Our report explores the use of alternatives to traditional policing and police response in Chicago. Funded by local Chicago philanthropy, the study not only analyzes public safety challenges facing the city, but also identifies a series of solutions.
This report is based on our extensive engagement both with the City of Chicago and with alternative response programs around the country. We have been involved for five years in implementing a community policing program for Chicago. In preparing this report, we also conducted extensive interviews with community members and municipal stakeholders connected with Chicago government and the Chicago Police Department (CPD). This report is the fourth in a series that also included reports on Denver, San Francisco, and Tucson.
The report recommends action on two facets of alternatives to traditional policing that would benefit Chicago and Chicagoans:
911 Alternative Response: By adopting alternative approaches, including sending non- police responders trained to meet the needs of 911 callers, many cities are taking a load off dangerously overburdened police forces, and better meeting the needs of communities. Chicago should do the same.
Community Policing: This is an important, perhaps essential, alternative to traditional policing. Over the long run, fully implementing a comprehensive community policing program is the best, if not the only, way to build trust between the Chicago Police Department and the people it serves, allowing them to address violent crime together.
