BEAT 1431 CAPS
Meeting Minutes
January 6, 2005

The next meeting will be February 3rd, 2005 at the 14th District Police Station, 2150 N. California at 7:00 pm.

Officers Present: 14th District Commander Avila, CAPS SGT Velgara, SGT Giambrone, PO Brownlee, PO Muniz among others.

SECTION 1
1) The problematic residents at 2133 Bingham have reportedly moved. Members of this same family have also reportedly moved from their previous location on Stave. Police reported a warrant arrest of one of the previous tenants at 2133 Bingham for battery.
2) Fighting in the street in the 2000 block of Bingham was reported New Years Eve around midnight.
3) The knifing criminal originally reported last month has not been found yet.
action: Bingham and Stave remain consistent areas of reported criminal activity which require police and residents proactive attention.

SECTION 2
1) McLean has had numerous incidences of car thefts over the past month. Commander Avila is asking for community support in maintaining a vigilant watch on McLean in order to help identify the thieves.
action: Police and residents to focus attention on car thefts on McLean.

SECTION 3
1) On January 1st, Marijuana possession arrests were made on the 2300 blocks of Campbell and Rockwell. One of the arrests involved over 30 grams of Marijuana which is most likely a dealer.
2) The owner of Hector's Barber Shop (located corner of Fullerton and Maplewood) as well as a couple employees were present to make statements that they are not hospitable to any drug dealing that has been rumored at their establishment. Also, patrons commonly stand at the corner to smoke since Hector's does not allow smoking within the shop. Patrons are encouraged to take a walk around the block to have a smoke as opposed to congregating at the corner.
3) A gray, extended van with a black stripe and rounded side windows has been seen on Maplewood and Fullerton being followed by a couple hooded individuals on bikes. These are most likely neighborhood gang members and should be reported immediately if seen by calling 911.
action: Police and residents to maintain watch on gang activity.

SECTION 4
1) From 12/8 - 12/13 Goethe Elementary and surrounding buildings on Rockwell and Talman were hit with graffiti which is likely the result of feuding between the Latin Lovers and the MLD's.
action: Gang loitering and graffiti continues to be a problem in and around Goethe Elementary School.

SECTION 5 & 6
1) The current owners of Missala continue to be a major nuisance in these sections. Last month neighbors reported that the restaurant did not have their garbage picked up for over 3 weeks. The restaurant is currently up for sale.
2) Fighting was reported in the 2400 block of Washtenaw between 12/17 and 12/18.
3) An arrest was made at 5am Wednesday, January 5th in the 2500 block of Talman. A 6 foot tall, dark skinned male was arrested for tresspassing and the possession of a knife after police followed him for 45 minutes hopping backyard fences in the area. The criminal apparently had been hiding in the backyard of one of the properties in the 2500 block of Talman unbeknownst to the owner. Police underscored the importance of installing motion sensor lights in backyards to help police and to discourage criminals.
4) Still no progress has been reported on the Derek Tate, Jr., murder on June 6, 2003 at Fullerton and Artesian. The progress of this case is apparently dependent upon witnesses who will not step forward to report what they saw.
action: Missala and gang graffiti are monthly problems.


Recurring Problem Areas for BEAT 1431
1) Gang shooting and drug activity on Bingham and Stave in Section 1 remains a consistent problem
2) 2400 block of McLean continues to be gang and drug infested.
3) Gang turf wars at Goethe School.
4) Residents should continue to call 911 and are encouraged to establish phone trees to increase the number of 911 calls.


General Announcements

1) Commander Avila gave a brief year end summary championing the impact the 14th district police force has made with the help of the community claiming a decrease in the number of homicides by 150 cases as well as 1000 less drive by shooting incidences in 2003. A year ago Chicago was called the "Homicide Capital of the Country" with the 14th district receiving heavier media attention in early 2003 regarding gang and shooting violence. Avila cited the Deployment Operations Center as a major reason for this decrease in crime. In 2003 the DOC began using a new Geographic Information System (GIS) that organizes crime data around areas it actually occurred. This tool helps direct police efforts to areas where more support is needed.
2) SGT Nieves will be serving as the 1431 Beat SGT in 2005 taking the place of SGT Giambrone.
3) If there are sidewalks not being shovelled affecting the safety of pedestrians, call 311 to report the problem providing the address of the particular property.
4) There has been an increase in the number of Police patrolling and riding the CTA Blue Line in the last month.

DISCLAIMER
Beat 1431 CAPs volunteers prepared these meeting minutes to the best of their ability.