Beat 2431 News - Rogers Park 24th Police District

Notes for February 2010 Beat 2431 meeting

Under the threat of 12 inches of snow, about a dozen citizens attended the Feb. 8 Beat 2431 meeting. In addition, five police officers attended, including 24th District Cmdr. Michael Wick.

Police reported that the following were the Top 10 crimes on the beat in January 2010:

1. Domestic battery, simple -- 11
2. Criminal damage to vehicle -- 6; hint: don't leave valuable in your auto to tempt thieves
3. Simple battery -- 4
4. Simple assault -- 3
5. Theft over $300 -- 3
6. Motor vehicle theft -- 3
7. Possession of 30 grams or less of cannabis -- 3
8. Theft under $300 -- 2
9. Theft from building -- 2
10. Robbery with a handgun -- 1

Police noted that a man who lives on our beat was arrested in January and charged with robbery with a handgun, though not the crime noted above.

In January, there were 20 arrests made on the beat, and 360 district-wide. There were a total a 750 calls for service on the beat, compared to 11,302 district-wide. 

Sgt. John Delgado shared some tips on how not to become a victim. He reminded people to always beware of their surroundings, especially while talking on a cell phone or listening to an MP3 player. Try to walk in well-lit areas, walk in groups if possible, and avoid alleys.

A neighbor from the 1100 block of W. Morse reminded police that spring is just a couple of months away, and asked them to stay in front of the homeless problem. Homeless people often camp out in Loyola Park and intimidate park-goers, including children. He said the police and 49th Wark Ald. Joe Moore were both helpful in the fall in alleviating the problem.

The meeting ended with a reminder that meetings for the rest of the year will occur on the regular schedule -- the third Monday of the month. The next meeting is March 15. The meeting adjourned at 7:50 pm.

First Beat 2431 meeting of the year: Jan. 12, 2009

The first beat meeting for Beat 2431 will be held at 7 pm on Monday, Jan. 12, at the Rogers Park Community Council office, 1530 W. Morse.

Agenda items include a review of the 2008 crime stats in the beat and a discussion of overall beat goals and strategies for 2009.

Note that both the January and February meetings occur on the second Monday of the month, not the usual third Monday, because of federal and state holidays occurring on the third Mondays of those months.

You can view meeting dates for the whole year here.

2009 beat meeting schedule

Here is the beat meeting schedule for Beat 2431 in 2009.  (Click here for a pdf of the schedule.)

One goal for the coming year is to feature more speakers on policing topics.

*January 12, 2009
*February 9, 2009
March 16, 2009
April 20, 2009
May 18, 2009
June 15, 2009
July 20, 2009
August 17, 2009
September 21, 2009
October 19, 2009
November 16, 2009
December -- no meeting

*Beat meetings convene on the third Monday of the month except in January and February;
e.g., Martin Luther King Jr. and Presidents’ Day holidays.

Minutes from July 21, 2008, CAPS meeting

You can download a PDF of minutes from the 7/21/2008 Beat 2431 meeting here here. Below is the text version of the minutes.

Rogers Park, 24th Police District, Beat 2431
CAPS Meeting, July 21, 2008
Rogers Park Community Council Office
1530 W. Morse Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60626

Officiates:
Jayne Hoffman, meeting Facilitator
Sergeant Baranowski, Beat Team Leader, Chicago Police Department
Jayne Hoffman, notes. Meeting notes are paraphrased, quotations are marked accordingly.

I. Welcome and introductions, Jayne Hoffman, meeting Chair. Hoffman welcomed everyone to the Beat meeting, and introduced 24th District Commander Steve Caluris is who greeted everyone. She continued with a brief outline of the longevity of the CAPS program and Kevin O’Neil’s extensive knowledge of Beat 2431.

II. Police crime report. Officer Zaccanino summarized last month’s crime report.   

III. On-going issues: An update.
* 1340 W. Morse/1345 W. Lunt: Rick Lopez from Wexenthaler Management announced that they are leasing apartments as units become available during renovations. Parking spaces are still available. Lopez confirmed one citizen’s comment that they were also marketing to Loyola students.
* Soo Liquors, 1420 W. Morse Avenue: Jay, business owner and an advocate were on hand to respond. Hoffman provided an overview of why Soo Liquors is undergoing this challenge: Gang-related activity takes place near the storefront and out in the street during the overnight hours. The same faces are seen entering and leaving the store, often without a purchase in hand. It took Soo Liquors more than four months to comply with most of the demands on the agreement with the Alderman’s office and signed by the owner. Soo Liquors’ advocate spoke for the owner claiming that the agreement was not a legally binding contract. Hoffman stated that the premise of tonight’s discussion was to provide updated information, and that the status of the agreement was not in question, but could be presented at the hearing. The license hearing is scheduled for August 19, 2008, at 11:00am at City Hall in Room 805, and is open to all concerned citizens.
* Duke’s Bar, 6920 N. Glenwood Avenue: Owner Neil Lifton responded about the noise and smoking complaints from tenants residing at 1430 W. Farwell. None of the complainants were present. Lifton stated that the business passed inspection from the Health Department and he received a clean bill. Lifton stated that he would keep his patrons out of the alley.

