F O R T H E R E C O R D. The Continuing Fight Against Gangs, Guns, and Drugs

Transcription

1 F O R T H E R E C O R D B U I L D I N G S A F E N E I G H B O R H O O D S I N C H I C A G O The Continuing Fight Against Gangs, Guns, and Drugs S P E C I A L C R I M E R E P O R T C H I C A G O P O L I C E D E P A R T M E N T

2 Gangs. In 1999 the Chicago Police Department shut down four drug dealing operations which had been earning over $1 million-a-year. Page 8. Guns. The aggressive seizure of illegal weapons continues. There are fewer guns on Chicago s streets and for those guns still making their way into the City, sophisticated technology is helping us trace them back to their source. Page 1. Drugs. Drug seizures by the Chicago Police Department continue to increase saw the largest single seizure of cocaine in the Department s history. Page 12. CAPS. CAPS has moved into some of Chicago s most troubled neighborhoods with a new, tough and effective crime-fighting tool the Distressed Neighborhoods Program. Page 6. Major Crime. Crime continues to drop in Chicago. Page 14.

3 The last year of the millennium has been a bad year for criminals in Chicago. In the Chicago Police Department crime is down for the 8th year in a row, and arrests are up for violent crimes and serious property crimes such as burglary, auto theft, and arson. Adding to this one-two punch, gangs, guns and drugs have again been targeted through new, aggressive, and mission-driven methods; strong and lasting partnerships with community residents; cutting-edge crime-fighting technology; and effective use of legislative tools. More officers than ever are patrolling our neighborhoods mission driven, attacking the problems that plague our streets. Success has been magnified by community members joining the fight in full measure, banding together to send the loud and clear message that criminals won t be tolerated in their neighborhoods. This Special Crime Report is the first in a series to be released each quarter in an effort to better inform the public about crime, our successes and challenges. It represents our on-going commitment to share with our community policing partners the information they need to help us to build safer neighborhoods in Chicago.

4 Index Crimes Citywide: 1% chicago o'hare international airport not in city ward trend since out of 4 crimes are property-related fullerton th Percent change in reported index crimes January-November 1999 compared to January-November DOWN 14.6 to 21.1 DOWN 1.7 to 13.8 DOWN 9.4 to DOWN 7.8 to 9.3 DOWN 4.8 to Index Crime Trend Incidents Arrests* ,22 211, ,294 14, , ,99 299, ,91 284, , ,116 26,54 253,68 211, % 6 3 Up 1% '9 '91 '92 '93 '94 '95 '96 '97 '98 '99 (thru Nov.) * does not include theft and motor vehicle theft arrests 2

5 Violent Index Crimes Citywide: 13% 7 out of 1 police districts down double digits in violent crime ,728 9,522 84,261 79,195 78,352 73,14 67,498 65,112 62,947 51,8 '9 '91 '92 '93 '94 '95 '96 '97 '98 '99 (thru Nov.) ,414 51,8 13% chicago o'hare international airport not in city 16 Percent change in reported violent index crimes January-November 1999 compared to January-November 1998 DOWN 16.3 to 24.8 DOWN 15.1 to 15.9 DOWN 12.8 to 15. DOWN 8.8 to 12.5 UP +1.1 to DOWN Largest violent crime decline Robbery 13% Aggravated Battery 11% fullerton th Property Index Crimes Citywide: 1% All police districts down in , ,364 28,715 26, , , ,392 19, ,55 '9 '91 '92 '93 '94 '95 '96 '97 '98 '99 (thru Nov.) ,86 159,55 1% chicago o'hare international airport not in city 16 Percent change in reported property index crimes January-November 1999 compared to January-November 1998 DOWN 14.1 to 19.4 DOWN 9.9 to 13.6 DOWN 8.2 to 9.7 DOWN 7.1 to 8.1 DOWN 3. to One quarter of state and local inmates committed property crimes to buy drugs. Source: National Institute of Justice study fullerton th

