Some Aldermen Doubting McCarthy's Effectiveness As Top Cop
CHICAGO (CBS) -- As Police Supt. Garry McCarthy begins his fifth year running the Chicago Police Department, some aldermen – old and new – appeared to be losing confidence in his ability to reduce gun violence as summer approaches.
On Thursday alone, at least six people were slain, and 16 others were wounded in shootings on the South Side. According to the Chicago Tribune, through Monday, there had been 120 more shootings this year than at the same point last year.
Newly elected Ald. David Moore (17th) flatly said he doesn't think McCarthy's police strategies are working.
"Some changes have to be made at the top, as it relates to who's running the Police Department right now," he said.
Second-term Ald. John Arena (45th) seemed to grudgingly agree.
"I don't think we have a clear strategy to really engage in the communities. At the beginning, I was optimistic that McCarthy would bring in, and really strengthen the CAPS [Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy, the city's community policing program] and the community outreach, and I just have not seen it happen," he said.
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Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35th), another rookie on the City Council, also expressed doubts about McCarthy's performance.
"I'm really concerned about Superintendent McCarthy, and his ability to complete this task. We've seen CAPS funding cut in the last year," he said.
What would work to bring down crime?
"First of all, jobs, jobs, jobs, jobs, jobs, and more jobs, and more jobs, and more jobs," Moore said.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel has said he has full confidence in McCarthy. Both he and the superintendent have said stronger state laws are needed to get more guns off the streets.
Crime, the city's finances, and more are the topic on this weekend's edition of "At Issue," airing Sunday at 9:30 a.m. and 9:30 p.m. on WBBM Newsradio 780 & 105.9FM.
