BEAT 1431 CAPS
Meeting Minutes
July 17, 2014
The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 18th, 2014, 7:00pm at Haas Park Field House, 2402 N. Washtenaw.
Officers Present: SGT Giambrone, SGT Reyes, PO Chavez, PO Komo, PO Soto, Liz Rios - 14th District CAPS organizer, Vicky Schmidt CAPS Beat 1431 Community Facilitator
Number of Beat 1431 residents present:13
General Announcements
Strategies to Address New Problems
Neighbors are encouraged to create and use phone trees to alert neighbors of new problems on their block in addition to calling 911. Posting problems on EveryBlock Chicago was also suggested. Getting to know your neighbor is important.
Follow the 14th District Police Department on Twitter: @chicagoCAPS14
This account will provide useful current information to the 14th District Community. For non-emergency only, please text tips to 274637 (CRIMES). In the message box, type CPD, a space and then your crime tip information and then send. Your identity will not be sent to the Chicago Police Department.
PLEASE NOTE: Twitter should not be used to contact the Chicago Police Department for any reason. Call 911 for emergencies and call 311 for non-emergencies.
Neighbors are encouraged to create and use phone trees to alert neighbors of new problems on their block in addition to calling 911. Posting problems on EveryBlock Chicago was also suggested. Getting to know your neighbor is important.
Follow the 14th District Police Department on Twitter: @chicagoCAPS14
This account will provide useful current information to the 14th District Community. For non-emergency only, please text tips to 274637 (CRIMES). In the message box, type CPD, a space and then your crime tip information and then send. Your identity will not be sent to the Chicago Police Department.
PLEASE NOTE: Twitter should not be used to contact the Chicago Police Department for any reason. Call 911 for emergencies and call 311 for non-emergencies.
14th District National Night Out, August 5th 2014
Join us for America's National Night Out Against Crime and enjoy a free, fun and entertaining evening. The event occurs on Tuesday, August 5th from 5pm to 8pm at the 14th District Police Station parking lot at 2150 N. California Ave.
Arrest Report
The highest number of crimes in our Beat over the last 2 months involved the theft of items worth $500 or less. SGT Reyes recommended that people keep bicycles that are visible outside locked and serial numbers registered (even if they are on upper floors of buildings on balconies or back porches). SGT Reyes also strongly urged residents not to leave any possessions visible in cars - even old bags that are visible inside a car could be mistaken to contain something of value and result in break-ins.
For a complete listing of crimes across time periods visit ClearMap.
Court Advocacy Reports
Court advocates have been following cases regarding:
For a complete listing of crimes across time periods visit ClearMap.
Court Advocacy Reports
Court advocates have been following cases regarding:
- The 2011 New Year's Eve rape at Congress Theater. Court appearances are still occurring and plea agreements are still pending.
- The murder case involving the VTC graffiti tagger known as "Wicked" who allegedly stabbed tagger "Chip" to death, January 21st, 2012
- Anthony Jones who has been charged with criminal sexual assault and battery to police officers. A trial date might be set as soon as September.
Section Reports
SECTION 1 (Borders: California, Milwaukee, Armitage)
1) A resident reported concerns that street blockades used during the upcoming Blue Line maintenance work the weekend of July 26th could restrict access (in and out) of the Bingham block party that is also scheduled for the 26th. Police officers were also invited to stop by the block party and to help ensure it ends peacefully at 10pm.
action: Residents are urged to continue calling 911 to report the ongoing gang and criminal activity.
action: Residents are urged to continue calling 911 to report the ongoing gang and criminal activity.
SECTION 2 (Borders: Rockwell, Lyndale, Western, Milwaukee)
1) Congress Pizza – a legal representative for the Lombardi family (owners of the business) was in attendance and shared several actions being undertaken to improve its standing in the community. These actions include:
The legal representative also mentioned that he does not expect changes to happen overnight, but is optimistic that there should be noticeable changes by Fall. The attorney is expected to attend the bi-monthly Beat 1431 CAPS meetings from now on.
2) Residents have noticed a growing number of bikes being sold by EZPawn on Milwaukee and are wondering if (and/or how many of) the bikes might be stolen. SGT Giambrone and SGT Reyes emphasized the importance of bike owners to register the serial number of their bikes with the city. SGT Reyes emphasized that if the bikes are not registered with the city, it is extremely difficult for law enforcement to prove that the bikes are stolen. PO Chavez also recommended placing your name underneath your bicycle seat as another form of identification. Lastly, there was also a question raised by residents as to whether EZPawn has a license to sell goods (such as bikes) on the sidewalk directly in front of the property.
3) SGT Giambrone reported that the Concord Music Hall has been a "good neighbor" so far and that there has been a noticeable impact since the Congress Theater has closed – one resident added that it has been much "calmer" in the community since its closing.
action:
Residents are strongly urged to call 911 to report shooting, illegal
parking and any illegal patron or employee behavior at the businesses on
Milwaukee Ave.- The hiring of a former Chicago Police officer for security a few nights a week
- Installation of working surveillance cameras
- Requirements that all employees call the police if any criminal activity is witnessed
- The firing of a bartender
- Prevention of a known prostitute from loitering at or near the property
- Monitoring the parking lot at least twice a day (mornings and evenings)
- Drivers are being fired for not following orders
- Pizza delivery drivers are not allowed to block the alley behind the property. If residents witness this behavior, they should call 911 for illegal use of the thoroughfare.
