View this email in your browser

Your Feedback Matters

Dear Friend,

Our September meeting featured the most important part of our job: YOU.

More than 40 participants gathered to discuss core questions about what public safety means and how we, as a District Council, can improve it.

We learned that residents feel safer when they know and see their neighbors and have well-lit streets. We heard that people want to know more about the public safety resources available in Chicago, like the 988 mental health crisis hotline. We discussed the qualities our District would like to see represented on the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability (CCPSA), which has important powers over CPD policy, personnel, and goals. And lots more.

It was a rich and energizing conversation for all of us. We’re grateful to everyone who showed up and offered feedback.

But if you missed the meeting, it’s not too late to make your voice heard! Go here for your chance to answer the questions we posed to the group. And if you want to comment specifically on your top priorities for the next CCPSA Commissioners, please fill out this survey.

Read on for additional news and announcements, and find our full presentation and recording of our last meeting at our website.

In community,

–Maurilio, Jenny, and Sam

19th District Council Members

Our Next Meeting: Tuesday, October 24

Tuesday, October 24, 6:30 p.m.

Holy Trinity Lutheran Church
1218 W. Addison St.

We and our community have been deeply concerned by the recent wave of violent robberies in our area and elsewhere in Chicago. At our next meeting, we will discuss safety tips and public safety resources you can call on to be and feel safer. We will also recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month by highlighting services to address domestic violence right here in the 19th Police District. Please join us!

CPD Budget Town Hall: Wednesday, October 25

Wednesday, October 25, 7:00 p.m.

Amundsen High School

5110 N. Damen Ave.

Join the 17th, 19th, 20th, and 24th Police District Councils as we learn and discuss:

• How does the CPD budget process work?

• What is the current 2023 CPD budget and proposed 2024 budget?

• What is our community’s vision for a public safety budget?

COPA Concludes Investigation with No Findings of Misconduct

We previously reported allegations of potential sexual misconduct involving an unnamed officer and asylum seeker staying at the 19th District Police Station. On September 29, the Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) announced that it finished its investigation. As COPA stated: “COPA has not substantiated any claim of sexual misconduct between members of the Chicago Police Department and any new arrivals. To date, no victim or witness has come forward or been identified.”

It was important to share what we knew when we learned of this allegation. It’s equally important to share the results. We’re grateful to COPA for conducting a thorough investigation and to the many officers who have worked to welcome our new neighbors in their offices over the past several months. We have requested records from COPA so we have the most complete information possible about their investigation. Meanwhile, you can read COPA’s full statement on the investigation here.

More Asylum Seekers Than Ever Need Our Help

The rate of asylum seekers entering our city weekly is increasing dramatically and it is very much felt in our District. Some days have seen more than 200 individuals temporarily housed just at the 19th Police District Station alone!  We know this is not sustainable—for individuals seeking a better life, officers, or our community. The federal government must expedite work permits for these individuals. Our new neighbors are willing and able to work and we have so many industries in our city who are looking to expand their workforce. This is a win-win.

Meanwhile, we can help our new neighbors right now. Please fill out this form to indicate an interest in volunteering to help with immediate needs. We are updating our volunteer process to keep up with the VERY HIGH DEMAND, so please fill this out if you are interested. You can also visit the dashboard created by the Chicago City Council Committee on Immigrant and Refugee Rights to see daily updates of how many asylum seekers have entered the city as well as other data that may be of interest.