Vallas: Chicago needs better protection for witnesses
Vallas: Chicago needs better protection for witnesses
Mass shootings are rampant in Chicago. Arrests for those shootings are almost nonexistent. Witness protection is the key to changing that.
Vallas: How to boost Chicago Police Department strength, morale
Vallas: How to boost Chicago Police Department strength, morale
Mayor Brandon Johnson deserves much credit for approving a new Chicago Police Department contract that is generous and fair. Now comes the big question.
Illinois city outlaws trick-or-treating beyond age 12
Illinois city outlaws trick-or-treating beyond age 12
Some Illinois communities see regulating any mischief on Halloween as a real treat. Belleville prohibits anyone older than 12 from trick-or-treating, with fines up to $1,000.
Chicago homicides in 2022 up 43% above pre-pandemic levels
Chicago homicides in 2022 up 43% above pre-pandemic levels
Chicagoans reported 43% more homicides in 2022 than in 2019, the last baseline year before COVID-19 pandemic tensions ushered in two of the city’s deadliest years in a quarter century. Few communities were exempt from the rise in violent crime.
Chicago sees total crime drop, but most-violent crimes up over decade
Chicago sees total crime drop, but most-violent crimes up over decade
2022 marked a decade-high number of assaults and motor vehicle thefts in Chicago while arrest rates plummeted to their lowest level in 10 years. The first eight months of 2023 has not been much better, with a 13% increase in overall crime.
Vallas: Chicago can use home rule powers to curb crime
Vallas: Chicago can use home rule powers to curb crime
The SAFE-T Act could make it too hard for Chicago to detain offenders. Residents can’t afford that when the city is already amid a violent crime surge. Chicago leaders should use home rule powers to create a city public safety act.
There is no longer cash bail in Illinois. What happens now?
There is no longer cash bail in Illinois. What happens now?
After litigation delaying its implementation, the full provisions of Illinois’ SAFE-T Act went into effect on Sept. 18. Here’s what to expect.
Vallas: SAFE-T Act starts Monday. 4 ways to make it safer
Vallas: SAFE-T Act starts Monday. 4 ways to make it safer
Proponents of the SAFE-T Act see it as an end to discrimination in a system that favors the wealthy. Opponents see it as depriving law enforcement of the tools they need to keep streets safe. Both are right. Four legislative actions could fix that.
Vallas: Chicago has a new police chief, what’s his plan to fix the city’s crime problem?
Vallas: Chicago has a new police chief, what’s his plan to fix the city’s crime problem?
Larry Snelling, formerly the Chicago Police Department’s counterterrorism bureau chief, was selected Aug. 13 to become CPD’s next superintendent. Now, the city needs clarity on his plans to address Chicago’s crime problems.
Vallas: Youth crime is on the rise in Chicago – and CTU’s school closures may be to blame for the trend
Vallas: Youth crime is on the rise in Chicago – and CTU’s school closures may be to blame for the trend
Rising crime in Chicago is being driven by an increase in youth crime – as a result of the Chicago Teachers Union’s policies and agenda, which undermine police and public safety.
Chicago gun violence by neighborhood: South, West sides remain most dangerous
Chicago gun violence by neighborhood: South, West sides remain most dangerous
Chicago Police Department reports show shootings in 2022 were 32% higher than 2019. Shootings in the Loop tripled during that time.
Vallas: Chicago Police overtime cost $126M, plus cost of burn-out
Vallas: Chicago Police overtime cost $126M, plus cost of burn-out
One way to “defund the police” is by not hiring officers – a strategy supported by many in Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s camp. The problem is, failing to hire more officers is backfiring. It leads to higher costs, some of which are very hard to count but easy to see.
What to expect when cash bail ends in Illinois
What to expect when cash bail ends in Illinois
The Illinois Supreme Court ruled ending cash bail is constitutional. What does that mean for Illinois? It means ready or not, the system changes Sept. 18.
Illinois Supreme Court: Criminal cash bail goes away Sept. 18
Illinois Supreme Court: Criminal cash bail goes away Sept. 18
Illinois will become the first state to eliminate cash bail. The Illinois Supreme Court on July 18 upheld the Pretrial Fairness Act, ruling it doesn’t violate the Illinois Constitution.