CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Chicago’s interim police superintendent said the department will redouble its efforts to curb violence in the wake of a weekend in which 46 people were shot, and nine people died across the city.
“I want to first express my deepest condolences to the families of those who were injured or taken from us by gun violence this weekend,” interim Chicago Police Supt. Fred Waller said Monday.
Waller spoke at Chicago Police Headquarters at 35th Street and Michigan Avenue. He touted the good work being done by police officers, some of whom again had to cancel days off, but then Waller said he saw the violence.
“It’s frustrating,” he said. “It’s very frustrating.”
The weekend was “challenging,” he said.
“The officers are out there working hard, but we are being, sometimes, overtaken by the gun violence and the type of weapons that they use,” said Waller.
The interim superintendent said police are looking at short-term and long-term solutions, and Waller promised that “the Chicago Police Department will keep working toward the day when no family has to experience this senseless violence.”
Officials said they are looking at short-term and long-term solutions.
“Resources are being shifted in real time, and each police area and district are tailoring resources to specific needs of the communities they serve, including large events. We are also looking at historic and current data to analyze how crime has shifted, so we can best address it.”
Waller said the force would step up its partnership with Violence Interrupters and other community groups as the City tries to target the root causes of crime and violence. As always, Waller said the public is encouraged to reach out if they know anything about a shooting.
“Our goal is not to only reduce violence as we are seeing it right now, but to create a strong foundation for safety for future generations and Chicagoans,” he said.
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