July 5, 2011

Mayor Emanuel Commends Chicago's Public Safety Team For Helping Create A Safe and Family - Friendly 2011 Taste of Chicago

Mayor's Press Office    312.744.3334

The following was issued by Mayor Emanuel's Press Office this morning:

The City of Chicago concluded the last day of its renowned Taste of Chicago on Saturday and fireworks last night.

"I commend the City’s public safety agencies and employees for their efforts to make this year’s event the safest in recent memory,” said Mayor Rahm Emanuel.

Preliminary reports by the Chicago Police Department indicate that there were almost 50 percent fewer arrests this year, a 20 percent decrease in citations for soliciting, panhandling and/or peddling without a license, and zero incidents reported involving illegal weapons.

The Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) activated its Emergency Operations Center at the start of the Taste to coordinate the delivery of city resources and public safety assets around the event footprint.

The public assisted the police in their efforts by reporting suspicious activity to authorities.

"Every year millions of people enjoy the Taste of Chicago, creating jobs and generating economic activity for our great city," said Emanuel.  "We could not attract people from across the globe without the hard work of our public safety officials."

 

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