The city of Chicago had $13.3 billion in appropriations and 20.3% of it went into public safety.
With Chicago public safety getting $2.7 billion in appropriations, the people of the city are wondering where it’s going.
Out of the $2.7 billion, The Chicago Police Department is getting $1.9 billion, which is 65% of all public safety spending. Additionally, the police oversight departments got a total of $18.1 million.
The police oversight departments are absolutely essential in determining the actions that police officers can take. Without it, police departments cannot function at their best and cities cannot thrive. Detroit showed that effective oversight can improve police capabilities and benefit the whole community.
Due to the low budget, Chicago’s police oversight departments have less oversight of police actions and fewer investigations into civilian complaints.
Crime Statistics in Chicago.
In Chicago, there are 3,926 crimes per 100,000 people, most of which are violent crimes.
Crime data shows a 61% rise in reported major crimes in March compared to the same duration last year, marking a 97% increase from 2021.
Compared to 2022, the crime rate has generally increased. However, motor vehicle theft saw the most significant change as it grew from 817 in 2022 to 2,169, resulting in a 165% increase.
There has been a significant increase in crime rates, with robbery up by 26%, theft by 24%, aggravated battery cases by 31%, and burglary and breaking by 11%.
In Chicago, violent crimes like assault and homicide are higher than in other Illinois cities, and it’s 4 times higher than the national average. This has caused anger and outrage among many Chicago residents.
We are halfway through the year, and the data indicates that its crime rate is expected to increase. This raises the question of whether the $2.7 billion allocated for public safety is being used effectively.
By Samuel Cruz
Sources:
SOS Private security: The crime statistics in Chicago 2023
THE CIVIC FEDERATION: Spending on Public Safety in the City of Chicago FY2023 Proposed Budget
AMERICAN POLICE OFFICERS Alliance: What is police oversight?
WTTW news: $1.94B Budget for Chicago Police Not Being Used ‘Effectively or Equitably:’ Commission
Featured and Top Image Courtesy of Mike DelGaudio Flickr Page–Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy of Stephen Hogan Flickr Page–Creative Commons License
