Safety Talks In The 20th Ward
Last week over 100 concerned residents of Chicago, armed with questions about their safety and the state of their community, packed St. Edmonds Parrish Hall at 6105 S. Michigan Ave. Ald. Willie Cochran (20th Ward) hosted the community safety meeting on Oct. 4, where invited guests included Chicago Police Superintendent, Garry McCarthy; 2nd District Commander, Fred Waller and 3rd District Commander, Christopher Fletcher. The three spoke about their plans to reduce the citys crime.
The forum was geared to get community members and law enforcement officers on the same page about what both sides should do to help decrease crime and to make city neighborhoods safe for all.
Superintendent McCarthy immediately told the audience that as of September 1, 117 new police officers were deployed on the streets of Chicago. McCarthy also discussed the Chicago Police Departments (CPD) safety initiatives for the 20th Ward as well as for other areas of Chicago.
We dont want to move crime, we want to reduce crime, said McCarthy. If given some time Im convinced that we will set the national standard of what a police department should be. he added.
Residents were also given the opportunity to ask Superintendent McCarthy and the commanders questions and make statements about what they perceive to be as a string of violence in their community.
The commanders gave their CPD office numbers to residents who had additional questions and who were uncomfortable speaking in front of the crowd.
During the meeting, Ald. Cochran, discussed possible solutions that may help reduce crime including updating current CPD resident outreach programs. Cochran, who holds a masters Degree in Public Administration from the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago, is also a retired CPD police officer.
If you are interested in attending a community safety meeting in your neighborhood, call 312-747-1160 for a listing of community beat meeting schedules.
By: Abbra Stiffend
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