6 Taking Back Our Blocks The 1 and 11 blocks of North Avers are shining brightly with Christmas lights this year. In an area once ruled by drug dealers, the lights are a powerful symbol of the police department s successful drug fighting efforts and a clear indication of residents pride. A new community policing tool called the Distressed Neighborhoods Program is working. Statistics confirm that drugs and crime are dramatically down in this community. Last year, between February and November there were 1,324 calls for service and 259 crime incidents on the 1 block of North Avers. In the same period this year, since the program has been in effect, there were calls and only 27 incidents a 72 percent decline in calls and a 9 percent drop in crime. Today the story of North Avers is about holiday lights and dropping crime rates, but not long ago a far different story was playing out there... It is midnight on a spring evening in Residential streets throughout the City are almost deserted. Not so on the 1 block of North Avers, where there is an unusual amount of activity. Groups of young men congregate at various points along the Calls for Service Reported Incidents 259 1, In the one year the Distressed Neighborhoods Program has been applied to the 1 block of North Avers, the police department has received 72% fewer emergency calls and residents have experienced a 9% drop in crime block. A procession of cars makes its way slowly down the street. It could almost be a parade, if it weren t for the out-of-theway location and the late hour. Suddenly, an eerie call is heard beginning at the far end of the block 4

7 The Avers Story and quickly echoing down the street: Lights Out! Lights Out! Lights Out! Those on the street begin to melt away slowly, almost nonchalantly. When a squad car slowly cruises down the block a few minutes later, things look quiet on the now almost-deserted street. Ten minutes after the squad car lights have disappeared, the street again echoes a haunting call: All s Well! All s Well! All s Well! Like commuters walking to work from the train station during rush hour, members of the Four Corner Hustlers street gang move back to their posts to hawk their wares. The 1 block of North Avers is again alive with activity. Blow and Drivers eagerly respond by offering their dollars for the little plastic packets of heroin and cocaine being sold. Night after night, this scene is repeated on North Avers. Earlier this month, another echo could be heard on the block: No rock, no blow, we don t want that here no mo. Block parties, anti-drug marches, and prayer vigils have replaced the flourishing drug trade. Working streetlights have replaced the headlights of drug buyers cars. Vacant lots, previously filled with garbage, are now filled with playing children. Phone calls to the police have become phone calls to neighbors. Residents who had been afraid for years now walk the rock are now the cries echoing down the street. street in safety. continues... Using Illinois criminal drug conspiracy laws and a new CAPS tool, we have seen a greater impact on crime. Implemented under the Distressed Neighborhoods Initiative, collaboration among narcotic, tactical, gang investigation and special operations officers and the Cook County State s Attorney s Office, the emphasis has shifted to the arrest and conviction of the entire gang drug-dealing operation not just the street-level workers. Charged with criminal drug conspiracy rather than sale or possession, penalties are increased based on the total weight of the narcotics and the operation s proximity to schools, churches, parks or public housing complexes. After the drug-dealing operation is removed, high visibility patrols saturate the area once held hostage by the drug operation, allowing residents to reclaim and revitalize their neighborhoods, making it harder for dealers to reestablish operations. By working a conspiracy case, we look beyond the workers the day laborers that drug lords see as expendable and focus on the gang leaders, look-outs, money mangers and suppliers that traditionally had the least risk and greatest profit. Commander Phil Cline, Narcotics Section 5

8 Taking Back Our Blocks The Simple Formula Behind the Distressed Neighborhoods Program: Reclaim, Revitalize, Maintain RECLAIM Police: Provide high-intensity enforcement and investigation. Residents and community groups: Help identify and prioritize problems; provide information on crime and the need for City services. Public/private agencies: Support enforcement with targeted services. REVITALIZE Police: Create zero-tolerance response in target areas and a safe environment where new development can take root. Residents and community groups: Organize residents; identify recurring problems and development opportunities; recruit development partners. The 1 North Avers site dramatically illustrates the potential for the Department s Distressed Neighborhoods Program. The program uses a simple formula: Reclaim, Revitalize, Maintain to develop strategies that are effective in bringing back to health some of the City s most troubled neighborhoods. Aggressive police enforcement to take back the streets is the first step. On the block of 1 North Avers, police conducted an extensive surveillance operation, which resulted in 28 drug dealers being taken off the street. During this step, residents and community groups also helped identify problems and provided information to police. But it takes concentrated community involvement to keep criminals off the street once they have been removed. Public/private agencies: Provide planning and development support to the community; channel construction and other resources into target areas; provide financing tools; provide ongoing City services. MAINTAIN Police: Maintain safe streets; participate with the community to support long-range planning and development. So, in step two, community organizers canvassed the area talking to neighbors, informing them about the enforcement operation, and Over 135, CAPS Service Request Forms have enlisted the service of other City agencies Residents and community groups: Create permanent planning and organizing mechanisms; support local businesses; promote investment in areas that need it. Public/private agencies: Provide financial and technical support to businesses, homeowners and landlords. getting them involved. The formation of 16 new block clubs in and around the immediate area followed. At the same time, City workers identified physical conditions which contribute to crime, and set about improving them. On Avers 6

