CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle on Thursday indicated police could do more to curb crime by working on their “abysmal” closure rate on shooting cases.
Her comments come as public officials continue to bicker over some of the causes of gun violence.
Chicago Police Supt. David Brown continues to say judges are too lenient with gun offenders, allowing them to await trial at home rather than keeping them behind bars.
Preckwinkle, a proponent of bail reform, said 80% of those arrested on gun charges aren’t accused of shooting anyone.
“Only 20% of them are actually being arrested for shooting somebody,” she said. “And the closure rate for shootings is abysmal. The last time I checked it was less than 10%.”
Supt. Brown has said people illegally possessing semiautomatic weapons do present a danger. Every gun taken off the street is one less used in a crime, he argues.
Preckinwkle was on the West Side Thursday to highlight an anti-violence program.
The Justice Advisory Council has earmarked more than $1 million that is designed to address some of the root causes of crime and violence in underserved communities.
Brenda Palms Barber, President of the North Lawndale Employment Network, said they’re getting $100,000 that will allow them to offer training and jobs for people who’ve made what she calls “poor decisions” in life.
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