Topic: Chicago Police Department

Chicago homicides drop dramatically as police target 'hot zones'

Chicago has been struggling with a rising homicide rate but February saw a drop to levels not seen in more than 50 years. A new police strategy might be helping, but it might not be sustainable.

19 arrested at mall, 'not related' to boy band concert

Most are charged with misdemeanor mob action. A 16-year-old was charged with battery of a mall security guard who was trying to evacuate the mall.

Would harsher sentencing have saved Hadiya Pendleton?

A suspect in the shooting of 15-year old Hadiya Pendleton, who participated in Obama's inauguration, was on probation for a gun-related charge. Chicago officials want tougher sentencing.

Why is Chicago struggling with gun violence? N.Y. might have answers.

In some ways, Chicago and New York City are taking similar paths to combat gun violence. But New York has gotten a handle on gangs – and that might be the big difference.

With 42 homicides, Chicago sees most violent January in 11 years

The month isn't over yet, but Chicago has already logged 42 homicides, making this the city's most violent January since 2002. A teenage girl who attended Obama's inauguration is the latest victim.  

Chicago registers its 500th homicide of 2012 – the highest number since 2008

Public-housing and school policies, gang activity, access to guns, and budget cuts for social programs have all been cited as factors in Chicago’s homicide rate.

As gang warfare escalates in Chicago, can Facebook be a help?

At least 6 of the 10 homicides in Chicago over Memorial Day weekend are linked to gangs, police say. City officials on Tuesday laid out a strategy that includes tracking known gang members on Facebook and Twitter.

With NATO summit, Chicago seeks to avoid repeat of 1968 riots

Chicago has ramped up efforts to head off violence at the NATO summit, leading some protesters to say the city has been heavy-handed.  

Protesters in Chicago call for 'Robin Hood' tax

Nurses and thousands of other marchers demand a 'Robin Hood' tax on financial transactions. More protests are expected ahead of a NATO summit in Chicago.

Occupy Chicago: why City Hall's iron fist hasn't come out – so far

Some 130 people at an Occupy Chicago protest were arrested Sunday for violating a park curfew. The city and activists are trying to find solutions, but dialogue has been shaky.

Tyrannosaurus rex dinosaur reportedly bigger than first thought

The Tyrannosaurus rex, according to researchers, may have tipped the scales at a heavier weight than was first believed.

Chicago police use more deadly force as gang war heats up

Chicago police have already shot and killed more people this year than they did in 2010. Officials blame a 'wanton disregard for law,' but critics say police have been too aggressive against gangs.

Bin Laden backlash? What US cities are doing to stop terror attacks.

US cities say there are no credible threats, but they're still taking extra steps to prevent a terrorist attack in the wake of Osama bin Laden's death.

Why police officer deaths rose 37 percent in 2010

The number of officers killed in the line of duty can fluctuate from year to year. But the group releasing the new police officer figures offers several reasons for the climb this year.

Gangs vs. Chicago police: an open feud over blame for street violence

Gang representatives in Chicago held a press conference Thursday to explain why gangs cannot be held solely responsible for stopping street violence, which has escalated this summer.

Behind Chicago's high-crime summer: persistent street gang violence

One legacy of public housing cuts is the spread of street gang turf battles to new pockets of the city. Gang violence contributed to a high-crime summer.

Chicago passes revised gun law, allowing handgun ownership

The new gun law, which effectively puts an end to Chicago’s controversial handgun ban, establishes strict guidelines about who can apply for a permit.

Chicago to allow handgun ownership under revised gun law

Chicago's longtime ban on handguns looked poised to be shot down after this week's ruling by the US Supreme Court. A new gun law proposed Thursday allows handgun ownership but requires multiple steps to obtain permits.

Fired Chicago Police Lt. Jon Burge denies torturing suspects

Fired Chicago Police Lt. Jon Burge said Thursday he never tortured two men who testified to being shocked and beaten by officers seeking confessions.

Homicide rate jumps in Chicago, Daley pushes for more gun control

Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley argues that more gun control will address the city's rising homicide rate. Others have proposed that the National Guard should be called in.

Supreme Court dismisses challenge to Illinois forfeiture law

The Supreme Court dismissed a case pitting innocent property owners against Chicago police and prosecutors who held seized autos and other property for years under a controversial Illinois forfeiture act.

A day in the security bubble with Barack Obama

My neighbor is running for president

Barack Obama? Oh sure, he's just a guy from the next block over.

To keep kids safe, Chicagoans join the walk to school

A spate of violence engulfing students has galvanized the city.

To keep kids safe, Chicagoans join the walk to school

A spate of violence engulfing students has galvanized the city.