Strengthening the relationship between the community and the police is the goal of the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability and the upcoming election of District Councils for each police district is designed ensure that the community has a strong voice in Chicago policing.
District Council elections will be on Feb. 28, 2023 along with the mayoral, aldermanic and other elections. The candidates running for the three spots to represent the 22nd District have been invited to meet the community and present their platforms at an open meeting hosted by BAPA Thurs., Dec. 8, 7 p.m., at the BAPA office, 1744 W. 99th St. Candidates running for District Council seats in the 22nd District have been invited to attend. They are Lee Bielecki, Andre Pate, Patrick Kennedy, Matt Bianciotto, and Carissa Parker.
Yvette C. Loizon, neighborhood resident and interim member of the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability, will also be available at the meeting to answer questions about the duties of the District Council and work of the Commission.
“It is important to know the people who are running for these positions so we can be prepared and informed voters in February,” said BAPA Executive Director. Mary Jo Viero. “We want true community representation in this important new collaboration with our police.”
District Councils will be created in each of the City’s 22 police districts and composed of three people elected in regular municipal elections every four years. But anyone can participate in District Council work, and the more people who participate, the more effective the District Councils can be.
Key Roles of District Councils
Building stronger connections between the police and the community at the district level, where the community is a true partner in making the neighborhood safer, working with the police to solve problems and set priorities.
Collaborating in the development and implementation of community policing initiatives.
Holding monthly public meetings, where residents can work with the police on local initiatives rooted in community concerns and priorities, and raise and work to address concerns about policing in the district.
Working with the community to get input on police department policies and practices, and to develop and expand restorative justice and similar programs.
Ensuring that the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability gets input from the community, so that the Commission’s work will be based on what people in neighborhoods across the city are concerned about.
Nominating members of the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability.
