Citizens Speak Out

And get treated to smoke and mirrors:

• Some 300 Uptown residents packed the Truman College cafeteria to talk to Chicago Police about what they say is big increase in crime in their neighborhood.
  
  Resident after resident took the microphone to tell police about shootings, drug dealing and auto theft in and around Uptown.
  
  Chicago Police Commander Kathy Bowmer says there has been an uptick in violence, particularly auto thefts, in the area but she says they are doing their best to crack down on what she says is three specific gangs. There have been 8 shootings and one homicide in Uptown this year.

We're sure the Commander is trying the best she can with whatever limited manpower she has, but these next paragraphs are ridiculous:

• Neighbors say they want an increase in patrols and security cameras., but police say residents can't be afraid to report crime and then follow through and testify in court against suspects if needed.
  
  Police are pledging to increase bike patrols and even bring in the Tactical Response Unit when needed.

Increase cameras because they've done such a great job preventing and solving crime in the first place. Bike Patrols are going to be a given because we are running out of functional cars in the districts, there aren't any pool cars available and new cars are a pipe dream. And we can't remember the last time anyone told us TRU worked north of Division Street.

People are noticing and the whole rotten edifice is crumbling before our eyes.