Mayor's Panel Issues Recommendations On Curbing Violence In Chicago
CHICAGO (CBS) -- A commission organized by the mayor has issued a report outlining what it calls a "strategic plan" for curbing violence in Chicago.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel tasked the Commission for a Safer Chicago with making recommendations within five key areas in an effort to stem violence: youth employment, health and healing, safety and justice, safe spaces and activities, and creating restorative school communities.
The group has been working on the report for five months, holding a series of meetings to gather input.
Among proposals from the 130-member panel was a suggestion to connect families to counseling and services when they're touched by homicides, and helping children safely get to and from after-school activities.
The mayor said he does not deny Saturday's murder of 15-year-old Demario Bailey as his twin brother looked on was a sobering reality check.
"This weekend was a stark reminder we have a big challenge ahead of us. A lot of people want to help; and we have to be in the best position, organized as a city, to help both the parents, and their kids, and our communities, so our kids have a safe place to be," he said.
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Rev. Bernard Jakes, senior pastor of West Point Missionary Baptist Church, said the violence can't be ignored.
"You think about it from a perspective of doing something about it, and partnering with the city or taking responsibility," he said.
The mayor said some of that work is going on now.