Police Accountability in Our City

Hi James,

Last Friday, the Department of Justice (DOJ) released the report of their investigation into Chicago's Police Department. I read the 168-page document over the weekend and found it to be fiercely honest and disturbing, both in the description of the brutal actions that were described and the length of time that had to go by before a full investigation would occur. I encourage you to read it in order to hold the City and CPD accountable. Click here to download a copy of the DOJ's report. The Department of Justice recommendations begin on page 150.

This was a 13-month investigation of a pattern of practice with more than 1,000 witnesses interviewed. Of the 20+ police departments across the country that have been investigated, this one was the largest investigation ever conducted. Due to the Presidential election with anticipated changes to the Dept. of Justice, there was a strong push to have this investigation completed during President Obama's administration. Whether or not the President-elect will support these findings, I, as a member of the City Council, am committed to make sure the City of Chicago makes the necessary changes outlined in this report.

I am committed to making sure that Mayor Emanuel and Superintendent Johnson stay on the path to correct this culture of abuse that has been allowed to go on for too long. If we as a city are serious about addressing the Chicago murder rate, a key component to this is a better relationship between the community and the police. The Chicago Police Department must prioritize the difficult work of establishing trust within the African-American and Latino communities in our city. This is the key to creating a plan to reduce violence that will actually produce results.

Undoing the damage created by many decades of a culture supporting intolerance and abuse within the Chicago Police Department will take time and incredible effort. We must institute the changes recommended by the Department of Justice immediately. If we want to move our city forward, we have no other option.

Best,

NEWS

OPEN OFFICE HOURS EVERY MONDAY
Every Monday from 5pm - 7pm, Ald. Cappleman has open office hours for any constituent who wishes to see him. No appointment is necessary. Ald. Cappleman is also available during evening hours to speak with neighborhood groups and large residential buildings. Call 773-878-4646 or email info@james46.org to make an appointment.

MORE PUBLIC ART FOR THE 46TH WARD
Mayor Rahm Emanuel and the Dept. of Cultural Affairs & Special Events (DCASE) has designated 2017 as the "Year of Public Art". Each of the 50 wards is eligible for a $10,000 matching grant based on a commitment of using $10,000 in menu funds. This grant comes from Allstate Insurance Company and Terra Foundation for American Art through DCASE. Last December, Ald. Cappleman signed an agreement that will allow the 46th Ward to get the maximum amount for this grant in order to install a series of art projects throughout the ward. All interested artists who would like to submit a project are encouraged to apply. Click here for more information.

CHICAGO HOMELESS COUNT
The Chicago Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) is looking for volunteers, please join them and make a difference! In order to receive federal homeless funding from the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development, Chicago and homeless service providers must demonstrate their need by collecting data on how many persons experience homelessness on one given night. This night for Chicago will be Thursday, January 26th from 8pm - 2am. Click here for more information and to register to help.

HEALTH CARE OPEN ENROLLMENT DEADLINE JAN 31
Enrollment is now underway and the deadline to receive coverage is just around the corner! If you or someone you know is looking for affordable health insurance for 2017, be sure to visit www.healthcare.gov before the Jan. 31 deadline. Illinois residents can explore their options and apply online at www.healthcare.gov or by calling a representative toll-free at 800-318-2596. Feel free to call Congressman Quigley’s office if you have any questions at 773-267-5926.

HELPING WOMEN LEAVING THE PRISON SYSTEM
Cook County Commissioner Bridget Gainer is hosting her annual holiday donation drive for Cook County Sheriff's Women's Justice Programs from now until Jan. 30, 2017. They need travel-size toiletries. A donation box is located inside the Ward Office.

EVENTS

ENTREPRENEURSHIP FOR ARTISTS & CREATIVE PROFESSIONALS
When: Friday, Jan. 20 from 11am - Noon
Where: Bezazian Library, 1226 W. Ainslie
Artists often come upon their practice through a passion for making. But what happens when our practice becomes a business? This workshop is for new and existing arts entrepreneurs looking to start or grow their practice. Attendees will leave with the tools to develop a start-up plan and consider a variety of possible business models. Presented by the Duman Entrepreneurship Center.

WOMEN'S MARCH ON CHICAGO
When: Saturday, Jan. 21: rally at 10am; march at 11am
Where: Jackson Boulevard at Lake Shore Drive
This is a march to continue positive, peaceful action in the lives of everyone and in our communities to move toward a goal of fairness, justice, and equality for everyone. Click here for more information.

PUBLIC SAFETY MEETINGS

Always maintain an awareness of your surroundings. This means do not wear earbuds or headphones while walking in public places. Robbers go after the easiest target and you will be labeled one when the robber assesses that you are distracted and not focused on your surroundings.