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Residents press Chicago Police Board for a permanent third‑district commander and stronger enforcement on 75th Street
Summary
Multiple public commenters at the June 18 meeting asked the Chicago Police Board and CPD to fill the vacant third‑district commander post and to take sustained enforcement and BACP action after shootings and repeated tavern problems on 75th Street.
During public comment at the Chicago Police Board’s June 18 meeting, several residents and community leaders urged the board and the Chicago Police Department to appoint a permanent third‑district commander and to strengthen enforcement and follow‑up on violence and tavern problems along 75th Street.
CC Edwards, president of the Grand Crossing Park Advisory Council, described two shootings at taverns on the 75th Street corridor and said the community had worked for 14 months to secure corrective action plans for four establishments. Edwards criticized what she described as inadequate Bureau of Alcoholic Beverage Control (BACP) enforcement and asked for automatic corrective action when shootings occur in licensed establishments, plus periodic follow‑up from the third and sixth district commanders.
Jennifer Edwards, speaking for community advocates, said the third district has been without a commander since early May and urged the superintendent to appoint a strong leader; she recommended Captain Yolanda Irving and Captain Darwin Butler as candidates and requested expanded support for detectives’ family‑liaison and court‑advocacy programs.
Janet Martin Fox of Communities Organized to Win reiterated community letters urging immediate appointment of a seasoned commander who can restore continuity and work with residents.
Other public commenters described local crime concerns and gaps in police response: Simon Ogto said his car was stolen and that follow‑up from detectives had been slow, while Patricia Poente said she had sought reopening of her case for months without resolution. Pastor Doyle and others framed prevention in terms of job opportunities and youth programs. Across remarks, community speakers asked for a permanent commander, better inter‑district coordination, and proactive enforcement and outreach.
In response to one public allegation about the inspector general and an "Affinity Police car" program, a representative (Deputy Inspector General Tabara Richardson) said intake complaints are confidential under Chicago Municipal Code 2‑56‑110 and that the Office of Inspector General does not operate CPD vehicles.
The board closed public comment after the scheduled speakers and adjourned.
