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Tragic Loss of Commander Paul Bauer
Juvenile Crime Statistics
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Dear Neighbors,
18th District Commander Paul Bauer was killed yesterday while assisting atactical unit downtown near the Thompson Center. He was a policeman's policeman and
had the respect of the entire force.
We had a close professional relationship and he
cared deeply about serving his district.
Neighbors have asked how they can help. Please consider the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation, which supports the families of officers who have died in the line of duty.
Commander Bauer was one of the first to alert us to the alarming trend of repeat juvenile offenders committing crimes in the 18th District and across the city. Ironically, the last conversation I had with him concerned looking at the numbers behind this trend and our plan to discuss what the data would yield. I am heartbroken for his family and our city. He will be sorely missed.
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Juvenile Crime Statistics
As we discussed in an
earlier newsletter
, I've been analyzing juvenile crime data and want to now share those numbers with you. They prove juveniles are committing repeat offenses at an alarmingly high rate.
There were 1200 arrests of juveniles in 2017 for gun-associated offenses, which cover UUW (unlawful use of a weapon), armed robbery, vehicular hi-jacking and other violent offenses (but not murder, which is always treated as an adult offense).
The Sun-Times reported on these statistics and quoted me saying, "we are not even giving juveniles a "time-out" for carrying a gun." The Sun-Times also strongly editorialized that "gun crimes cannot be tolerated.
Numbers show a large number of juveniles were immediately released even though they were arrested for these violent offenses involving guns.
42% of juveniles arrested for a gun offense were rearrested in the same year, and of those, ½ of the arrests were for gun related or other violent crimes.
That means of
the 717 juveniles arrested for a gun crime between January 1, 2017 and August 1, 2017, 123 of the re-arrests in the first seven months were for violent crimes and gun cases ranging from battery to unlawful use of a weapon, aggravated hijacking and murder.
Statistics are even worse for juveniles involved in car-jackings - the 59 juveniles arrested for vehicular hijacking in 2017, hijacked 63 cars and had 537 total previous arrests.
These shocking statistics are played out in our streets every day - in which juveniles, arrested for a violent crime, are released and immediately re-offend.
Many of you have contacted me asking what can be done. Here are a few steps:
- Require Screening of Offenders for Detention in all gun offenses -
There has been, in the past, objection to placing some juveniles in custody pending trial. However, given the trend of short period to re-arrest, such a "time out" can be a critical opportunity to screen these youth and may provide the first chance to reach these juveniles to participate in services.
- Prosecute Precursor Crimes to Vehicular Hijacking -
Often, juveniles commit Criminal Trespass To Vehicles or Possession of Stolen Vehicles before they committing hi-jackings. These earlier crimes have not been prosecuted adequately.
- Discourage adults from involving juveniles in crimes -
Additional penalties must be imposed on adult enlisting juveniles in crime.
These are just a few suggested reforms. We will discuss more solutions at a community forum in the near future.
Please help make our communities safer:
- Become a court advocate - send the message that crime will not be tolerated. Contact my office more more information.
- Post "Neighborhood Watch" Signs - we have them in our office
- Turn on your porch light and leave it on at night
- If you see suspicious people loitering in the area, call 911.
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You should have received your 2018 Senior Citizens Sewer $50.00 Refund Renewal Form. This renewal form must be signed and returned to my office Alderman Michele Smith, 2523 N. Halsted, Chicago, IL. 60614
If you have not received a renewal form and have NOT applied for this rebate in the previous years, you will need to fill out a Senior Citizens Annual Refund Application. You can find out more at the
Sewer Rebate Website.
New applications must be signed and include your most recent water bill (some of you can get this from your condo association), your tax bill showing the senior homestead exemption, and proof of your age (a copy of your driver's license, for example).
Please call my office at 773-348-9500 with any questions.
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Ward Office Closure for President's Day
The 43rd Ward Office will be closed on Monday, February 19th, in observance of President's Day. We will resume normal office hours on Tuesday, February 20th at 9:00 a.m.
Please call 311 for any service requests on that date.
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Park District Programs Available
Spring is coming. Click here to see upcoming Park District programs. Online registration begins February 24th.
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Upcoming Ward Events
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Neighbors Night at DePaul Theatre School
DePaul Theatre
2350 North Racine Avenue
Thursday, February 15, 2018
Complimentary Cocktail reception 6:30 p.m
Performance at 7:30 p.m
Tickets are only $15 for a riveting performance of Native Son, based on the book by Richard Wright. Reserve your tickets
here.
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Green City Market
Winter Market
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
2430 North Cannon Drive
Saturday, February 17, 2018
8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
A chef demo is scheduled at 10:30 a.m.
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Chicago Volunteer Expo
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
2430 North Cannon Drive
Sunday, February 18, 2018
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
The Chicago Volunteer Expo is a one-stop shop for Chicagoans looking for meaningful volunteer opportunities. Explore over 100 nonprofit organizations from all over the city to learn how you can lend a hand. All ages welcome. Canned food donations collected 10 am to 4 pm. Learn more
here.
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Please keep Commander Bauer's family in your thoughts.
Michele Smith
43rd Ward Alderman
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43rd Ward Office Hours: M 9 AM - 7 PM, T-F 9 AM - 6 PM
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