CPD Teams Up With Local Businesses To Strengthen Safety In Communities

Mayor Lori Lightfoot launches a new community policing initiative aimed at strengthening the relationship between local businesses and communities across Chicago.
Photo credit WBBM Newsradio/Rob Hart

CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The Chicago Police Department is rolling out a new crime fighting strategy that would put a cop on the business beat.

Mayor Lightfoot, the Chicago Police Department, and the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) launched Monday a new community policing initiative aimed at strengthening the relationship between local businesses and communities across Chicago.

As part of this new year-round initiative, a Business Liaison Officer would be assigned to each of Chicago's 22 police districts. The officer will cultivate relationships with business owners, in order to address trouble spots within the neighborhood. 

Superintendent Eddie Johnson said the officers will be equipped with cell phones so business owners can reach them at any time.

Supt. Johnson says “we can’t arrest our way out of this (violence) problem.” Must cultivate community relationships. @WBBMNewsradio pic.twitter.com/y2iJ65LPc8

— Rob Hart (@RobHartWBBM) June 10, 2019

"Instead of those business trying to reach out to those (district) commanders personally, they have an officer that they can go to 24 hours a day and report things," Superintendent Johnson said.

Johnson said the Business Liaison Officer is just one of the many strategies to revive Chicago's Community Policing Program.

Mayor Lori Lightfoot agreed saying, "the more that we can connect up with individuals, organizations, block clubs, businesses that are the heart and vibrancy of a community, it strengthens the legitimacy of the of the police.  It strengthens their ability to fight crime in neighborhoods and be proactive."