CPD changing overtime policy, to start patrolling expressways

SHARE CPD changing overtime policy, to start patrolling expressways
cops_cst_020113_7_30830519.jpg

Eddie Johnson in January 2013. I Brian Jackson~Sun-Times file photo

Chicago Police Supt. Eddie Johnson is changing the department’s policy when it comes to overtime work in an effort to bolster community relations in high-crime areas.

Officers already assigned to more crime-heavy neighborhoods will now work overtime only in those same neighborhoods, according to a statement from the department issued Monday night.

The move aims to “continue to build relationships with residents and community leaders in their district,” department spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said.

The new edict will at first apply only to officers assigned to the department’s designated high-crime areas, but will eventually “expand to officers who work that Area and then expand citywide,” Guglielmi added.

Previously, officers worked in different districts during each overtime rotation as part of the violence reduction initiative.

The announcement came after a weekend that saw eight people killed and another 47 wounded in shootings across the city.

It was not specified when the new overtime policy would take effect.

In addition to the changing overtime policy, the department is also upping its number of designated high-crime areas — which see extra police saturation — from 19 to 25, according to the statement.

With more than 20 people shot on Chicago expressways so far in 2016, the department also plans to start patrolling expressways with the Illinois State Police “in an effort to ensure public safety on the roads,” the statement read.

Shootings that occurred on Chicago expressways were not included in the city’s data portal as of Monday night and a representative from the Illinois State Police could not be reached late Monday.

The CPD also announced it will be increasing foot and bike patrol units across the city as another well to foster community relations.

The Latest
Four from North Central have combined to capture six national titles since the program’s inception, and six are scheduled to compete next month in the U.S. Olympic Team Trials at Penn State.
The Bulls have 13 games left in the regular season and an opportunity to break even when they visit the Rockets on Thursday.
“Joakim [Noah] is very driven and motivated,” coach Billy Donovan said. “He’s all about the team, about winning. You can put Coby and Ayo into that category in terms of how they view things.”
Maybe Fields will develop with the Steelers, become a franchise star. It’s more likely he’ll be an updated Mitch Trubisky.