Robinson joined the Chicago Police Department in 1964, and was involved in for the September 4, 1966, march on Cicero, Illinois. In 1968 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. The formation of the AAPL led to an increase in minority officers and civil rights lawsuits against the CPD for the discrimination of African American and Hispanic citizens. It also was a costly move for Robinson. Before the founding of the AAPL, Robinson was considered a model policeman with a 97% efficiency rating and had won more than 50 citations for outstanding police work. After the founding of the AAPL, Robinson and other members were often suspended, brought up on charges for minor infractions, reassigned to less desirable positions and threatened with dismissal from the police force as the CPD hoped to dismantle the organization. Robinson nevertheless remained on the force and spoke out against racism in the police department criticizing events such as a raid that resulted in the murder of Black Panther Party member Fred Hampton and a dragnet operation ran by infamous Chicago police commander Jon Burge that resulted in a military-like occupation of Chicago's South Side. Despite the hardships in the department Robinson however was backed by Harold Washington, a member of the Illinois House of Representatives who would become Chicago's first African American mayor.
Chicago Housing Authority
In August 1983, Robinson resigned from the police force when he was appointed to chair the Chicago Housing Authority by newly elected African-American Mayor Harold Washington. During his first few months as chairman, He made a number of controversial decisions. He was criticized for the firing of the authority's elevator mechanics and maintenance personal without having adequate replacements; which caused problems for residents living in high-rise buildings. In October, Robinson was stripped of day-to day authority for many reasons; but notably for the hiring friends, relatives and associates in top authority positions. By end of 1983, his yearly salary was deduced from $60,000 to 30,000. In 1984, Robinson began a political war with newly executive director Zirl Smith for control over the Chicago Housing Authority which lasted for three years. In January 1987, After a week after Smith resigned as executive director; Robinson resigned as chairman.
Later career/Personal
In 1989, Robinson pursued a business career in temporary staffing and became vice president of ASI Personnel Service before founding his own agency, Renault Robinson Staffing, in 2000. Robinson has been married to his wife Annette since 1966, they have four children; Renault Robinson Jr., Brian Robinson, Kivu Robinson and Kobie Robinson.
