(The Center Square) – Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson lays out his Community Safety Plan, which he says will focus on young people and community involvement to address root causes of crime.
Chicago is looking at its highest crime rates since before the pandemic, leading some to question the approach to crime in the city.
While Chicago has seen murders drop by 12% in the past year, other major crimes have increased, as car thefts are up 42% and robberies by 24% since 2022.
Johnson laid out his plan late last week.
“The People’s Plan for Community Safety will protect the people who are most impacted by violence and prevent future violence through intentional investments in our people and communities,” Johnson said.
Johnson said it was his responsibility to protect the public.
“As a Chicagoan, I feel personally responsible to make sure that people have a chance to grow up and experience the best parts of this city,” Johnson said.
Chicago Police Department Superintendent Larry Snelling said partnerships are the way to go.
“When we partner with critical stakeholders and take a unified approach, we will build a stronger city for the people of Chicago,” Snelling said. “Our goal is to build trust between police and the people in our communities while prioritizing law enforcement reform, accountability and transparency.”
However some have said Johnson is not taking a hard enough stance. Ted Dabrowski of Wirepoints said the plan needs to do more.
“I’m not against getting the community more involved; I think it is the right thing,” Dabrowski said. “The missing part, though, is how do you stop the crime happening today in the streets.”
Chicago police statistics show that total crime is up 17% this year and 65% over the last two years.
“I do not see anything about improved policing. I don’t see any calls for improved prosecutions, tougher sentencing. I don’t see any of that,” Dabrowski told The Center Square. “He ignores all of that.”
According to Dabrowski, the plan could take some time to see change.
“This could take a decade to solve that, if you are lucky,” Dabrowski said. “In the meantime, what is he doing to stop crime now.”
The plan will address crime by focusing on education, economic opportunity, housing, health, community environment, community violence intervention and policing.