IV. Identify new problem areas.
* 6916 N. Lakewood: Bad smell in building, Bil Mar not taking it seriously. Graffiti inside. Citizen called the management who “whited out” the graffiti within reasonable time. Lots of yelling, fighting heard from inside the building by neighbors living to the north of the building. Currently no lock on the outside door. Hoffman stated that this building has been an issue in the past. Management needs to address tenant issues in addition to building upkeep. Hoffman referred the tenant to Sgt. Baranowski to exchange contact information so that District 24 could obtain keys to the building.
* Citizen: Still there is loitering and panhandling during am rush hours at the CTA station. One loiterer, known as Laura, greets passersby and hands them the Red Eye news. It’s a nuisance.

V. Announcements
* National Night Out 2008 is on Tuesday, August 5th. Anyone interested in helping out with preparations can contact Jayne at jayne1mh@gmail.com. 
* Benefit for Mary Jane Haggerty on Tuesday, July 15th at Heartland Cafe was a big success. More than $23,500 were collected by 8:30pm and the checks were still rolling in. The house was packed. To give something, contact Jennifer Caruso at the Rogers Park Community Council at jennifer@rogerspark.org.
* Rogers Park Garden Group meeting, Tuesday, July 29th. 
* Next beat meeting is on Monday, August 18th, 2008.
* Meeting adjourned by Sgt. Baranowski at 7:38 pm.

(Our apologies for the delay in posting these minutes.)

Minutes from June 16, 2008, CAPS meeting

You can download a PDF of minutes from the 6/16/2008 Beat 2431 meeting here. Below is the text version of the minutes.

Rogers Park, 24th Police District, Beat 2431
CAPS Meeting, June 16, 2008
Rogers Park Community Council Office
1530 W. Morse Avenue

Officiates:
Kevin O’Neil, Facilitator
Sgt. John Delgado, in place of Bet Team Leader Sgt. John Baranowski
Jayne M. Hoffman, notes taker
Meeting notes are paraphrased, quotations are marked accordingly.

I. Welcome and introductions.
Questions from attendees:
Can I install cameras in front of my property? Officer Aquilly: Yes, but you cannot prevent people from walking on the sidewalk.

II. Police crime report. Officer Acquilly outlined the crime report.

III. Update on issues from last meeting.
* 1340 W. Morse/1345 W. Lunt. Pete Tortorello with Newcastle Realty gave update: purchased the building in September 2007, emptied the building, and began leasing in early May and 20% of the apartments in the complex are leased. They identified that many women who want to rent feel unsafe, others on Morse noticed new people hanging around in front, may be identified as drug dealers. 24-hour security continues along with security cameras. Wexenthaler Management, Mr. Rick Lopez. Leasing begins for September 1st move-in. Go to www.ResideonMorse.com for more information. Forty-three parking spaces will also be available. Will have two Zip Cars on site. Kevin: Are you monitoring the cameras in an attempt to ID loiterers? Pete: We can. Also, no children are being exploited in anyway in regards to property renovation.
* Soo Liquors: Both Soo Liquors and Morse L Liquors, owners who are present this evening, asked not to sell the cheap bottles of liquor under $3. Morse L Liquors, located beneath the Red Line L responded appropriately. Soo Liquors failed to respond in a timely manner. Alderman Joe Moore’s office intervened by discussing the issues with the proprietors of Soo Liquors and Soo began to abide by the contract it had signed. Soo Liquors failed to comply with terms of the contract which required the removal of all small packaged liquor items priced under $3. This further resulted in complaint forms being filled out by Rogers Park citizens and submitted to the Department of Business Affairs who then conducted a series of investigations resulting in one minor violation. A narcotics investigation is the final assessment to take place. Beyond that, five letters from citizens identifying the issues and how it is a detriment to the neighborhood are required in order to go to the next step which is have a community meeting.
* Los Portales restaurant: Owner present asking for continued assistance with loiterers in restaurant.

