C.A.P.S Meeting in Chicago Story

The friendly and optimistic residents of the 1st District South Loop were eager to get down to business discussing the past month's concerns with safety precautions and a residents misplaced check, Wednesday night at the monthly C.A.P.S. meeting.

The meeting started with one of last month’s community concerns of Beat 134. Suspicious activity and loitering at 162 W. Cermak Rd, near a CTA bus stop, was cleared by officers. Officer Panick stated that police controlled the situation and more officers were assigned to that area.

Panick said crimes have decreased this month due to more officers being assigned to the streets. Thirty-eight incidents have been reported since the last meeting. Fifty-five crimes were reported last month.

Thefts of iPods and cell phones on the street and the CTA have been reported continuously this month, said Panick.

“People should always be aware of people around them and their surroundings,” Panick said. “If you ever see anything suspicious, don’t hesitate to call us.”

Many elderly residents from the Hilliard Apartments, located on Clark Street, attended the meeting. They filled the room with laughter, enthusiasm and giggles as they conversed together.

The passionate citizens praised the recent closing of a liquor store near their home. They said there had been loitering and drunk students who often disrupted and scared the apartment residents. Smiles and applause erupted when Panick mentioned the closing.

One of the residents, Luthetta Horton, said that she misplaced a $15 check to the Secretary of State in September. Her bank notified her that the misplaced check had been turned into a $1,000 check that was forged by a random, unknown man. Horton filed a police report after the meeting was over.

“I wrote the check to pay for my grandson’s state I.D.,” said Horton.

A man pointed out that he noticed the median between State Street and Clark Street that contains large flower pots is no longer a hang out spot for drunken loiterers at night. Panick said that officers have been patrolling the area to reduce the risk of accidents and disruptions.

To prevent crime and injuries, the Chicago Police Department is offering a citizen police academy session. There will be an overview of police department safety for vehicle pursuits and a trip to the 911 dispatch center. Other forms of safety training will be available. Anyone interested should contact their local police department.

“I am looking forward to attending the citizen police academy session,” said Christeen Strode, who is also a resident of the Hilliard Apartments. “I attend these C.A.P.S. meeting every month, and I am always interested to find out what events are going on.”

A clothing and diaper drive will be held to benefit domestic violence groups in October and November. Makeup, clothing, particularly business attire for job interviews, and diapers will be taken to women’s shelters.

“Please send the donated items to this police station and we will distribute the items to various shelters throughout the area,” said Panick. “People are in dire need of clothing. Children need fresh, reliable diapers and bottles.”