SW Side Alderman Calls On Cook County Sheriff To Help Stem Violence
CHICAGO (CBS) -- An alderman from the Back of the Yards neighborhood is calling for reinforcements to stem the violence.
CBS 2's Mike Parker reports the Southwest Side's old stockyard district used to be historic. Today, it has become notorious for violence.
The Back of the Yards neighborhood is now ranked number two in the city for homicides, third for weapons violations and for aggravated assaults. The gangs are on the rise.
"I told my community leaders and my police yesterday that I've had enough of the direction that we're going," said 15th Ward Alderman Ray Lopez.
Alderman Lopez has formally asked Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart to send in Cook County sheriff's police to help.
Dart is promising to loan the CPD his gang unit, narcotics squads and weapons suppression teams.
"I've been doing this for years and I always told people from day one, this is not a press stunt," Dart said. "The city of Chicago is in the heart of the county that I represent."
"It is part of what will help reduce the violence in the neighborhood," said Alderman Lopez. "Obviously, part of policing is presence."
Some residents of the neighborhood are applauding.
"Safety is a must," said resident Tony Stevens. "They should invest more police patrols in neighborhoods when kids come home so they can realize the police is out here so now I can finally go to the candy store."
Dart's people met with Chicago Police officials Wednesday. No timetable has been set on when the program will begin but all sides agree, the sooner, the better.