In Op-Ed, Supt. Johnson Writes CPD Needs More Cooperation From Courts
(CBS) -- Chicago's new police superintendent is calling for more cooperation from the courts and the public in the effort to curb crime and violence on the city's streets.
The department believes that a mere 1,300 people are responsible for the "vast majority" of Chicago's recent violence. Police Supt. Eddie Johnson writes in a Sun-Times op-ed piece, published in Sunday's editions, that his officers are locking them up, in some cases repeatedly.
"For years, repeat offenders with violent criminal records have been able to continually cause harm in our communities with minimum consequences," he writes.
Johnson writes that judges who impose low bonds and light sentences "wash away" what police do.
"Offenders tell me that as long as they can get out of jail in a matter of months for carrying a gun, they are going to do it again," he said.
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He cites a Monday murder. Between victim Robert Rosenau and suspect Raul Martinez, he said the two had 80 arrests, calling Martinez the "perfect demonstration" of what's wrong with the system.
"In 2014, he was sentenced to three years in jail on a gun charge, but walked free just over a year later," Johnson wrote.
As a result, he said he "will continue to demand that the criminal justice system do a better job to hold these violent individuals accountable and keep them off of our streets."
He said cooperation from the courts and public can only help.
"It doesn't have to be this way," he wrote. "It shouldn't be this way. And by working together, we can curb these trends."
As for the department, Johnson writes, "Respect is the foundation for rebuilding trust. And the easiest and most honest say to show respect is to listen. To the residents of Chicago, we hear you and you have my commitment that we will work with you as your partners in this fight."
