CHICAGO (WLS) — A comprehensive analysis by the ABC7 Chicago I-Team reveals a general decline in crime across Chicago over the past year.
Notably, murders have decreased by almost 34%, and there has been a reduction in the number of shooting victims. Other violent crimes, such as aggravated assault and sexual assault, have also seen a decline.
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Despite these positive trends, crime on public transit is increasing as more people use the CTA.
In a detailed interview with the I-Team, Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling discussed a range of topics, from the overall drop in crime over the past year to specific incidents like the attack on the CTA, the death of Officer Krystal Rivera, and insights from “Operation Midway Blitz.”
“Our main focus is on violent crime, and we’re committed to doing everything possible to reduce it. This involves targeting repeat offenders and ensuring they are detained,” Superintendent Snelling stated. “It’s crucial to have a strong relationship with the state’s attorney, which has been beneficial in keeping repeat offenders in custody as their cases progress. We are also developing strategies for our officers to collaborate more closely with the CTA, to identify and address problem areas. We must analyze every incident on the CTA and find ways to prevent offenders from causing harm on public transit.”
Superintendent Snelling mentioned that this effort might include deploying CPD officers on CTA trains.
Regarding an independent investigation of the shooting of Officer Krystal Rivera by Carlos Baker, her partner, Snelling said, “it’s necessary. And there is an independent investigation. It’s COPA. COPA is doing the investigation. This isn’t an internal investigation being done by the Chicago Police Department. It’s tragic. And the family has a right to be upset and to be angry. But the investigation will eventually play out. And at some point, the video is going to have to be opened for everyone to see. It will eventually be released, and people can make their determinations at that point.”
When Snelling was asked about the lessons learned from “Operation Midway Blitz,” he said, “as a police agency, you have to be fluid. You have to have the ability to work into any situation.”
Snelling said the Chicago Police Department is there to keep the peace and deescalate volatile situations.
With Greg Bovino and Border Patrol back in the Chicago area, that may be put to the test.
Superintendent Snelling said his officers are prepared for the return of federal agents.
