Chicago City Wire

In Chicago, recent events have highlighted the impact of police presence on crime rates. On March 9 and March 28, Streeterville experienced disturbances involving teenagers that resulted in gunfire and injuries. In response, city officials considered lowering the curfew in the area.

During the week of April 18, intelligence from the Chicago Police Department's Bureau of Counterterrorism revealed plans for another teen gathering in Streeterville. The Streeterville Organization of Active Residents (SOAR) informed residents about measures taken by CPD to prevent disorder.

On April 18, an increased police presence with an additional 200 officers helped maintain peace in Streeterville. This contrasted with previous weekends marked by violence and chaos. The deployment included Tactical Teams from various districts and Priority Response Teams across the city.

Studies support this approach. Research by Dartmouth College's Steven Mello found that more officers lead to lower crime rates, including a reduction in murders and robberies. A study by Rand Corporation researchers John MacDonald and Paul Heaton also showed long-term crime reductions where law enforcement was present.

Similarly, economists Cheng Cheng and Wei Long studied New Orleans' French Quarter Task Force (FQTF), which increased police visibility and reduced crime significantly over nine months.

Despite challenges like a shortage of personnel — with CPD down about 2,200 officers — these findings suggest that increasing police numbers can effectively deter crime. While debates continue over policing strategies, evidence indicates that a visible police presence is crucial for public safety.