Committee on Public Safety meeting, May 1, 2024
- When: Wed, May 1, 2024, 12:00 PM (Chicago time)
- Where: City Council Chamber, 2nd Floor, City Hall, 121 North LaSalle Street - Chicago, IL 60602
- Status: Scheduled & Published
- Committee: Committee on Public Safety
- Video: https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/935893237
- Transcript: full text (18,131 words, official captions)
Meeting notes
AI-written from the transcript. Speakers are inferred from cues in the recording, so treat names as estimates and check the video at the linked time.
The Committee on Public Safety heard four public speakers, approved the Rule 45 report, and then held a hearing with Police Superintendent Snelling, Deputy Mayor for Community Safety Gatewood and other police officials on summer safety preparations and the Democratic National Convention. Officials described coordination with federal, state, county and city agencies, plans to protect First Amendment rights while preventing violence, responses to large teen gatherings, police staffing and days-off policies, robbery task forces, technology such as POD cameras and ShotSpotter, and youth engagement. Alderpersons asked about partner organizations, neighborhood staffing during the convention, overtime, migrant arrivals, public transit security, training, and community partnerships, and several expressed condolences on the recent death of a police officer. No legislation other than the Rule 45 report was acted on.
Topics: Democratic National Convention, summer safety, teen gatherings, police staffing, First Amendment protests, ShotSpotter, robbery strategy, youth engagement, public transit security, police training
Agenda items discussed
- 28:38 Public comment: discussed
- 42:03 Rule 45 report: passed
- 42:26 Hearing on summer safety preparedness and the Democratic National Convention with the Chicago Police Department and Deputy Mayor for Community Safety: discussed
Alderpersons who spoke
- Brian Hopkins (chair): Asked the superintendent to clarify that the 500-plus ShotSpotter-related events were incidents where aid was rendered, not necessarily 500 lives saved. (1:04:55); Closed the hearing by noting all members expressed condolences for the fallen officer and saying the department deserves support. (2:10:23)
- Matthew J. Martin (alderperson): Asked for a list of government and non-government organizations the department is collaborating with on the DNC and summer activities. (48:50); Praised communication around robbery missions in the 47th Ward and a youth diversion pilot with community organizations whose federal funding expires next year. (2:02:26); Cited Inspector General figures showing sworn officer counts roughly flat since 2022 and expressed interest in 911 call analysis to shift some calls away from officers. (2:04:28)
- David H. Moore (alderperson): Asked about the well-being of an officer who collapsed while on post and expressed condolences. (56:54); Described a late-night youth gathering in his ward that officers dispersed without confrontation and thanked the district commanders. (58:22); Asked that police presence continue around 1200 West 73rd Place in West Englewood while the department focuses on the DNC. (1:00:04)
- Nicholas Sposato (alderperson): Praised the superintendent and urged him to name a first deputy to reduce his workload. (1:05:57); Said he was worried about gang members among new arrivals during the DNC and asked whether the department communicates with federal agencies about it. (1:06:34)
- Byron Sigcho-López (alderperson): Expressed appreciation for the department's respect for the Constitution and asked for information on the community-based high-risk intervention team and collaboration with CPS, parks and libraries. (1:07:52); Said a reported link between a migrant and illicit groups in his ward was not corroborated and that agencies should verify information before sharing it. (1:14:54); Supported peaceful campus demonstrations and asked the superintendent to describe the department's approach to de-escalation with protest groups ahead of the DNC. (1:15:54)
- Andre Vasquez Jr. (alderperson): Asked what conversations are occurring with OEMC and others about a possible increase in migrant arrivals near the DNC. (1:19:55); Asked how the department is coordinating with CTA on preparedness for possible attacks on public transportation. (1:21:24); Asked how DNC staffing needs will affect district staffing as residents are concerned about robberies. (1:23:35)
- Derrick G. Curtis (alderperson): Said his question on outside agency resources had been answered and asked what the department needs from the City Council. (1:38:00)
- Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth (alderperson): Said she went through the academy training, expressed condolences and thanked the deputy mayor for coordinating agencies after tragedies in her community. (1:42:22); Asked how CAPS youth programs are advertised so more principals know about them. (1:44:41); Asked whether the DNC coordination center is an expansion of the district strategic support centers. (1:48:33)
- Walter R. Burnett (alderperson): Noted the convention will be at both McCormick Place and the United Center near his home and thanked agencies for meeting with Henry Horner residents. (1:58:16); Said outside agitators had been involved in past unrest across many neighborhoods and expressed confidence the department will be prepared. (1:59:47)
Exchanges between members
- 1:42:17 Alderperson Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth thanked Alderman Derrick G. Curtis for asking what the department needs from the council.
- 2:02:19 The chair thanked the vice mayor after his remarks.