Earlier this week we wrote about how August was the deadliest month recorded in Chicago in 20 years (see “Chicago Records “Most Violent Month In 20 Years”“). In fact, YTD Chicago has recorded more homicides than New York City and Los Angeles, combined.
Now, as we head into the long Labor Day weekend, the Chicago Fraternal Order of Police is urging its rank and file members to deny overtime requests this weekend “to protest the continued disrespect of Chicago Police Officers and the killings of Law Enforcement Officers across our Country.”
Chicago police Superintendent Eddie Johnson sought to ease concerns of Chicago citizens by assuring the Chicago Tribune that staffing levels for the Labor Day weekend would be adequate. He also seemed to take a shot at the FOP call for protest by saying that the “best way for officers to support one another is to be out there for each other.”
“I would never get upset with the FOP for encouraging officers to spend more time with their families because they should spend time with their families,” he said. “But having said that, I’ll tell you this, the best way for officers to support one another is to be out there for each other.”
With crime levels seemingly spiraling out of control in the Windy City, as evidenced by homicides spiking 48% YoY so far through August, we fear the dire consequences that even the mere suggestion of police under staffing could have on violence in the city.
Data per HeyJackass!
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