Chicago prepares for Memorial Day with “peacekeepers” to protect the city on its most violent holiday

Chicago is preparing for Memorial Day mayhem by dispatching “peacekeepers” across the city – after 52 people were shot and nine killed on the holiday last year.

Historically, Memorial Day weekend has been marked by an increase in violent incidents in Chicago, making it one of the most difficult times for public safety in the city.

Gov. JB Pritzker announced Thursday the establishment of the citywide Crisis Prevention and Response Unit, which will work with community-based organizations to deploy over 30 trained neighborhood “peacekeepers.”

It has been described as a highly mobile team specifically designed to prevent violence and manage conflict and crisis in the city of Chicago by providing essential assistance in de-escalation, conflict resolution, and crisis support throughout the Windy City.

This coordinated response effort will serve as a crucial test for Chicago’s newly inaugurated Mayor Brandon Johnson, who took office this month with a commitment to address public safety through “smart and holistic approaches,” rather than just relying on harshness to leave.

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker announced Thursday the establishment of a citywide Crisis Prevention and Response Unit

This week Chicago saw an increase in almost every area of ​​crime compared to the same period last year

Chicago prepares for Memorial Day mayhem by deploying “peacekeepers” across the city

Governor Pritzker stressed the importance of keeping the community safe.

“The most important work we do is keeping our communities safe.” said Pritzker. “This is another important step in tackling violence and conflict through research-based, community-focused approaches.”

“Our primary focus is protecting our neighborhoods.” “This initiative represents a significant step toward combating violence and resolving conflict by implementing research-based strategies and placing a strong emphasis on community engagement,” he said.

Inspired by the success of two existing organizations in the city, Governor JB Pritzker implemented a program that reflects their efforts.

The Partnership for Safe and Peaceful Communities, a coalition of private and public organizations, has pledged $2.5 million to fund 253 grassroots groups working in 24 communities in South and West, areas of Chicago that are struggling economically, it said Johnson in a press conference.

Incidents of crime in Chicago increased 41 percent last year from 2021 and an additional 42 percent in 2023 so far. A mass shooting in Highland Park, Illinois on July 4 last year killed seven and wounded more than 40.

“My administration’s top priority is to build a city where every single resident feels safe, and to achieve that we need everyone at the table,” Johnson said.

The new unit has focused on mobility to allow the “peacekeepers” to respond to various incidents and perform tasks in different areas.

This expanded training enables violence prevention coordinators to go beyond their familiar neighborhoods to address potential conflicts or crises in other areas, such as the recent large downtown Chicago youth gatherings or mass casualty events, the press release said.

This flexibility ensures an agile and efficient approach to conflict and crisis management. IDHS has been working closely with providers to ensure the CPRU is operational by Memorial Day weekend and expanded throughout the summer, which is historically a time of heightened violence in Chicago.

On Memorial Day weekend in 2022, 52 people were shot and nine killed in Chicago

Chicago had its bloodiest Memorial Day weekend in five years last year

More than 150 people were killed across the United States over Memorial Day weekend in 2022

Last year Chicago experienced its most violent Memorial Day weekend in five years, with more than 50 people shot dead.

Of the 52 people shot, nine were killed, including three teenage victims. The 2022 violence came despite a stay-at-home order to keep people indoors during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Chicago Police Commissioner David Brown said it was an “unacceptable level of violence.” “The violence across the city over Memorial Day weekend was downright alarming,” he said last year.

This week Chicago saw an increase in almost every area of ​​crime compared to the same period last year.

Homicide, robbery and aggravated assault are up 9 percent, burglary is up 18 percent, theft is up 11 percent, and auto theft is up a whopping 158 percent.

There already seems to be violence in the air in Chicago. A massive fight broke out Monday at the baggage claim area at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport.

Governor JB Pritzker announced the establishment of the citywide Crisis Prevention and Response Unit.

This will serve as a test for new Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s commitment to fighting crime through intelligent, holistic approaches

The argument is said to have started while disembarking from the plane and then spread to the lower levels of Terminal 3. Chicago police said they arrested an 18-year-old man and a 20-year-old woman with assault after the incident.

Last year, more than 150 people were killed across America over Memorial Day weekend, with Chicago, Philadelphia and Maryland experiencing the worst shootings.

Once again this year, Philadelphia police are gearing up for a violent holiday weekend. Crime and off-road vehicles are a particular concern for the police.

The department released a statement this week, saying, “It stands ready to respond to service requests across the city.” Individuals can expect an increased police presence where crowds are expected.”

State Representative Amen Brown has been working with lawmakers in Harrisburg on legislation to confiscate bikes from violators. “I understand that riding these ATVs and dirt bikes is part of Philadelphia culture, but there is a time and a place for it,” he said.

“The weather will be nice. “Therefore, we need all sectors of government and law enforcement to work together to take decisive action on this matter.”