Positive loitering: residents and police work together

Alderman Moreno speaks to crowd while police officers stand at attention in roll call, with Alderman Waguespack on right

A crowd of residents, 1st Ward Alderman Proco "Joe" Moreno and 32nd Ward Alderman Scott Waguespack gathered at Western, Armitage and Wilmot as police officers from Chicago District 14 took roll call on Thursday night.  The event was Positive Loitering, a coming together of community members and the police officers who protect them.

John Escalante, 5th Area Deputy Chief, talks with Aldermen Moreno (c) and Waguespack (r)

Though the rally took place in a parking lot, behind a hot dog stand, where there have been shootings, the intolerance of criminal activity applies to the entire community. The messages being delivered with this positive action were: "This is our neighborhood. We (residents, police and aldermen) stand united. Criminals are not welcome or tolerated here. Our collective eyes are watching you."

"Meet these officers and understand what they are doing to combat crime," Waguespack urged residents as they faced a sea of blue in formation for roll call.  Moreno too urged residents to be aware of what is going on, get involved and engage with the police. Deputy Chief of Area 5, John Escalante, who was commander of the 14th District until May, gave words of encouragement for the combined efforts of community members and police.

District Captain Michelle Anderson speaks as Deputy Chief Escalante looks on

District Captain Michelle Anderson, who spoke on behalf of the current District 14 Commander Linda Flores, encouraged more people to be involved with the police department by attending Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy (CAPS) meetings.  She gave recognition to two of 14's CAPS leaders Sandy Johnson, facilitator for Beat 1434, and Joe Kopera, Beat 1431, who is the co-chair for the District Advisory Committee's Court Advocacy program.

Joe Kopera (r) speaks with Moreno

Kopera, who has been involved with CAPS for the last four or five years said about this event, "This is one of the best attended that I have seen." Whether you are part of the 13th or 14th Police Districts that serve our community, you can be plugged into the happenings in your community and be part of positive actions. Contact the 13th District at 312.746.8350 or 14th District at 312.744.8290 and ask to speak to the CAPS office.

Other images from Positive Loitering event:

Sargent Anita Bilecki talks with residents

Officers take a break after roll call

Officer hands out leaflets an upcoming Night Out event

Taking on water and conversation after standing in high temperatures during roll call

Sandy Johnson (l) talks with neighbors