Police Council rallies to save ShotSpotter

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By Alexis Bocanegra

Your correspondent in Clearing and Garfield Ridge

(773) 949-1509 • grcl.alex23@gmail.com

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Chicago Lawn (8^th) District Police Council members Mark Hamberlin, Al Cacciottolo and Jason Huff have created an online petition to save ShotSpotter.

As you may have read in the Clear-Ridge Reporter & NewsHound back in March, Mayor Brandon Johnson decided to terminate the ShotSpotter contract. But then he extended the contract until the end of the summer, which conveniently coincides with the Democratic National Convention in August.

There is criticism from some that ShotSpotter disproportionately affects black and Hispanic communities due to unsafe interactions and criminal accusations between members and the police. Some critics also argue that ShotSpotter is ineffective and problematic.

If you have attended the CAPS Beat 811/Garfield Ridge Neighborhood Watch meetings in the last three months, you may know about the ongoing discussion about ShotSpotter. In February, a police officer who works in the 8^th District SDSC/camera room was invited as a guest speaker. The officer explained how ShotSpotter works and how it benefits police safety.

Alexis Bocanegra

ShotSpotter is a useful tool for police officers, as it provides an accurate reading of the number of shots fired, the type of weapon used and the location of the incident. It reduces response time, saves lives, and helps victims and police officers. It also aids in areas where people may be too afraid to call 911.

At the last GRNW meeting, 23rd Ward Ald. Silvana Tabares expressed her support to keep ShotSpotter operational. She is known for being a strong advocate for police and community safety. In a letter with 13 other aldermen, she called on CPD Supt. Larry Snelling to maintain ShotSpotter in the 8th District and other police districts.

Currently, the mayor is the only one with the power to decide the fate of ShotSpotter. If he decides to cut funding for it, it could put police officers’ and gun shoot victims’ lives at stake. This decision would not be surprising from an administration that is known to some for being anti-police.

I think it can be said that ShotSpotter would be beneficial for communities like Clearing and Garfield Ridge, particularly because of our first responder population. We want to ensure our community is safe and that policing is effective. If you agree and would like to show your support, please consider signing the “Saving Shotspotter” digital petition on iPetitions, created by the 8th District Police Council. The current signature count is at 280, so it is important to make our voices heard. Sign the petition to let Mayor Johnson know that our community wants to keep Shotspotter. Don’t forget to share the petition with family, friends, coworkers and strangers. Visit ipetitions.com/petition/savin-shotspotter.

Mark your calendar

• Local historian Bob Trzeciak will provide a look at Chicago area amusement parks at 6 p.m. Monday, May 6 at the Clearing Branch Library, 6423 W. 63^rd Place. The event is sponsored by the Clear-Ridge Historical Society. Trzeciak will explore the entire sweep of amusement park history in the Chicago area, from the Midway at the World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893 right up to present-day Great America in Gurnee. There is no admission charge, but contributions to the non-profit CRHS are always welcome.
• A fun event focused on sustainable resources available to the community is set for 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 18 at the Clearing Branch Library. Come for the oak tree saplings, milkweed and wildflower seed giveaways (first come, first served), and stay to learn from arborists from Morton Arboretum, stormwater and flood management specialists from the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, local gardening masters and more.

There also will be composting, recycling and energy efficiency tips and information on requesting a free tree planting for your yard through city government’s Our Roots program. This in-person, outdoor (weather permitting) event will also feature crafts, grab-and-go kits, and a chance to win your own rain barrel.

• A self-defense workshop for women and teens is scheduled for 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, May 11 at Byrne School, 5329 S. Oak Park. Enter via the gym door (entrance number 2). Instructors from Windy City Self-Defense will lead it. There is no admission charge, and participants must be at least 15 years old. To register, call (773) 582-4444. This event is sponsored by Ald. Tabares and the 8th District Police Council.
• If you have a tattered or otherwise damaged U.S. flag no longer worthy of display—and you want to dispose of it responsibly—please bring it to Ald. Tabares’ office, 6247 S. Archer, during weekday business hours. Boy Scout Troop 475 has a drop-off box there until June 16. The Scouts will ensure that flags are disposed of in accordance with long-standing regulations.
• The Garfield Ridge Neighborhood Watch is hosting its next Sell-A-Bration community yard sale from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 18 in the west parking lot of Kennedy High School, near 57^th and Narragansett. The GRNW is also seeking donations for their “trash to treasures”  table. Those interested in donating can drop off their donation before 8 a.m. on May 18. Lastly, those interested in volunteering for the event can contact me by using the email provided in this column. More information will be provided in a reply.
• The GRNW is seeking more members as part of its spring initiative. Those interested must be over 21 and plan to live in the neighborhood for the next five-plus years. Member duties include attending the monthly Beat 811 meeting at Ward Hall, patrolling the neighborhood and volunteering at GRNW’s annual events. For more information on becoming a member, reach out via the GRNW’s Facebook or Instagram pages or via email@garfieldridgenw.com.
• CAPS Beat 812 and the Clearing Night Force will have their next monthly meeting at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 8 at the Clearing Branch Library. Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of the month. This is a great meeting to attend and find out what’s happening in Beat 812 (all of Clearing that lies west of Central Avenue).