{"id":18033,"date":"2020-08-09T16:13:58","date_gmt":"2020-08-09T21:13:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rnrachicago.org\/?page_id=18033"},"modified":"2020-08-09T16:13:58","modified_gmt":"2020-08-09T21:13:58","slug":"neighborhood-public-safety-update-august-9-2020","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/newsite.rnrachicago.org\/?page_id=18033","title":{"rendered":"Neighborhood Public Safety Update – August 9, 2020"},"content":{"rendered":"
On Thursday August 6th, Leaders from River North Residents Association (RNRA) and Streeterville Organization\u00a0of Active Residents (SOAR) met with Chicago Police Department 18th District Commander\u00a0Jill Stevens, Sergeant Chris Schenk, Alderman Brendan Reilly and Alderman Brian Hopkins, to\u00a0discuss what can be done to address and stop the increasing crime in \u00a0River North and Streeterville.\u00a0Both neighborhoods are experiencing the same disturbing illegal and criminal activities. Fortunately\u00a0we learned that there are many plans and initiatives in place to address our concerns, which include\u00a0the need for a greater police presence, additional external resources and technology to reduce\u00a0crime, late night street parties, Divvy bike controls, hotel occupancy oversight, and recurring\u00a0motorcycle illegal activity.<\/div>\n
\n
We are in constant contact with CPD and our Aldermen and plan to have regularly scheduled joint\u00a0meetings to maintain strong communications and governance. The safety and security of all\u00a0residents, all businesses and all visitors and guests remains our highest\u00a0priority with our public\u00a0safety partners.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
MEETING SUMMARY<\/strong>
\nCommander Stevens highlighted the following aspects of the 18th District plan to curb the increase\u00a0in violence and lawlessness in the neighborhood.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Crime<\/strong>
\nCommander Stevens has requested and received two platoons of 50 officers from the recently\u00a0created\u00a0Critical Incident Response Team<\/a>\u00a0to supplement patrol officers in response to recent criminal\u00a0activity. They will work the afternoon and evening watches. In addition she has requested and will\u00a0receive additional bike patrols, canine officers, and mounted officers when not assigned to protests.\u00a0The Commander has also re-established foot patrol officers on specific streets.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Police Presence<\/strong>
\nThere will be a joint surge mission on weekends with the adjoining 1st District (Loop) to show a\u00a0police presence on certain hot spots in both Districts. This will involve multiple police cars moving\u00a0thru an area.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Late Night Street Parties, Illegal Drinking and Drugs, etc.<\/strong>
\nAt the request of Alderman Reilly (42nd) and Alderman Hopkins (2nd), the Commander has placed\u00a0no parking restrictions on specific residential streets from 11pm until 6am. RNRA encouraged\u00a0Commander Stevens to increase this coverage as needed.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Divvy (Lyft) Bike<\/strong>
\nAldermen Reilly and Hopkins have both put pressure on Divvy to address the issue of stolen\u00a0bicycles and resulting criminal activities. Divvy has presented a three pronged plan involving credit\u00a0card checks (no prepaid debit cards), reducing hours of operation and upgrading docking stations\u00a0with stronger locking devices. If these changes don\u2019t work, the Aldermen said they will require Divvy\u00a0to replace all of the docking stations with new theft proof units at their expense.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Hotels<\/strong>
\nAt a recent meeting with the Hotel Management Association, Alderman Reilly told the hotels they\u00a0had to have a security guard in the hotel lobby with a clipboard to check off the names of the people\u00a0who are registered guests. Only two persons per room will be allowed. They will have only two key\u00a0cards issued to the named occupants. The hotels were notified that the occupant\u2019s friends were\u00a0entering the hotels through the fire exits and that the hotels needed to address this issue. Sgt.\u00a0Schenk said the Community Policing Team is visiting the hotels to advise management of their\u00a0obligations.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Motorcycles<\/strong>
\nThe Illinois State Police (ISP) has a motorcycle contingent. Commander Stevens has requested ISP\u00a0to attend a roll call and instruct CPD officers on specific methods and laws to curtail illegal\u00a0motorcycle activities.\u00a0Alderman Reilly reminded the Commander that he had a law passed last year\u00a0that made \u201cstraight pipes\u201d illegal.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
NEXT STEPS<\/strong>
\nWe will continue to provide alerts, updates and details as we receive them. We realize that this is\u00a0just a start and there is much more that needs to be accomplished. This is a work in progress, but\u00a0please know that our Aldermen and the CPD 18th District are working overtime on our behalf to\u00a0address all of the issues that are affecting the quality of life and safety for River North residents.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Attend Your CAPS Beat Meeting<\/strong>
\nThis is an opportunity for you to share your concerns directly with CPD. \u00a0These meetings have most recently\u00a0been via Zoom.CAPS Beat Meetings are posted on the RNRA Event\u00a0Calendar:\u00a0RNRAChicago.org<\/a>. \u00a0Not sure what\u00a0Beat you are in?\u00a0CLICK\u00a0HERE<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\n