Chicago Police Department Moving Some Violent Crime Detectives From North Side To West Side
CHICAGO (CBS) -- The mayor swore Eddie Johnson in Wednesday morning in the City Council chambers and one of his first duties as superintendent: move a group of detectives from the North Side to the West Side.
CBS 2's Suzanne Le Mignot explains.
Word violent crime detectives would be moving to the West Side is welcome news for 28th Ward Alderman Jason Ervin.
"Right now with the number of people that are getting shot and killed on the West Side of Chicago, I think this a move in the right direction," Ervin said.
Violent crime detectives are based at Area North, located at Belmont and Western.
Some detectives investigating homicides and shootings will go from Belmont and Western to the 11th District located at Harrison and Kedzie on the West Side, about five miles away.
A police spokesperson says the move is taking place so detectives are closer to districts experiencing upticks in violence and detectives can respond to investigate crime scenes faster.
Police say the move does not mean detectives would have to drive farther to cover crimes on the North Side, like a recent shooting at a bar in Old Irving Park where a bouncer died. Police say resources will still remain at Area North.
People packed a North Side community policing meeting in a building blocks from two recent murders.
"It definitely feels like violent crime is on the rise in our neighborhoods," said Helen Youngberg.
North Side aldermen still have concerns.
"Where I live, everyone is going to feel, 'We pay taxes too, how come we don't have the resources' and that is what hurts us," said 41st Ward Alderman Anthony Napolitano.
32nd Ward Alderman Scott Waguespack says this plan, combined with the loss of about one hundred officers from the same area in a district merger four years ago raises resource red flags. Waguespack says aldermen haven't been briefed about the plan.
"When we ask year-to-year what's your resource allocation, what is your manpower and where are you setting all of these things up to let us know what you're doing with taxpayer dollars, there's no answers," he said.
It appears other elected officials are in the dark too, including Mayor Rahm Emanuel.
"I'll make sure the Chicago Police Department get you an answer whether that's true or not," said Emanuel.
Northwest Side resident Leigh Welker says, "It would be wonderful if we could keep the detectives here and then there be enough resources to put some on the West Side where I am sure they are needed as well.
North Siders want to hear more.
"We've only got so many detectives and they've got to be out in some pattern that's going to make sense with the crime frequencies in the particular neighborhoods," said Tom Graf.
"It would be wonderful if we could keep the detectives here and then there be enough resources to put some on the West Side where I am sure they are needed as well," said Leigh Welker.
About 50 detectives specializing in violent crimes are stationed at Area North. It is not known how many will be moving.