9 The Avers Story and the surrounding four square blocks, lights were fixed, trees were trimmed, vacant lots were cleared, and buildings formerly used by drug dealers were cleaned anti-drug rallies, partnered with the police in sponsoring a highly visible outdoor roll call, and participated in beat community meetings on Beat They ve also organized and funded this year s up. The result was not only a block free from drug dealing, but also one that residents could enjoy and take pride in. Chicago has more than 1, active block clubs... adding 25 new clubs in holiday lights program. Neighborhood resident Ms. Rosetta Guy observes, In 25 years, this is the first time I ve seen this block lit up. Step three, Maintaining, is well underway on North Avers. Residents are participating in organized community activities and partnership with the police to prevent the return of crime. It wasn t an easy job and it didn t happen overnight, but have the efforts been worth it? Mr. B.J. Williams, a resident of the North Avers block for more than 2 years, thinks they have. You can hear the kids laughing as they are playing in the vacant lot. You couldn t hear that sound for years, he says. Thanks largely to a coalition of the area block clubs, residents have organized more than twenty People are out like they ve never been before. But its not just the residents who are pleased. One supervisor in the Narcotics section expressed the way officers felt about the job well done. They really feel good about what they did here. Sure, it was a very professional, well-organized, effective operation. And that s great. But what really makes them proud is that they really made a difference in so many people s lives. They see it every time they drive down the block. The steps used for taking back the 1 block of North Avers, Reclaim, Revitalize, Maintain are the same steps used by CAPS partners around the City to change the nature of their neighborhoods, even when crime isn t a major problem. In upcoming segments of For the Record, other stories will be told about how these simple steps have been used to preserve the health of other Chicago communities. 7

10 The Continuing Fight Against Gang Financial Loss Statement Operation Vacuum IV $1 million Operation Devil $2-3 million Operation Spaulding $5, to $1,, Operation Guillotine $1.5-2 million Operation Vacuum IV Targeting the leadership of the Gangster Disciples and in cooperation with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and the Drug Enforcement Administration, this four year long investigation disrupted the centralized narcotics distribution network of this highly organized gang operating on the southeast side of Chicago. 22 high ranking gang members arrested Over 1,5 kilograms of cocaine seized 2, pounds of marijuana seized 22 guns seized $7, seized 35 cars; four residences; one business seized Operation Guillotine Targeting the leadership of the Vice Lords and the Four Corner Hustlers, this eight month operation centered on the illegal narcotic activity in the Le Claire Courts public housing development. Total Estimated Yearly Loss $14-16 million 31 gang members arrested 2 grams of cocaine seized 3 guns seized 8

11 Gangs, Guns, and Drugs Operation Spaulding Targeting a faction of the Latin Kings selling marijuana and cocaine in the Humboldt Park area, this four month operation used undercover officers to conduct controlled buys using information provided by citizens. 23 gang members arrested 8 grams of cocaine seized $7,8 seized Operation Devil In cooperation with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, this over two year long operation targeted the Maniac Latin Disciples which specialized in drug-trafficking and drug-related armed robberies using violence to protect the narcotic trafficking areas that the gang controlled. Drive-by Homicides Drive-by Shooting Incidents Drive by homicides down 5% Total drive-by incidents down 47% 29 gang members arrested One kilogram of crack cocaine seized 8 grams of cocaine seized 3 pounds of marijuana seized 47 guns seized $72,567 seized 2 bulletproof vests; night vision equipment; police scanner seized Gang-related Assaults and Batteries ,741 9,227 Gangrelated assaults and batteries down 5% 9

