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Join Us July 24 for Part 2 of Race and Policing Mini-Series

Dear Friend,

Thanks to the more than 30 neighbors who joined us for Part 1 of our mini-series on race and policing.

We heard from those who attended that our small-group discussions opened their eyes to a perspective they might not be used to examining—their own, as well as others’. We appreciate our community’s willingness to be vulnerable and share reflections on becoming aware of their own race as well as how their race informs interactions with and perceptions of police.

We next invite you to attend Part 2 of our mini-series, again led by facilitator Romeo Jackson, to broaden the conversation to the historical and systemic intersections of race and policing. Please join us.

Race & Policing Mini-Series Part 2 with Romeo Jackson
Wednesday, July 24, 6:30 p.m.

Third Space

716 W. Addison St.

The feedback we received after the first session focused mostly on what officers themselves think about the intersection of race and their job. We invited the 19th Police District Commander, Captain, and CAPS Sergeant to our first conversation. Unfortunately none were able to attend. The Captain informed us that plans for the Pride Parade that upcoming weekend would prevent him from coming, which is understandable. We hope to have the opportunity to engage both command staff and beat officers in these discussions going forward.

Read on for more on our upcoming meetings and news from around the District. We hope you had a happy and safe Pride Parade weekend and 4th of July!

In community,

Maurilio, Jenny, and Sam

19th Police District Council

Join Us July 31st to Discuss the Pretrial Fairness Act

Illinois’ Pretrial Fairness Act went into full effect last year and ushered in a slew of changes to our criminal justice system. Most prominently, the Act replaced cash bail with an assessment of whether individuals pose a risk before their trials, and limited the types of offenses that could warrant pretrial detention. It also included new protections for survivors of domestic violence.

We’ll be joined by representatives of the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, the ACLU, and domestic violence prevention coalition The Network to discuss what the PFA does, and how it’s working so far. Please join us!

Wednesday, July 31, 6:30 p.m.
Saint Clement Church

642 W. Deming Place

Have a question for our panelists? Let us know on our RSVP form. We will try to get to as many questions as we can.

July 9: Community Safety Walk with Ald. Knudsen

Please join 43rd Ward Alderman Timmy Knudsen, the 19th Police District Council, and 19th Police District CAPS officers for a Community Safety Walk. We’ll begin at the northeast corner of Jonquil Park starting at 5:30 PM.

July 19: See a Restorative Justice Community Court in Action

One of the goals of our Community Partnership Plan is to invite our neighbors to see a restorative justice court at work—and now is your opportunity! Cook County is home to several Restorative Justice Community Courts (RJCC), geared toward young adults ages 18-26 charged with non-violent felony or misdemeanor crimes. RJCCs aim to reduce recidivism, prevent future harm, and resolve conflict through restorative conferences and peace circles. The court involves participation by victims, family members, friends, others affected by the crime, and the community.

We’ll be taking a group of neighbors to see the Avondale RJCC on Friday, July 19 from about 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Please email 19thDistrictCouncil@gmail.com if you are interested in joining. Proceedings are open to the public so long as they get a little advanced notice to prepare for more people.

If you’re interested in a deeper dive, check out this report from Chicago Appleseed analyzing restorative justice courts’ practices and impact in Cook County.

Mental Health Resources: Thresholds Living Room and Mobile Crisis Response

The nonprofit Thresholds has two 24/7 mental health crisis services available right here in the 19th Police District. The Living Room is a comfortable, safe, quiet place for people aged 18 or older experiencing mental health crisis. The Mobile Crisis Response Team can dispatch trained professionals to those in crisis. Read about these resources below, and spread the word!