Chicago Police, Cook County Sheriff's Office Partner to Combat Gang Violence

Submitted by the Chicago Police Department Office of News Affairs.

Chicago, IL - Today, Chicago Police Department Interim Superintendent John J. Escalante and Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart, announced a renewed partnership in targeting violence and gangs that pose a threat to the City of Chicago.

The efforts include gun and narcotics investigations, traffic stops, identifying and arresting individuals with outstanding arrest warrants. Beginning Wednesday, efforts will be taking place in the Harrison (11th) and Austin (15th) Districts, covering much of Chicago’s western neighborhoods most affected by gang violence. This partnership will continue sporadically through the end of the month.

“In order to keep all Chicagoans safe, it is imperative that we work with our partners in law enforcement to strike gangs at the heart of their operations,” said Interim Superintendent Escalante. “I’d like to thank Sheriff Dart and the Cook County Sheriff’s Police Department for their unwavering cooperation in driving out violent offenders.”

Since January 1st, Chicago Police Department gang enforcement teams have been decentralized and have been assigned to Areas North, Central and South. Throughout the city this action will result in increased discretionary manpower, allowing for the ability to assign officers to the areas that need the most attention.

“Gang violence and related crimes pose a threat to everyone in Cook County,” said Sheriff Dart. “I’m proud to work side by side with Interim Superintendent Escalante and the Chicago Police Department to ensure the safety of the residents of Cook County and the City of Chicago.”

In 2015, similar partnerships with the Cook County Sheriff’s Office throughout the City of Chicago recovered 110 guns, had 219 warrant arrests, 43 felony arrests, and 739 misdemeanors. Additionally, two stolen vehicles were recovered as well as 80 counterfeit credit cards.