CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The Cook County Board is trying to jump-start cooperation among a wide-array of government agencies to truly stop the scourge of violent crime across this area.
More than one commissioner at the Cook County Board hearing bemoaned the finger-pointing that’s overshadowed discussions about the high levels of gun violence. They want to see more collaboration.
County Commissioner Stanley Moore was one of the organizers of Wednesday’s hearing that virtually brought together officials from nine agencies, including the chief judge, the public defender, and the Cook County State's Attorney’s Office.
Moore urged officials to put aside their pride and look honestly at all the factors behind the rising tide of gun violence.
"We are so quick to point the finger at one another to blame for the increase in violence. I say we are all to blame - government and corporations alike, who in the sake of saving dollars, we always seem to cut the services to the most needy," Moore said.
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County Commissioner Bill Lowry said getting everyone to the table to discuss solutions is past due.
"Together, we must reduce the gun violence statistic, and we must do so without finger-pointing at one another. That is not the answer," Lowry said.
Era Laudermilk, chief of staff for the Public Defender’s officials, said it also won’t do to ignore the reality that those accused of crimes are not so different than their victims.
"Someone who may have been a victim of gun violence last year is now our client that we are representing on a gun possession charge, because now they feel the need to carry a gun," Laudermilk said.
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And some officials came prepared to counter what they see as misconceptions about their work.
Alyson Miller, Chief of Staff for Policy in the State’s Attorney's Office, disputed suggestions that the office doesn’t prosecute enough violent felonies.
"As we look at gun violence charges, we are proving 93 percent of those across the county and 94 percent across the city," Miller said.
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Thomas Lyons, director of research for the court system, addressed issues with electronic monitoring and bail.
"We are actively looking for better ways to make sure people don't reoffend; however, the current rates of reoffending are low," Lyons said.
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Commissioners said the next step is to get Chicago and other entities to the table, and everyone should put their pride aside to solve the multifaceted problem.
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