Violence Reduction Strategy Begins in Evanston

A violence reduction strategy has been implemented by the Evanston Police Department in response to community concerns regarding recent shootings in the city.

The department is now dedicating two members from both their Neighborhood Enforcement Team and Tactical Unit each day to work at recovering firearms. 

“Members of N.E.T. and TAC are highly trained and have an exhaustive knowledge of individuals involved in the ongoing conflicts in our community,” according to a police news release. “Members of N.E.T. and TAC will utilize investigative techniques such as confidential informants, tips, monitoring social media as well as investigative stops to focus on known firearm offenders.”

On Tuesday, NET detectives recovered a Ruger 9mm handgun in the 2100 block of Ridge Avenue around 4 p.m. and six hours later recovered a Ruger .380 caliber handgun that had been reported stolen from Tennessee in the 1700 block of Wesley Avenue.

Meanwhile, the department has said members of the Problem-Solving Team (P.S.T.) and Foot Patrol will actively engage residents in high-crime areas. They will conduct knock and talks at residences and visit businesses, schools, parks and places of worship.

Photo: In order to effectively utilize this technique on an ongoing basis, members will be deployed with the assistance of a HEAT map which summarizes and maps out incidents of shots fired calls.