12 The Continuing Fight Against 25 Gun Recoveries Chicago ordinance allows ,472 9,469 vehicles with illegal guns to be impounded ,67 22,66 21,9 2,315 22,347 16,232 15,141 12,257 11,522 9, % Unlawful Use of Weapon Incidents '9 '91 '92 '93 '94 '95 '96 '97 '98 '99 (thru Nov.) Fewer illegally possessed guns on street since 1995 felony gun law ,461 6,77 5,889 5,953 4,277 '95 '96 '97 '98 '99 (thru Nov.) Integrated Ballistic Identification System (IBIS) The Chicago Police Department, in cooperation with the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) and the Illinois State Police, is using technology to combat crime in a new way. The challenge has been to link the guns of criminals to the crimes they committed. When a gun is fired, it leaves a unique set of scratches (markings) on the shell casing (the brass part) and the projectile (bullet). Like a fingerprint that can be matched to a person, a fired projectile/casing can be matched to a specific gun. This is important when a projectile/casing is found at a crime scene and a gun is possessed by the suspect. The gun is test fired, then compared to the projectile/casing recovered at the scene. Identical markings show that the gun was used to commit the crime. The job used to be time consuming and labor intensive. 1

13 Gangs, Guns, and Drugs Violent Crimes Committed with a Firearm 2 25 Violent crimes committed with handguns down 14% ,79 14, Firearms Used In Gang-related Assaults and Batteries , % 5 23,442 19,353 19,545 18,233 14,632 '95 '96 '97 '98 '99 (thru Nov.) 15 1,523 1 Use of firearms in gangrelated assaults and All illegally possessed guns recovered by 5 batteries down 24% Chicago Police are destroyed The use of a new cutting-edge tool for law enforcement called the Integrated Ballistic Identification System (IBIS) has significantly streamlined the process. Recovered projectiles/casings are microscopically examined, the markings categorized and then entered into a database. Recovered guns are test fired and the projectiles/casings also microscopically examined, the markings categorized and entered into a database. The IBIS system automatically matches test fired projectiles/casings with those recovered from crime scenes. This new tool will not only provide the Department with the ability to link a gun to a crime scene that is several years old but, because of our association with the Northern Illinois IBIS network, we will also be able to link guns to crimes that occurred in 21 other northern Illinois counties. 11

14 The Continuing Fight Against Narcotic Seizures Comparrison , , ,33 1 1, Cocaine (lbs) Marijuana (lbs) White Heroin (lbs) Blk Tar Heroin (lbs) Brown Heroin (lbs) In February, the Narcotics Section recovered 1,145 kilograms of cocaine the largest narcotic seizure in Chicago Police history 72,237 tablets of Ecstasy seized worth an estimated $1.8 million on the street Narcotics Incident Trend 33,667 34,165 32,597 32,284 25,125 15,988 14,38 13,636 12,354 11,68 4,54 3,78 4,64 4,229 3,86 Nearly twice the amount of cocaine and nearly three times the amount of white heroin was seized Methamphetamine seizures were ten times greater Controlled Substances Cannabis Other Narcotics 12

15 Gangs, Guns, and Drugs Narcotic Seizures Comparison ,237 1,799 21, Ecstasy (pills) GHB (lg) Methamphetamine (g) 4,547 vehicles impounded for narcotics-related offenses 38 forfeited by owners 167 seized by court order $24,83, $348,296, Street Dollar Value of Seized Narcotics (in Millions) Total estimated street value of narcotics seized by Narcotics Section approaches $35 million The Chicago Police Department increased the seizure of designer drugs or club drugs (Ecstasy, Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), and Methamphetamine), as well as issued an alert to community residents regarding the dangers of (GHB) because of its increased popularity at all-night dance parties known as Rave parties. The three drugs have their own individual dangers, but the commonality among them is that they can cause serious injury or death. Ecstasy should not be confused with GHB, being similar to the stimulant methamphetamine and the hallucinogen mescaline, it can produce both stimulant and psychedelic effects. It is most often available in tablet form and is usually ingested orally. This year the Narcotics Section seizure of Ecstasy increased significantly and in record percentages in comparison to Our narcotics officers have called GHB a stealth drug due to the difficulty in detecting its use. GHB usually appears as a colorless, odorless, and slightly salty liquid. It is less commonly found in a white powder form. This new and powerful drug is also very popular with young adults at Rave parties. GHB is primarily used for sexual assault purposes, and is commonly mixed into a person s drink. Methamphetamine ( Meth ) seizures by the Narcotics Section increased by approximately 8% from 1998 to Meth can be smoked, snorted, injected, or taken orally. Its appearance varies depending on how it is used. Typically, it is a white, odorless, bittertasting powder that easily dissolves in water. The Narcotics Section s activity regarding these three drugs is a clear display of our commitment to the community-oriented philosophy of policing and crime prevention where the police, community, and other government agencies work together to identify and solve neighborhood crime and disorder problems. 13