The legal representative also mentioned that he does not expect changes to happen overnight, but is optimistic that there should be noticeable changes by Fall. The attorney is expected to attend the bi-monthly Beat 1431 CAPS meetings from now on.
2) Residents have noticed a growing number of bikes being sold by EZPawn on Milwaukee and are wondering if (and/or how many of) the bikes might be stolen. SGT Giambrone and SGT Reyes emphasized the importance of bike owners to register the serial number of their bikes with the city. SGT Reyes emphasized that if the bikes are not registered with the city, it is extremely difficult for law enforcement to prove that the bikes are stolen. PO Chavez also recommended placing your name underneath your bicycle seat as another form of identification. Lastly, there was also a question raised by residents as to whether EZPawn has a license to sell goods (such as bikes) on the sidewalk directly in front of the property.
3) SGT Giambrone reported that the Concord Music Hall has been a "good neighbor" so far and that there has been a noticeable impact since the Congress Theater has closed – one resident added that it has been much "calmer" in the community since its closing.
SECTION 3 (Borders: Rockwell, Fullerton, Western, Lyndale)
1) Residents reported concern of potential drug dealing near or within the Renaissance apartment building near Palmer and Lyndale. A suspicious young individual on a bike has been consistently seen by residents in this area and was described as being 5' 8", with dark complexion, black hair, and often seen wearing a baseball cap. SGT Reyes encouraged residents to call 911 and take photos if they see any suspicious activity. Residents also asked if the police could patrol the alleys in this section more frequently.
action: Residents are strongly urged to call 911 to report gang activity and 311 for graffiti.
SECTION 4 (Borders: California, Fullerton, Rockwell, Milwaukee)
1) Due to the summer break at Goethe Elementary School, there have not been recent issues with illegal parking blocking garages and streets bordering the school. Residents expect this problem to recur once school begins again in September. SGT Reyes mentioned conversations with the school will be conducted to try to alleviate the illegal parking practices of parents dropping off their children. Liz Rios mentioned that a Parent Patrol was organized and trained at
Goethe Elementary but it apparently has not been consistently
maintained.
2) A resident also voiced concern for pedestrian safety recalling a recent death of a resident who was backed over by a car on Rockwell in front of the school due to traffic congestion.
3) Residents periodically have been calling 911 to report extremely late night/early morning (Midnight - 3am) basketball playing at the Goethe Elementary school play lot and request that the police help monitor the playground to discourage late night basketball playing that can be disruptive to the neighboring homes.
2) A resident also voiced concern for pedestrian safety recalling a recent death of a resident who was backed over by a car on Rockwell in front of the school due to traffic congestion.
3) Residents periodically have been calling 911 to report extremely late night/early morning (Midnight - 3am) basketball playing at the Goethe Elementary school play lot and request that the police help monitor the playground to discourage late night basketball playing that can be disruptive to the neighboring homes.
action: Residents are strongly urged to call 911 to report illegal parking and other criminal activity and 311 for graffiti.
SECTION 5 (Borders: California, Logan Boulevard, Rockwell, Fullerton)
1) There were no additional incidences of shots being fired in the alley between Washtenaw and Fullerton since the initial shots reported on 5/11/2014 @ 6:30am. SGT Reyes confirmed there were no victims involved in the shooting, however, there was property damage that is being addressed.
action: Residents are strongly urged to call 911 to report gang activity and 311 for graffiti.
SECTION 6 (Borders: Rockwell, Logan Boulevard, Western, Fullerton)
1) The resident living within the 2400 block of North Artesian who was believed to be dealing drugs has reportedly moved outside our community. Residents appreciated the additional police attention to this matter and believe this played a role in dispersing the drug activity.
2) Large groups of transient "Travelers" have been loitering and panhandling in and around the skate park and dog park in this section. There have also been concerns raised for the health and well-being of the dogs that they keep with them. Some of these transients are believed to use dogs to help their case in receiving money and food. These groups are also believed to be involved in drug abuse. Residents are strongly encouraged to not give money or provide other needs for these panhandlers to discourage them from returning to this area. If residents observe any alcohol or drug use by these individuals they should call 911 to report these crimes.
3) Street lights on the 2400 and 2500 blocks of Artesian have been reportedly out for the last 2 weeks. Residents have called 311 but were informed by SGT Reyes to also call the alderman's office (Ald. offices tend to be more responsive to these requests).
action: Residents are strongly urged to call 911 to report gang activity and 311 for graffiti.
2) Large groups of transient "Travelers" have been loitering and panhandling in and around the skate park and dog park in this section. There have also been concerns raised for the health and well-being of the dogs that they keep with them. Some of these transients are believed to use dogs to help their case in receiving money and food. These groups are also believed to be involved in drug abuse. Residents are strongly encouraged to not give money or provide other needs for these panhandlers to discourage them from returning to this area. If residents observe any alcohol or drug use by these individuals they should call 911 to report these crimes.
3) Street lights on the 2400 and 2500 blocks of Artesian have been reportedly out for the last 2 weeks. Residents have called 311 but were informed by SGT Reyes to also call the alderman's office (Ald. offices tend to be more responsive to these requests).
action: Residents are strongly urged to call 911 to report gang activity and 311 for graffiti.
Recurring Problem Areas for BEAT 1431
1) Gun shots2) Graffiti
3) Gang and drug activity
4) Loitering / problems with Congress Pizza on Milwaukee Ave.
DISCLAIMER
Beat 1431 CAPS volunteers prepared these meeting minutes to the best of their ability.
