CAPS officers: Crime is down in West Loop

By Taylor Hartz, Staff Writer

Residents in the West Loop got some good news from police officers at the last CAPS meeting of the year, held Nov. 14.

CAPS officer Necole Bryson informed residents that crime is down, in part due to community involvement.

“Crime is down in Chicago and crime is down in the first district,” said Bryson, “And that definitely has to do with you coming to these meetings, emailing us, calling 911.”

When it comes to violent crimes, Bryson said area residents have little to worry about.

“Violent crime is almost at a minimum here. You guys live in a very safe area,” said Bryson.

Most calls to 911, she said, concern quality of life issues like traffic and noise.

A few of those issues were brought up at the meeting.

Some residents complained that bicyclists often ride on the sidewalk, creating a hazard for pedestrians, because vehicles will park or stand in the bike lane.

Bryson encouraged residents to call 911 when they see this happening, or to call 311 if they wish to report it after the fact. She also noted that snapping photos of the vehicles’ license plates, or labels if they’re affiliated with a business, is very helpful.

A resident who is an avid bicyclist said that he recently called 911 and received “pushback” from the dispatcher. Bryson said that in that case, residents should ask to speak to a police supervisor.

She said there are plenty of officers assigned to the area who can address the issue in real time, if it’s reported to 911.

“I know it’s frustrating but we have to keep enforcing this, we have to keep making the calls,” said Bryson.

One resident asked for a clear definition of “suspicious behavior” and when to report it to 911.

The woman said she often sees behavior she suspects is drug dealing and she thinks should be reported, but said she doesn’t know when to call for an emergency.

Officer J. Williams told her to pick up the phone for “anything that makes your antenna go up or the hairs on the back of your neck stand up.”

When it comes to situations that look like drug deals, police may not get there in time to catch the suspect in action, but Williams said it’s still important to report it.

“They frequent the same spots,” said Williams. “They’ll be back.”

Bryson said it’s helpful to give the dispatcher or officer a head-to-toe description of the suspect. Officers also suggested taking photos or videos when it’s safe to do so.

Another resident complained about noise from pick up or delivery trucks early in the morning.

Bryson said that she had an officer in mind who is out early and could tackle the job.

“We’ll see if he can be the eyes and ears for you,” said Bryson. She also suggested taking photos of vehicles involved.

Another resident said he’s worried about new curbs outside several buildings, because they’re painted white. He said the curbs might blend in with the ground once it’s covered in snow.

“I don’t know if that’s going to be good in snowy weather, someone is going to drive into them,” he said.

Bryson said they would look into the color of the curbs.

Williams noted that something else comes with snow—an increase in carjackings.

“The seasons are changing…and people are starting to leave their keys in their cars,” said Williams, who urged residents not to ever leave their keys in their car, and to encourage their family and neighbors not to either.

Carjackers target vehicles left running in the winter, and it’s against the law to leave cars running and unattended and motorists who do could face tickets.

CAPS meetings will resume in 2019 and the officers said they looks forward to seeing community members in the new year.