Live reporting by
Allison Leon
Constituents received a presentation on the Pretrial Fairness Act
Allison
@leonad49
Hi, I’ll be live-tweeting today's 9th Police District Council meeting at Back of the Yards HS for #CHIdocumenters @CHIdocumenters
06:29 PM Jan 31, 2024 CST
Meeting is called to order at 6:40pm. Here are some of the handouts passed out before the meeting began. Denise McBroom is not in attendance.
Community Engagement Chair Erin Vogel announced that each major neighborhood will be visited twice during the year to hold regular meetings.
There will be two presentations tonight: first is an informational on Pretrial Fairness Act presented by a representative on the Law Office of the Cook County Public Defender
The presentation on the Pretrial Fairness Act covers how it changes a system that disproportionately detained individuals. There is now an emphasis on making an informed decision on whether an individual is released, instead of relying on ability to pay bond
One public attendee asks how this solves a "revolving door" around individuals committing misdemeanors. Presenter answers how this may have happened under an old system, and how this is a result of conditions that a court system cannot address properly
Another attendee comments that theft has increased anyway and wishes for tighter laws. Presenter answers that there are many conditions influencing people that a policy change cannot solve.
There are a few other comments along a similar thread commenting on feeling more unsafe in general. The second presentation begins. A presenter from The Network presents on domestic violence in the 9th district and victims rights under the Pretrial Fairness Act
The presentation covers a background on domestic violence and statistics specific to the 9th district. There has been a 28% increase from 2022-2023 in DV calls. The presentation also covers how the Pretrial Fairness Act prioritizes victim input on DV cases to determine release
Community Engagement chair Erin Vogel gives an update on attending a Peace Meeting, a listening session from Superintendent Snelly, and a meeting on Treatment not Trauma. Upcoming is a meeting on Jan.8 at St.Sabina concerning the Shot Spotter contract.
Public comment begins. First is around reckless driving that is keeping a resident awake. They highlight police inaction despite multiple reports and a report in the news.
Second public comment is around pre-textual traffic stops, presenting a petition. They highlight how pre-textual traffic spots disproportionately affect people of color, especially Black residents.
Third comment is a reminder of the shot spotter contract ending, and encourages individuals to consider their position. They highlight that ShotSpotter has missed 500 reports, and notes an incident on 47th and Racine where a large shooting occurred that 3 detectors didnt register
Final public comment is from the local business owner of Los Altos. They express displeasure with new arrivals, feeling unsafe and unheard with their presence. They highlight a large presence around 2-6p, and that something needs to be done
Public comment ends. Committee member Vogel says next meeting will be in Brighton Park on the 28th of February and aims to have translators (this meeting was solely in English). Meeting adjourned at 7:37pm