30 Members Of CPD Bike Unit Deployed In 14th District

CHICAGO, IL — The Chicago Police Department announced it's deployed 108 new officers on the streets. The CPD Bike Unit has deployed 30 new members in the 14th District, which consists of Wicker Park and Bucktown. The 12th District, which includes Ukrainian Village and East Village, received eight new officers, the CPD said.

"We can all agree that an increased police presence brings a heightened sense of security, and I will continue to advocate for and welcome every new officer I can get," Ald. Brian Hopkins (2nd) said in a letter to constituents. "However, waiting for more officers to join the beat is not a strategy, and certainly not a plan to deal in the now."

The 18th District, which includes Lincoln Park, Old Town, Streeterville and Gold Coast, received 8 new police officers. CPD deployed 10 new officers in the 19th District, which includes the Lincoln Park portion of the 2nd Ward.

Since January, Lincoln Park has seen a 55 percent increase in robberies through April compared to the same time period last year, the alderman said. Robberies in the neighborhood have increased by 45 percent over the past five years, Hopkins said.

"I’m working to implement additional safety initiatives on the ground with the support of residents, property managers, neighborhood groups, business owners and CPD," Hopkins said. "These measures include new street lighting, security cameras, residential block safety assessments, and collaborative and supported tactical operations with CPD."

A safety forum is being held in Lincoln Park on Thursday, May 17.

Image via Chicago Police Department.