This meeting brings police officers and Chicago residents together to plan, prioritize & build mutual trust; strengthen the police accountability system; give Chicagoans a meaningful new role in oversight; and explore and advance alternative effective approaches to public safety.
A notion has been made to continue. The 18th Police District includes parts of Old Town, Lincoln Park, Near North Side, River North and Streeterville.
This particular meeting includes candidates for three open seats for the Near 18th Police District Council.
The candidates present are Karen Kane, Brad Kessler and Robert Johnson.
There are a few public comments. One commenter, Mr. Keizer, requests to work harder in letting people know when meetings will take place.
Another commenter, is concerned about Lincoln Avenue (particularly public disturbances, blocked bike lanes, etc).
Another commenter says, “people are coming in from the outside (from different neighborhoods) and bringing their problems to our neighborhood. We have to start identifying these people. And I think this could solve a lot of problems.”
The next commentator is complaining about ongoing shootings and killings (specifically gang activity) that’s been going on in the area.
You can follow along here with the agenda.
Kessler is currently going through what tonight’s meeting is for and overall bylaws for the 18th police district council meetings.
Kessler mentions that the roles are a “work in progress.” He welcomes the public to contact them a list further concerns.
Over 67 migrants have been sleeping in the lobby of the police station.
Kessler describes it as a “humanitarian disaster.” The council has been helping to organize food for the migrants. They are looking for volunteers.
Kessler also mentions that a daily deep cleaning is taking place due to Covid spread and pests within the police station.
Among migrants, there are a lot of children. Kessler has asked that in-person donations to the police station cease due to the creation of clutter.
The first thing is to go on a listening tour. There are 13 partner organizations. The goal is to meet with all organizations in the 1st 100 days.
The next thing is listening to faith based organizations and other organizations.
Another thing is modifying the court advocacy group. Identifying needs for the communication on the crimes going on in the area.
Robert “Bob” Johnson will be discussing the commission nomination process.
Johnson is discusses the qualifications/requirements for the commissioners and the process of the selection of those 7 commissioners.
The application process will begin June 2nd, 2023 and will only be open for 30 days.
Kessler thanks everyone for coming out. Processes will be shared on communication.
The meeting has adjourned at 7:02pm.