Crime

MICHELE SMITH ON THE ISSUES

As a former federal prosecutor I have no tolerance for criminal activity. We prize the open sidewalks and streets of our ward. There is no excuse for innocent citizens to feel unsafe on their own streets and in their own homes. And too many Chicagoans feel unsafe too much of the time. Crime in Chicago is not restricted to one ward or one side of the city. It is inherent and pervasive and that is an unacceptable state of affairs.

Our police force is handicapped by its decreasing size. In 2000 there were over 8,000 beat cops. A recent estimate by the head of the Chicago Fraternal Order of Police placed the number of beat cops actually out on the streets as under 6,500. Street patrols and more beat cops have been proven to reduce crime, but right now the police force is simply too strapped to operate to the best of its abilities.

The Chicago Police Department budget requires a combination of more funds and more oversight. A combination of empowerment and accountability of the police force is the only way to combat crime in the city.