Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Chicago Police Department (CPD) Superintendent Garry McCarthy today announced the redeployment of 114 police officers to districts throughout the city as part of the Administration’s ongoing effort to strengthen the safety of Chicago’s neighborhoods.

“Successful policing begins with the beat officers who earn the trust of the communities they serve, shift by shift and patrol by patrol,” said Mayor Emanuel at a press conference at the Broadway Armory on Chicago’s north side. “These police officers have made that commitment to our residents to help make every community a safe place to work, play, learn and build a life.”

Of the 114 officers, 59 will be redeployed from special units, and the remaining 55 are coming from administrative positions within the Bureau of Patrol. The redeployments, which take effect Thursday, September 15, 2011 will be to every police district within the city.

At the press conference, Mayor Emanuel and Superintendent McCarthy also highlighted the exceptional police work that contributed to an overall 20% reduction in crime for August and the first two weeks of September in 2011 compared to the same time in 2010.

“Superintendent McCarthy, First Deputy Superintendent Al Wysinger and the entire Chicago Police Department have begun to set a new standard of service. They are holding Commanders accountable, and collaborating with the community to fight crime and keep our residents safe,” added Mayor Emanuel.

Every category of violent index offenses decreased during this time period.  Homicides decreased by 31 percent; shooting incidents were down 21 percent; and aggravated battery decreased 18 percent.

Superintendent McCarthy stressed the importance of the CPD’s “boots on the ground approach."

“District law enforcement is vital to responding to community concerns and it is imperative that we utilize all of our resources in the most efficacious manner possible," said Superintendent McCarthy. "The additional officers we are announcing today will go a long way to ensuring responsive police service and for solving and preventing crime."

Crime Statistics Highlights:

• 31% decrease in murders
• 13% decrease in criminal sexual assaults
• 4% decrease in robberies
• 18% decrease in incidents of aggravated battery
• 14% decrease in burglaries
• 44% decrease in felony thefts
• 12% decrease in motor vehicle thefts
• 21% decrease in the number of shootings
• 10% increase in the number of guns recovered by arrest

Since taking office, Mayor Emanuel has redeployed 881 Chicago Police Department sworn personnel to the street.

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