Superintendent Larry B. Snelling | Chicago Police Department
Superintendent Larry B. Snelling | Chicago Police Department
During this period, Black individuals accounted for the highest number of arrests in Chicago, making up 62.6% of the total occurrences. White Hispanics represented the second largest share at 24.6%, with whites following at 9%. All remaining ethnicities collectively accounted for 3.8% of arrests.
According to the 2020 U.S. Census, Chicago is 32.7% white, 28.8% black, 29% Hispanic and 7% Asian.
The first quarter includes the months of January, February and March.
In total, the city registered 13,208 arrests at the time, which represents an increase from the number of arrests during the same quarter of 2024.
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 2019, when previous Mayor Lori Lightfoot took office. The number of police officers has decreased by 19%, despite her pledge to increase police numbers.
In late 2023, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson introduced the "People's Plan for Community Safety," focused on addressing what he calls the root causes of crime. The plan emphasizes investments in mental health, job creation, affordable housing, and youth programs to provide alternatives to crime. Additionally, it highlights police accountability and aims to strengthen relationships between law enforcement and residents.
| Race | Number of Arrests | Percentage of Total Arrests |
|---|---|---|
| Black | 8,274 | 62.6% |
| White Hispanic | 3,244 | 24.6% |
| White | 1,192 | 9% |
| Black Hispanic | 310 | 2.3% |
| Asian or Pacific Islander | 150 | 1.1% |
| Unknown | 27 | 0.2% |
| Amercian Indian or Alaska Native | 11 | 0.1% |
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