Chicago Police Department plans safety strategy for 2nd Ward

The Chicago Police Department has developed a spring and summer strategy for the 2nd Ward that involves conducting drills to deploy officers and resources in the area's residential and commercial corridors in preparation for an anticipated season of marches, assemblies and protest demonstrations, 2nd Ward Alderman Brian Hopkins said in an April 15 newsletter.

"While there is near-universal agreement on the need to support and protect citizens as they peacefully express their First Amendment rights in the cause of justice and equality, no one wants to see a recurrence of the violence, looting, or mayhem that occurred last year," Hopkins stated in the newsletter.

Hopkins said he received a briefing on the matter from CPD Superintendent David Brown. As part of the strategy, city resources including Streets and Sanitation vehicles have been placed at key sites to provide assistance in the event of a need to close streets, though at this time such a need does not exist and businesses are encouraged to remain open to the public, Hopkins said.

He added the Strategic Operation Center is continuing to provide assistance to each police district and their strategic decision support centers, with district commanders receiving updates on any strategic decisions that require using a critical incident response team, which involves a group of officers utilized to help manage large protests or other forms of unrest that could potentially impact streets or traffic in the area. Summer Mobile Teams will also be placed throughout Chicago as necessary.

Additionally, Hopkins encouraged residents to remain vigilant and report any incidents of criminal activity by dialing 911.