Reilly: Police presence enhanced due to downtown violence

11-Jun-11 – 42nd Ward Alderman Brendan Reilly is promising a “swift and severe” response to a recent spike in violence in downtown Chicago.

More police officers, both uniformed and undercover, have been brought downtown, including CTA stations and other “high visibility” locations.

In incidents over the past week in the Streeterville and Magnificent Mile neighborhoods, victims have reported being robbed and assaulted by large groups of teenagers. So far, 32 people have been arrested.

In his weekly newsletter, Reilly says when he heard of the incidents last Sunday, he contacted 18th District Police Commander Kenneth Angarone “to request more police resources and a comprehensive plan to address these unacceptable conditions immediately.”

He says he also spoke with Mayor Rahm Emanuel about the incidents. The mayor, says Reilly, “is firmly committed to working with Police Superintendent [Garry] McCarthy to help us put an end to this disturbing trend and maintain downtown Chicago’s global reputation as a friendly, clean and safe place to live, work and visit.”

(Left) New mayor, new super. Garry McCarthy was introduced as CPD’s new superintendent by mayor-elect Emanuel on May 2.;

“Please know that my office is coordinating directly with the appropriate city departments at the highest levels to ensure this public safety concern is addressed immediately, early in the summer season, to send a strong message to those who seek to commit crime along the Lakefront that there will be zero-tolerance for violence downtown and the response will be swift and severe.”

Other steps include 24-hour-a-day monitoring of Homeland Security cameras and partnering with downtown doormen and security people.

On Sunday, Mayor Emanuel announced deployment of 150 police officers to 15 districts, including the 18th in River North. The new assignments for the officers will start over the next few weeks and are permanent.