Chicago Police commanders field questions
Community Chicago Police commanders Beth Giltmier (12th District) and Elizabeth Collazo (14th District) fielded questions from West Town residents July 18.
The 14th District is working to secure an additional remote camera to monitor violence and vehicle crime, Collazo said. Blue-light cameras are constantly monitored from a strategic decision center. Last year, Ald. Daniel La Spata (1st Ward) helped secure funding for cameras and license plate readers on Milwaukee Avenue at the Wood and North-Damen intersections.
Police are also making more traffic stops, Giltmier said, and squad cars may turn on their blue lights for added visibility. "In government we're always going to be fighting for resources," Giltmier said. "What's your priority for this area? If you're thinking you're being neglected in your part of town let your public officials know."
Community policing beat meetings for East Village (Division Street to Chicago Avenue) now take place at the 12th District police station, 1412 S. Blue Island Ave. Upcoming dates are 7pm Oct. 19 in Beat 1212 (west of Wood Street) and at 5pm Oct. 5 and Nov. 23 and Dec. 14 and in Beat 1213 (east of Wood).
"We're going in the right direction," Collazo said. "I get it that the carjackings are still happening and it does seems like it's catch and release. If you have anything of evidentiary value pass it along. You'd be surprised that something you might think is insignificant might work for us. It's not just us being out there patrolling. It's you helping us out, being our eyes and ears."
