Chicago City Wire

Over the extended Fourth of July holiday weekend, Chicago experienced significant violence with multiple mass shootings and stabbings. The incidents have raised questions about prevention and the role of policing in these events. The focus has been on public places such as streets and gatherings.

Tom Weitzel, a former police chief with 37 years of experience, argues that proactive policing could help reduce such violence. He believes beat officers are crucial in preventing these crimes but are often overlooked by leadership influenced by politics. "If you do not think Brandon Johnson and his team speak to Superintendent Larry Snelling...you are naive," he stated.

Weitzel attributes some causes to societal views on police, legislative actions aimed at defunding, and media portrayal. He suggests that the "defund the police" movement has demoralized officers and led to reduced proactive measures. "Morale is down -- no police officer wants to be the subject of the next YouTube video," he noted.

He emphasizes that backing law enforcement can lead to improved morale and more effective crime prevention efforts. "When we...begin to reclaim a respect for our honorable officers in blue, we will see police once again returning to self-initiated activity," he said.

Weitzel's opinions reflect concerns shared among Chicago Police officers regarding current challenges they face in maintaining public safety amidst increasing violence.

Tom Weitzel retired from Riverside Police Department in May 2021 after a long career. Opinions expressed are his own.