AustinTalks (http://austintalks.org/tag/chicago-police-department/)
Tuesday’s town hall was the first of four public hearings being held across the city as the search for the Chicago Police Department’s next superintendent continues. Several people said they want former 15th District Commander Ernest Cato to get the job.
The first of three in-person forums will be held April 11 at the Kehrein Center for the Arts, 5628 W. Washington Blvd., and there will also be a virtual forum on April 25.
“It is my opinion that Supt. Brown should fire this officer,” 29th Ward Ald. Chris Taliaferro told members of The Leaders Network this week.
The 15th District reported 119 shootings last year, a 33% reduction over 2021. Austin reported one of the biggest drops in crime out of the city’s 22 police districts.
The Leaders Network joined 25th Ward Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez in urging the officer be immediately removed.
15th District Commander Andre Parham called the reduction in crime in Austin “unprecedented.” He officers, residents and community groups for working together.
The mayor and other city officials shared their plans to address the root causes of violence at a West Side public safety town hall meeting held recently. It’s one of six town halls being held across the city in March and April.
Members of the Leaders Network discussed the challenges and responsibilities of the Civilian Office of Police Accountability with its new chief, Andrea Kersten.
One of the six virtual meetings will be held specifically for West Side residents. That meeting will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 10. Participants are encouraged to register in advance.
Participants are being sought for violence-prevention workshops that will begin soon. Organizers hope representatives from 30 to 35 groups will participate.