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Residents tell Chicago Police Board they want tougher responses to youth violence, more enforcement against drug dealing; some allege misconduct
Summary
Multiple public commenters urged stronger enforcement against youth violence and drug dealing, asked for curfews and parental accountability, and alleged discriminatory treatment by off-duty officers; a pastor also accused a local activist of hostility toward a Marine.
During public comment at the Chicago Police Board’s May 15 meeting, several residents urged tougher responses to youth violence and drug dealing, while others raised quality-of-life and alleged misconduct concerns.
Jennifer Edwards said teenagers were fighting outside Hyde Park High School and described officers being attacked during interventions; she urged lawmakers to pursue ‘‘snap curfews’’ if the city will not act. Donna Olivares told the board to hold parents accountable for youths’ actions and suggested fingerprinting and arresting parents of children arrested — a punitive proposal she framed as a way to protect homeowners and communities.
A business owner who identified herself as Ayesha said persistent drug dealing in front of her Seventh District store exposes underage customers and that she has made ‘‘more than 500 calls, 911 calls’’ to report problems. Evangelist Latice Porter said she is organizing a June 18 march from 63rd and Cottage to the Third District station to ‘‘bridge the gap between the police and the community’’ and asked for superintendent participation.
Patricia Puente urged enforcement of a noise ordinance she said exists in Illinois law after repeated late-night loud music near her home. Edwin Castro White said four off-duty officers discriminated against him on April 19 at a federally funded event; Deputy Director Timothy Moore offered to take his information after the meeting and help lodge a complaint with COPPA or the Bureau of Internal Affairs. Pastor Doyle made a public accusation against activist Jeanette Beatrice Taylor regarding conduct at King College Prep and said he has support from the FOP and elected officials; that is an allegation made in public comment and was not adjudicated at the meeting.
Board staff did not announce formal action in response to the public comments during the meeting. Several speakers urged continued engagement between community members and CPD.