IV. Identify new problem areas.
* A Citizen reported that her children are being exploited on the internet. A neighborhood blogger has been identified as the person recording children and posting on the internet. Police recommended the citizen ask the blogger to remove the photos.
* Pratt/Ashland: Girls jumping rope around 9 pm in the middle of Bosworth last evening. A call was made and responded to. Officer said the girls immediately moved to the sidewalk. Beat 2432 has been conducting Friday night walks targeting Bosworth and Pratt.
* Duke's Bar: Citizen 1: Noise issues affecting the senior housing on Farwell. Cookout in the alley at 11:30pm. Officer Aquilly: spoke to owner who said would try to keep people away from the back. Kevin: spoke to owner who said would refrain from letting patrons smoke in the alley. Citzen 2: Smoking out front is illegal within 15 feet of the doors. Sgt: Is there an ashtray out there for people? Citizen 2: not that I have seen.

V. Announcements
* National Night Out 2008 is on Tuesday, August 5th. Note: Date correction. Anyone interested in helping out with preparations can contact Jayne at jayne1mh@gmail.com. 
* Garden Meander sponsored by the Rogers Park Garden Club on Tuesday, June 24th. Cost $10. Contact rpgardengroup@comcast.net for more information.
* Benefit for Mary Jane Haggerty on Tuesday, July 15th at Heartland Cafe. For more information, contact the Rogers Park Community Council at www.rogerspark.org.
* The next beat meeting will be Monday, July 21, 2008.

Meeting adjourned by Kevin at 7:55 P.M.

(Our apologies for the delay in posting these minutes.)

Minutes from March 17, 2008, CAPS meeting

You can download a PDF of minutes from the 3/17/2008 Beat 2431 meeting here . Below is the text version of the minutes.

Rogers Park, 24th Police District, Beat 2431
CAPS Meeting, March 17, 2008
Rogers Park Community Council Office
1530 W. Morse Avenue

Officiates:
Jayne M. Hoffman, Facilitator and notes taker
Sergeant Koconis filling in for Sergeant Baranowski, Beat Team Leader, Chicago Police Department
Meeting notes are paraphrased, quotations are marked accordingly.

I.  Welcome and introductions. Jayne introduced herself and introductions went around the room. Sgt. Koconis announced that the new 24th District Commander Steve Caluris has begun duties. CAPS Beat 2431 congratulates Deputy Chief Bruce Rottner, former 24th District Commander, on his new post as Area 3 Deputy Chief.

II. Police crime report. Sgt. Koconis presented current crime report stats, including the Top 10 crimes in the beat in February. (View a pdf of the report here.) The top three crimes were Simple Battery (6), Simple Assault (4) and Harassment by Telephone (4).

III.  Identify new problem areas.

Citizen: Student at Sullivan High School found gym locker broken into with a ball-peen hammer. Combination lock busted off but nothing was stolen. Nothing the police can do directly unless they were called, but it provided good discussion on events at Sullivan High School.

Citizen: Junk trucks parked along Morse Ave. take up parking spaces for people who work at businesses on Morse Ave. Sgt. Koconis deferred to Officer Fitzgerald to investigate the municipal code on Morse Ave and if it allows junk trucks to park east of Clark Street.

Proprietor of Los Portales restaurant at 1418 W. Morse Ave. is in attendance. Juan Gonzales is having problems with loiterers hanging out at the restaurant making drug deals and do not purchase anything. He said they sneak in to evade police patrols. He has called 911 several times. Community Policing Office Steve Cohen commended Mr. Gonzales for having called 911 and for communicating constantly with Rene Camargo of DevCorp North. Sgt. Koconis inquired if he had signed any complaints. Mr. Gonzales responded that by the time the police arrive, the thugs have left. Officer Aquilles briefly explained that when one signs a complaint they need to appear in court to testify against the perpetrator to send the message that the community is serious. Jayne asked to talk with Mr. Gonzales after the meeting to ensure that he knows what is expected of him when he signs a complaint, and asked if he would like to come to the next meeting. Mr. Gonzales agreed.

IV. Other stuff.

Proprietor of Soo Liquors in attendance: Sgt. Cohen inquired about selling certain items. Owner stated to have stopped selling small bottles and certain types of smoking devices and has the new signage project underway. Aquilles and Koconis reprimanded him for the years of allowing thugs to hang out inside and in front of the store harassing passersby. The owners agreed that they are cleaning up and taking action. The officers asked the owner of Soo Liquors if he was calling 911 and willing to sign complaints. The owner stated that he will be doing that. Jayne asked if he planned to attend the next meeting on April 21st. The owner stated that he would.

Koconis and Cohen analyzed that the stream of events taking place on the 1410 – 1422 block area may require some special attention as the weather warms. Sgt. Koconis will seek authorization of a beat officer to walk that block area specifically.

Jayne asked Cohen to go over any old stuff from February:
Cohen outlined a main goal for 2008 was continuing to address the homeless who congregate in Loyola Park during the warmer months. Jayne asked when the bicycle patrol, which has been effective at addressing issues in Loyola Park, will begin. Cohen: Sometime in the middle of May.

