New Eastside CAPS meeting addresses biased-based policing, homeless problem

Jan. 12, 2008 – Racial profiling, hate crimes and vagrancy were among the issues raised by residents of Chicago’s New Eastside neighborhood during their Beat 124 CAPS meeting Thursday. 

The bi-monthly Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy meetings aim to address issues, past and present, with officers who work in the area. In concurrence with recent media coverage about biased-based policing, guest speaker Sgt. Dan Mahoney from the Internal Affairs Division was on hand to address the issue.

“The department has a strict policy prohibiting racial profiling and biased-based policing,” said Mahoney. “We are looking to make sure that officers are not engaging in either and we’re committed to stopping this.”

Mahoney spoke of a new office, the Independent Police Review Authority, which citizens can use to help combat inappropriate policing in the city. Residents who witness any policing they find to be offensive or inappropriate are encouraged to use the office’s website to file their complaint.

“All of the complaints and compliments are looked at and there will be follow-up on our end to all the inquiries that are made,” said Mahoney.

In addition to the meeting’s focal point, residents also discussed an ongoing problem within their New Eastside neighborhood. At the November meeting, people voiced their concerns about vagrants urinating in public at 500 E. Randolph and the presence of homeless people sleeping in the same area.

“We did initiate a special attention on that area for the officers to make periodic visits to try and deter anyone who might be hanging around there,” said Officer Mary Panick.

Richard Ward, president of the New Eastside Association of Residents, acknowledged that the situation appeared to be improving but there is more that can be done to combat the problem. Although the area doesn’t currently meet the crime criteria for a security camera, Ward suggested lobbying for one anyway to prevent future crime.

“It’s a very intimidating location that has potential for high crime because there’s no one down there and the neighborhood kind of avoids it,” said Ward. “You’d look over the railing and see five people sleeping, that’s why it’s a concern.”

Sgt. Kathy Cunningham agreed to approach the district commander about the possibility of installing a camera in the area of concern.

“This is all good, we need you guys to help us and tell us what’s going on in the neighborhood,” said Panick.

Noting the success of meeting and addressing the neighborhood’s concerns, Cunningham proposed meeting once a month instead of bi-monthly to better serve the area. Beat 124 serves the downtown areas between the Chicago River, Michigan Ave., Balbo Ave. and the Lakefront. The next Beat 124 meeting is scheduled for Feb. 12 and the location can be obtained by calling the First District CAPS office at 312-745-4381.