renault Robinson is survived by his wife, Annette, five of his siblings, his four sons, ten grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.