16 Homicide Citywide: 7% murders continuing a 5-year downward trend '9 '91 '92 '93 '94 '95 '96 '97 '98 '99 (thru Nov.) % out of 5 murders gang-related (when motive known) Gang-related murders down 3% Almost all gang-related murders and almost 2 out of 3 narcotic-related murders happened out of doors 5 4 As in previous years, more than 2 out of 3 incidents victims knew offender (when relationship known) 3 2 Homicide Causative factors % 15% 15 Firearm Knife/Cutting Hand/Feet OTHER Other % -5% 6% -3% -2% Firearms primary weapon in Altercations Street Gangs Robbery/Burglary Narcotics/Org. Crime Sex Offense Domestic/Child Abuse % % Other Careless Use of Weapons Undetermined almost 3 out of 4 murders 14

17 Agg.Battery Citywide: 11% ,114 42,237 41,145 39,757 4,425 39,25 37,97 36,519 36,74 3, ,323 11% 3,622 Victim knew offender 47% One-third of all aggravated batteries occurred on Saturday or Sunday '9 '91 '92 '93 '94 '95 '96 '97 '98 '99 (thru Nov.) Robbery Citywide: 13% 5 25 Peak hours for robbery 4 2 9: p.m. to 11: p.m ,237 18,48 Senior citizen (age 63 and % older) victim 11% 1 37,156 43,783 38,422 35,29 33,949 3,86 26,86 25,289 23,117 18,48 '9 '91 '92 '93 '94 '95 '96 '97 '98 '99 (thru Nov.) 5 Robberies committed with firearm 37% Sexual Assault Citywide: 5% ,67 3,575 3,754 3,379 3,48 2,896 2,752 2,545 2,387 2, ,27 5% 2,99 Victims knew offender 47% Committed with firearm or knife 18% '9 '91 '92 '93 '94 '95 '96 '97 '98 '99 (thru Nov.) 15

18 Burglary Citywide: 17% Incarcerated burglars under the influence of drugs at time of offense 68% Source: National Institute of Justice study Theft Citywide: 8% 48% of all reported index crime Loss less than $3 68% ,23 52,234 49,122 45,74 43,869 4,239 4,475 4,632 36,9 27, '9 '91 '92 '93 '94 '95 '96 '97 '98 '99 (thru Nov.) 33,268 27,551 17% , 131, , ,36 121, , , ,69 121,537 12, '9 '91 '92 '93 '94 '95 '96 '97 '98 '99 (thru Nov.) 112,126 8% 12,867 Vehicular Theft Citywide: 5% Arson Citywide: Up 1% Stolen vehicles recovered 75% Largest category: vehicles 3% ,22 27, ,192 1, ,626 47,396 44,876 4, ,197 34,91 33,67 31,826 27,887 '9 '91 '92 '93 '94 '95 '96 '97 '98 '99 (thru Nov.) 1 5 5% 1 5 2,66 2,69 1,548 1,396 1,327 1,51 1,56 1,544 1,289 1,2 '9 '91 '92 '93 '94 '95 '96 '97 '98 '99 (thru Nov.) 4 2 Up 1% 16

19 For The Record: Building Safe Neighborhoods is produced by the Research and Development Division of the Chicago Police Department. For more information contact: Research and Development Division Chicago Police Department 1121 South State Street Room 41 Chicago, IL 665 (312) (312) (fax)