Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Clearing CAPS Meeting Roundup

A recent Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy (CAPS) meeting in Clearing yielded common concerns and calls for renewed citizen vigilance and cooperation with police in thwarting crime.

The June CAPS meeting for the Eighth Police District’s Beat 812 (see clickable beat map below) was held at the Clearing Branch Library.

Highlights included:

** Responding to concerns about predatory pedophiles possibly in the area, police recapped the recent arrest on a "public indecency" charge of a Summit man who was allegedly masturbating in his car near 63rd and Austin, and who was alleged by some to have been watching teenage girls in the area. Police also discussed a claim by a 12-year-old Clearing boy that an unidentified man was staring at him he was standing at a urinal in the bathroom at Hale Park. CPD Sergeant Allen Cain noted that police are giving Hale Park more attention and that the situations are still being investigated. “Is there a sexual predator at Hale Park? No," Cain said. "But keep alert. If anyone acts suspicious, call 911.”  He added, "Please give detectives time to do their work.”

** There was discussion of a confidence game being played against senior citizens living near and 59th and Parkside. Men pretending to be ComEd employees were attempting to gain access to homes and would then rob people.

** Regarding alleged illegal drug activity at a residence near 63rd and Austin, Cain said that police tactical teams have not seen evidence of the activity reported by some neighbors.

** It was noted that the City of Chicago and faith- and community-based organizations will host a citywide Gun Turn–In event on Saturday, June 23, as part of ongoing efforts to get guns off the streets of Chicago. The citywide Gun Turn-In will be held at 23 churches throughout Chicago. Between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., anyone can exchange a firearm, no questions asked, for a $100 MasterCard gift card. In addition, replica and BB-guns may be turned in for a $10 MasterCard gift card. In the Eighth District, the event will be held at the Chicago Islamic Center, 3357 West 63rd Street. Video ad about the event at:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5uvkMSvYjM&feature=youtu.be

** There was discussion of the Emanuel Administration's handling of graffiti removal. CAPS facilitator and court advocate Barbara Ziegler mentioned the city's switch from delivering graffiti removal and other Streets and Sanitation services from a ward-based system to a "grid" system. She said the new plan is designed to allow Streets and Sanitation to saturate an area with graffiti removal services before moving on. She said that she had spoken with 13th Ward Alderman Marty Quinn, who reportedly said he was skeptical that the new system will work effectively in the 13th, 14th and 23rd Wards. She added that Quinn said he is in contact with Streets and Sanitation Commissioner Thomas G. Byrne to see what can be done.

** It was noted that with graduation house parties and other summer celebrations approaching, loud noises are prohibited by city ordinance after 10:00 p.m. and that loud, late-night parties should be reported to police.

** It was also noted that warmer weather means neighborhood carnivals. People at the meeting were advised to be cautious with workers employed by traveling carnivals.

** The National Night Out Against Crime is set for Tuesday, August 7, and there will be two observances in the Eighth District: one from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at West Lawn Park and another (hosted by the Clearing Night Force) at Hale School and Park (with a prayer vigil starting at 6:30 p.m. and a neighborhood motorcade starting at 7:00 p.m.)

The next CAPS meeting for Beat 812 is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 11 at the Clearing Branch Library, 6423 West 63rd Place. All local residents are encouraged to attend. For more details, phone the Eighth District CAPS Office at 312-747-8724.



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