CPD Supt. Snelling Talks City Safety Plans at the Economic Club of Chicago

Special to The Chicago Defender On Wednesday, Jan. 31, Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling spoke with Chicago Sun-Times reporter Tom Schuba at the Economic Club of Chicago.& With a packed summer of programming ahead, the conversation focused on a long-term strategy for a safer city not just in the summer but year-round. Before their one-on-one, Snelling gave an overview of the 2023/2024 crime statistics and the police department’s efforts to combat those numbers. Major points included: 2023 ended with a reduction of homicides by 92% and 379 fewer shooting victims. Increased communication with families impacted by gun violence from the CPD Detective Division, resulting in the creation of a new family liaison official who updates families on the status of their cases. As of Jan. 2024, homicides were down 40% and down 15% this month compared to the same time last year. Shootings were reduced by 38% and shooting victims by 40%. Carjackings are down 50%, and robberies are down 38%. To address these robberies, Snelling shared that a new CPD tactic has been implemented to increase communication between bureaus. This comes in addition to monthly meetings with State Attorney Kim Foxx to discuss cases and charges. More than 187...