V. Announcements

Cohen: New 24th District Commander Steve Caluris will attend every CAPS meeting within the next couple of months.

Jayne: National Night Out is on Tuesday, August 8, 2008. Anyone interested in helping out with preparations can contact Jayne by email. 

The next beat meeting will be Monday, April 21, 2007.
Meeting adjourned by Sgt. Koconis at 7:44 P.M.

Minutes from Feb. 11, 2008, CAPS meeting

You can download a PDF of minutes from the 2/11/2008 Beat 2431 meeting here. Below is the text version of the minutes.

Rogers Park, 24th Police District, Beat 2431
CAPS Meeting, February 11, 2008
Rogers Park Community Council Office
1530 W. Morse Avenue

Officiates:

Kevin O’Neil, Facilitator, CAPS Beat 2431
Beat Team Leader Sgt. John Baranowski

Welcome and introductions: Meeting called to order at 7:03 pm. About 20 people (including police) attended on a bitter cold night.

I. Police crime report:  Beat Team Leader Sgt. John Baranowski presented the Top Ten crimes for the month of January. Find them here. The top three were:
• Eight arrests for possession of 30 grams or less of marijuana.
• Six incidents of harassment by telephone.
• Five reports of domestic battery (simple battery).
• Five reports of criminal damage to vehicle.
There were 31 arrests on the beat in January, compared to 26 in December.

II.  Updates on Old Problems: 
1340 W. Morse / 1345 W. Lunt
Both buildings have now been vacated of tenants. New roofs have been installed on both, and installation begins this week of new windows. See this report for more details on the buildings.

Soo Liquors, 1420 W. Morse
Kevin O’Neil announced that Soo Liquors had signed a Memorandum of Understanding drafted by Alderman Joe Moore’s office. Click here for details on the memo. Soo’s owner signed the memo after he was cited for not having a proper license for the canopy sign hanging over the sidewalk. The sign was removed. The alderman’s office said they wouldn’t approve of the sign license unless the owner signed the memo and worked with DevCorp North to design a canopy sign.

Among other promises, Soo’s owners said they would sign complaints against loiterers, stop selling Phillies “blunt” cigars (used for smoking marijuana), and stop selling rolling papers, glass pipes, malt liquor, cheap wine and small half pints of booze costing less than $3. Read this post for more details.

III.  Identify New Problem areas: 

A citizen who lives near Pratt and Bosworth brought up the ongoing problem of gang loitering in the area. Community Policing Offer Steven Cohen said that area is a priority of Beat 2432, since the problem buildings are in that beat on the south side of Pratt. Sgt. Baranowski suggested that citizens begin keeping activity logs, noting times and dates of suspicious activity, descriptions of loiterers and descriptions of cars and plate numbers.

The citizen suggested we “turn up the heat” on the owner of the convenience store on the northwest corner of Pratt and Ashland. O’Neil said he would try to facilitate a meeting with the alderman’s office, the store owner and building owner, the Living Word church. The same citizen also reported a window was missing on the ground level of the building at the southwest corner of Farwell and Ashland. The building is vacant and had been undergoing renovations, though they seemed to have come to a stop. He was advised to call 311 about that.

(Read the continuation of this post for January crimes in and around Pratt and Bosworth.)

Another citizen reported being assaulted by someone she knew in a building in the 6800 block on N. Sheridan. She asked to discuss the matter privately with officers after the meeting.

IV. Beat priorities:

The discussion continued from the January meeting about beat priorities for the year.  Other priorities are illegal activities at Pratt and Bosworth/Ashland and at Soo Liquors.

V. Announcements:

• The next Beat Meeting is on Monday, March 17, 2008. In March we go back to our regular meeting date of the third Monday of the month.
• Kevin adjourned the meeting at 7:50 pm.

January handouts: Top 10 December crimes, December arrests

Here are some of the handouts (all in pdf) from the Jan. 14, 2008, beat meeting.

Top 10 Beat 2431 Crimes in December 2007.

Top 10 Beat 2431 Crimes in November 2007

Arrests in Beat 2431 in December 2007

Arrests in Beat 2431 in November 2007.

Minutes from Nov. 19, 2007, CAPS meeting

Download a pdf of the Nov. 19, 2007, CAPS meeting minutes here.

November handouts: Top 10 October crimes, October arrests

Here are some of the handouts (all in pdf) from the Nov. 19 beat meeting. Meeting minutes are posted here.

Top 10 Beat 2431 Crimes in October 2007.

Arrests in Beat 2431 in October 2007.

Note-worthy offenders in 24th District.