Chicago Police Department: September 2022 In Review

By Press release submission

Oct 2, 2022

For the seventh consecutive month, the city of Chicago saw decreases in homicides, shooting incidents, and shooting victims citywide. September saw a 27% decline in homicides compared to September 2021, and a 17% drop in homicides year to date. Shootings are down 19%, while there was a 20% decline in shooting victims since

the start of the year.

In the Top 55 police beats, which account for more than half of the city’s violence, there has been a 25.76% reduction in homicides and a 30.63% reduction in shootings since the implementation of a strategic deployment plan to reduce violent crimes in these locations, compared to the same time frame last year.

CPD works every single day to get deadly weapons off the streets. This September, officers recovered 1,206 firearms including those collected at gun turn-in events – an average of more than 40 firearms each day this month. The Department is on pace once again to recover more than 12,000 guns by the end of the year. Over the last nine months, officers have taken 9,808 firearms off the streets, 4.6% more than this time last year. This includes the recovery of 817 assault weapons, a 53% increase year to date, as well as 620 ghost guns. This effort does not come without extreme risk. This year, 47 Chicago police officers have been shot or shot at while eight officers have been struck by gunfire. That’s a 4% increase in officers shot or shot at compared to this time in 2021.

Along with police officers’ tireless efforts, gun turn-ins remain an important tool in getting dangerous weapons out of our communities. CPD teamed up with community and faith-based partners to host two gun turn-in events this month where 110 firearms and 18 replicas were collected. Two previous gun turn-ins this year resulted in the recovery of nearly 600 guns, including more than a dozen assault-style weapons.

“Community engagement and collaboration are integral to enhancing and increasing safety across Chicago,” said CPD Superintendent David O. Brown. “The Chicago Police Department is dedicated to working with every partner and utilizing every tool we have to advance public safety and stop violence in every neighborhood.”

Visibility and enforcement remains strong on the CTA as well. Overall transit crime is down 15% compared to September 2021, and there’s a 40% decrease compared to this time in 2019.

Of the approximately 211 arrests for vehicular hijacking so far this year, 55% have been juvenile offenders. Overall, officers and the Vehicular Hijacking Task Force have made approximately 1,156 motor vehicle-related arrests, including 494 juvenile arrests. The city has recorded approximately 1,278 vehicular hijackings this year.

Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Part I crimes, while up 28% year to date, are 2% below 2019 levels. The violent crime subtotal is down 7% compared to September 2021. Since January 1, the Bureau of Detectives has cleared 253 murder cases.

The Department continuously works to build community partnerships and include residents in public safety efforts. One such effort in the 14th (Shakespeare) District led to the creation of a catalytic converter theft prevention program. The recently launched Conversations with a Commander serves as a way for people to interact with district leadership in their neighborhoods and work together to find solutions. These events are another way CPD works side by side with residents and businesses to enhance safety and stay connected. Additionally, district coordination officers (DCOs) and business liaison officers remain in contact with neighborhood associations and chambers of commerce in the central business district and all neighborhoods to keep business owners informed.

CPD also remains committed to its partnership with the Community Safety Coordination Center (CSCC). This month saw the expansion of

the Home and Business Protection Program, as well as the launch of an Income-Based application, which offers qualified residents security camera systems and outdoor lighting at no cost. This extension comes after the continued success of the program’s initial rebate application earlier this summer. As part of this program, business and residents may register their private security cameras with the Chicago Police Department. In a number of cases, footage captured by residents and businesses has proven pivotal in helping to solve crimes.

Recruitment efforts continue as CPD looks to build a more diverse department with the next generation of Chicago Police officers. The Department held in-person entry exams over several days this month at each of the City Colleges of Chicago. More than 500 applicants took the first step in their journey toward becoming a police officer. The Recruitment and Retention team also took part in local events around the Chicagoland area and across the country. Recruiters visited job fairs and career expos geared toward military members, as well as college students at sites including the Fort Hood military base, Texas Southern University, and Tennessee State University. Additionally, recruitment officers were visible and available at local business and community events to amplify CPD’s hiring process. More information is available HERE.

As department members looked to the future, they also took time to honor and pay tribute to all the brave officers, past and present. Hundreds gathered at the Gold Star Families Memorial for the 19th Annual Chicago Police Memorial Foundation’s Candlelight Vigil to remember officers killed in the line of duty. The 595 names of fallen Chicago Police officers engraved on the Memorial Wall represent the heroes who gave their lives to protect the residents of Chicago. Each year their names are read aloud so the world will never forget their sacrifice.

CPD also held the Superintendent’s Department Commendation Ceremony, recognizing more than 150 officers for extraordinary work. The ceremony is always a reminder of our officers' courage and their commitment to the people of Chicago. Honorees included Officer Joshua Blas and Officer Carlos Yanez, as well as Officer Ella Grace French who received the Life Saving Award posthumously.

Department members spent time this month taking part in weekly initiatives, like Operation Clean, peace walks and Friday night prayer services. They also helped get students settled into the new school year with the return of classroom programs like Officer Friendly, D.A.R.E. and G.R.E.A.T. In the 15th (Harrison) District, dozens of students continue to take part in Hip Hop Tuesday, giving them a safe place to learn and unwind. Other community events include hosting car seat clinics for Child Passenger Safety Week, pet health and microchip clinics, food drives and celebrations in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month.

SHOOTINGS – SEPTEMBER

2022: 295

2021: 386

2020: 307

2019: 209

SHOOTING VICTIMS – SEPTEMBER

2022: 376

2021: 480

2020: 393

2019: 250

MURDERS – SEPTEMBER

2022: 70