Chicago Police Seize More than 6,000 Illegal Guns in 2014

Chicago Police Superintendent Garry F. McCarthy announced Chicago Police have recovered 6,252 illegal guns to date in 2014, highlighting the public safety challenge posed by illegal weapons and the need for stronger legislation to stem the flow of illegal firearms on the street. Every year Chicago Police recover more illegal guns than officers in any city in the country, a result of lax federal and state laws, according to a release from the department.

“We have made important progress in reducing crime and violence in Chicago, yet there’s much more work to be done and the flow of illegal guns from other cities and other states continues to pose a serious challenge,” said Supt. McCarthy. “We’ll continue efforts to enhance public safety, but we also need better laws to keep these illegal guns out of our communities and out of the hands of criminals in the first place.”

The announcement was made at the latest Chicago Police recruit graduation at Navy Pier, where Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Supt. McCarthy commemorated a graduating class of 105 police recruits. With this graduation, 1,149 new police officers have joined the Chicago Police Department since Mayor Emanuel took office, along with promotions at every rank to bolster strong leadership in the organization.

“The men and women who protect our residents are the backbone our community policing strategy, and of our public safety efforts, and I congratulate the newest Chicago Police officers,” said Mayor Emanuel. “Strategic policing is vital to reducing crime, yet it’s just one part of a comprehensive approach that includes stronger prevention, more stable parenting and stiffer penalties for serious offenses.”

“These graduates have embarked on a profession that demands the highest level of commitment, integrity and honor to the neighborhoods they will serve throughout Chicago,” said Supt. McCarthy. “But merely wearing a police uniform or carrying a badge does not confer these traits. They are earned by a dedicated ethic to serve and protect the people of this city and the communities they live in.”

The graduating class includes 32 officers who have served in the military and 16 officers who represent another generation of policing in their families, demonstrating the legacy of duty and leadership intrinsic to law enforcement.

Police recruits spend five months at the Department’s Police Academy where they receive approximately 1,000 hours of instruction and training. At the conclusion of the training period, the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board exam is administered. All recruits must pass the examination to be certified as a law enforcement officer in the State of Illinois and begin the Field Training Program as a Probationary Police Officer. Upon acceptable completion of the Field Training Program and 13 months of field experience, Probationary Police Officers become full-fledged police.

—Submitted by the Chicago Police Department Office of News Affairs