The most recurrent charge was class A misdemeanors, with 4,764 arrests.
Minor offenses like shoplifting (under $500), simple battery, and violating domestic violence protective orders fall under Class A misdemeanors in Illinois. Punishments range from up to a year in jail, probation, and fines of $75 to $2,500.
In total, the police department registered 10,831 arrests in the third quarter of 2023, a 7.6% increase from the previous quarter's 10,070. Data also shows that this marks an increase of 15.1% over the same period in 2022, when there were 9,411 cases.
Class B misdemeanors may carry penalties of up to six months in jail and $1,500 fines. These charges include possession of specific amounts of cannabis (10 to 30 grams), trespassing, harassing phone calls, and exceeding speed limits. Judges may opt for probation or community service instead of incarceration.
Chicago's crime rate has skyrocketed since 2021, according to a Chicago Police Department report. Crime complaints have increased by a staggering 75% in the first three quarters of 2023, compared to the same period in 2021.
The city's police force has also shrunk dramatically since Mayor Lori Lightfoot took office in 2019. The number of police officers has decreased by 19%, despite her pledge to increase police numbers. As the police department grapples with fewer officers, the nature and efficacy of crime response, including arrests for class B misdemeanors and other offenses, have inevitably been affected.
| Charge type | Q3 2023 | Q2 2023 | % change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class A misdemeanors | 4,764 | 4,410 | 8% |
| Class 4 felonies | 1,704 | 1,437 | 18.6% |
| Other offenses | 1,571 | 1,579 | -0.5% |
| Class 2 felonies | 555 | 516 | 7.6% |
| Class B misdemeanors | 483 | 337 | 43.3% |
| Local ordinance violations | 482 | 484 | -0.4% |
| Class 3 felonies | 477 | 466 | 2.4% |
| Class X felonies | 333 | 339 | -1.8% |
| Class C misdemeanors | 210 | 225 | -6.7% |
| Class 1 felonies | 173 | 192 | -9.9% |
| Class M felonies | 57 | 70 | -18.6% |
| Petty offenses | 16 | 11 | 45.5% |
| Business offenses | 6 | 4 | 50% |
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