BEAT 1431 CAPS
Meeting Minutes
February 3rd, 2005

The next meeting is scheduled for March 3rd, 2004, 7:00 pm at the Chase School, 2021 N. Point.

Officers Present: CAPS SGT Velgara, SGT Giambrone (gangs), PO Valentine (gangs), Liz Rios from Community Policing, PO Trempe, PO Janis, PO Crawford, PO Koloze from 911 Emergency Management and Communications

General Announcements

1) Office Koloze of the 911 Emergency Management and Communications department briefly spoke on three topics:
- What happens when a 911 call is placed and finished
- How to remain anonymous
- When to call 311 versus 911

The first person accepting the 911 call is responsible for gathering information regarding the emergency reported by the caller. First, if an interpreter is required, the call will be routed appropriately. Currently, over 144 languages can be efficiently accommodated. Secondly, numerous questions may be asked of the caller to establish the context for the emergency that will be useful and possibly life saving for the officers that will be dispatched. For example, license plate information, were weapons involved and were there sounds of shooting. During the phone call, address information associated with the callers phone number is presented to the 911 recipient for the callers safety. In case the caller is in an emergency this information reveals where officers can find the caller. At this time 911 calls originating from cellphones however do not provide address information. In the event a 911 call is made on a cellphone please provide location information as necessary to establish a location for the call. There is apparently a trial program underway that triangulates on a cellphone locations.

In order to maintain anonymity on 911 calls, you can simply mention that you "wish to remain anonymous". This will remove your contact information from the 911 call. This is especially useful when calling in gang related calls. Criminals are known to have police scanners that receive dispatches that may include caller address information that could potentially put the caller in harm. On gang related calls, 911 officers should ask if you would like to remain anonymous.
Contrary to information received in past CAPS meetings, anonymous 911 calls have the same level of priority as non-anonymous phone calls.

911 calls should be placed for any emergency that requires a physical presence of a police officer.
311 calls should be placed for any non-emergency services such as filing a police report or requesting a city service. Police reports for a crime that has already happened (e.g. stolen property, lost wallet) can be filed over the phone using 311 and the police report will be mailed free of charge. 311 city services includes a wide spectrum of requests including graffiti removal, pothole reporting, street light outages, location of CAPS meetings, alderman office locations, Navy Pier events and first time home buying information for Chicago.

2) A representative from the Humboldt Park Social Services department responsible for the shelter at 2120 Mozart was present to learn if any of their clients have been involved in criminal activity in the area. 2120 Mozart serves as a warming shelter during the day and a sleeping shelter in the evening from September through May. From 6-8pm the shelter transitions from warming to sleeping and requires the clients step out during that time. The 14th District allows the clients to reside on the premises during this transition.

3) The Citizen ICAM provides a searchable interface to criminal events reported by region.

4) A graduate student from Loyola University studying disaster awareness and preparedness in Chicago handed out surveys for attendees to fill out anonymously to assist in her thesis research at the University.

5) Safety tips when walking outside:
- Be aware of your surroundings and make eye contact with people, especially those who look suspicious. This gives you the power to identify these individuals in case of criminal activity and serves as a powerful deterrent.
- Walk with a partner when possible.
- Carry a cellphone when walking and try not to keep it in a purse or bag in case of a mugging. Keep all valuables in a concealed location on your body outside a bag or purse.
- Keep an eye out for suspicious vehicles and doors to properties left ajar, call 911!

SECTION 1
1) The problematic residents at 2133 Bingham have reportedly moved to 2025 Bingham.
2) The abandoned building at 2076 is currently in court.
3) A total of 5 arrests were made in this section the past month
- 1 arrests pertained to throwing snowballs at a resident
- 2 Cannabis (pot) user arrests
- 1 damage to vehicle arrest was made at 2024 Stave
- 1 warrant arrest was made at 2068 Stave
4) Diligent police action and cooler weather minimized the criminal activity in this area.
action: Bingham and Stave remain consistent areas of reported criminal activity which require police and residents proactive attention.

SECTION 2
1) A known sex offender targeting prostitutes named Anthony Jones was arrested for sexual assault last month and currently resides at 2206 Campbell. Narcotics have also been reportedly dealt at this address.
2) The Martinez family residing at 2427 McLean continues to be a problem in this section (see minutes from 10/2004).
3) There have been a total of 23 auto thefts within the last 2 months on McLean and Campbell.
action: Police and residents to focus attention on McLean.

SECTION 3 & 4
1) Over the last month there were 11 burglaries reported and 4 arrests were made, several at 2509 Maplewood.
action:Residents are encouraged to look for suspicious cars blocking driveways and with car hoods up. Please keep an eye out for doors being ajar and report any questionable activity to 911.

SECTION 5 & 6
1) A rumor was reported that the MLDs (Maniac Latin Disciples gang) may be moving out of this area due to the increased police attention they have drawn over the past year.
2) 7 arrests were made in these sections:
- 2 arrests were made for graffiti
- 2 arrests were made for battery
- 1 DUI arrest
- 2 burglaries
3) 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: Police to maintain attention on gangs and burglaries in this section.


Recurring Problem Areas for BEAT 1431
1) Gangs and drug activity on Bingham and Stave in Section 1 remains a consistent problem
2) 2400 block of McLean continues to have car theft problems and harboring gang and drug activity.
3) Residents should continue to call 911 and are encouraged to establish phone trees to increase the number of 911 calls.


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