Though the West Loop is considered one of the safest neighborhoods in Chicago based on metrics gathered over the last few years, a recent spike in property and violent crime has highlighted areas where public safety needs improvement. Residents have provided a number of suggestions to keep the community safe:
6.1 Participation in the CAPS Program should be encouraged, possibly through consolidated CAPS meetings and better promotion.
6.2 Neighborhood watch programs and other grass roots public safety initiatives should be started.
6.3 Street lighting should be improved in poorly-lit areas both by the City and by developers through the installation of exterior lighting on their buildings, e.g., near Skinner West Elementary, along Lake Street (see recommendation 4.3).
6.4 Safety improvements to pedestrian facilities should be made, including measures that promote pedestrian safety through increased visibility, especially at night.
6.5 CPD should continue to increase the number of police officers and patrols assigned across the West Loop.*
6.6 The Chicago Police Department (CPD) 12th District should be split into two districts with a new station located within the West Loop.
6.7 Business owners and residents should install camera systems that support the sharing of security camera footage with the police and Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC).**
6.8 CPD and the City should provide more timely crime updates.
6.9 Create a “Good Neighbor” pledge program to foster a greater sense of community which will in-turn reduce crime.
* CPD announced new officers for the neighborhood during a news conference for the District 12 Decision Support Center on March 4, 2018.
** OEMC recently announced the Private Sector Camera Initiative.