East Central Reporter

Chicago crime is spiraling under Governor JB Pritzker and Mayor Brandon Johnson. Every weekend, headlines highlight the number of people shot or killed. Over the July 4th weekend, Chicago saw more than 100 people shot and 19 killed, including children.

The State of Illinois needs to restore law and order to reduce crime. Police officers require support to enforce laws that improve public safety. However, Democrats believe that creating policies sensitive to community feelings will protect communities and save lives. The contract with the ShotSpotter gunfire detection system used in Chicago to enhance emergency response times will not be renewed.

Chris Taliaferro, an alderman who chairs the City Council’s Committee on Police and Fire, expressed his disappointment: “I am deeply disappointed that we will no longer be using the ShotSpotter technology to help our officers respond to calls more rapidly, render aid to gunshot victims in a more timely manner and ultimately save lives,” he said in an email to NPR. “This has been a valuable tool for our police officers in high crime police districts, where some of them average a murder nearly every two weeks.”

Progressive reform activists are challenging police officers' conduct during traffic stops. Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx stated her office is developing a policy not to prosecute gun, theft, and drug charges stemming from certain traffic stops. Foxx described the policy as “a public safety enhancement effort.”

For years, Democrats have crafted narratives regarding rising crime in Chicago. Republicans advocate for reducing crime by enforcing current laws and allowing police officers to protect communities with necessary tools.