CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- A community-based team of violence interrupters has now committed to taking on the CTA.
The volunteer group, consisting of martial arts instructors, mediators, Black Panther Party members, and former military, started patrolling the Red Line Friday.
The volunteers aim to intervene on trains before situations become violent.
"The police are doing the best they can do, but understand this: the police come after the crime has been committed," explained Tio Hardiman, Executive Director for Violence Interrupters.
"What I'm trying to do here is stop it on the front end."
Hardiman said his group will also try to connect people with resources for mental health and substance abuse.
"Not to hurt nobody-sometimes it just takes the right people that have different type of training to get in and have access to individuals," he said.
Passengers on the train seemed surprised at first to see the group, but then appreciative.
"This does make me feel safer," said one man. "I woke up today and I had to come through the low end of Chicago. It's a very dangerous place. Seeing a movement of protectors like this is going to increase the city's peace."
Violence Interrupters wants to work with the city but they have not heard back from the city, the CTA or the Chicago police department.
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