The East Chicago Police Department and Mayor Anthony Copeland met with local business owners to discuss issues and concerns affecting the business community.
Over 30+ local businesses gathered to hear Police Chief Mark Becker’s data, thoughts and concerns. He discussed having officers assigned to walk the business district every day, to meet and get to know the business owners and residents and interact with them on a one on one level. “This isn’t easy, this isn't new policing tactics either said Chief Becker, this is going back to the roots of police work and getting the know and interact on a very grass roots level. We want the businesses and residents to get to know the officers and build trust with them enough to call on them directly.”
This in conjunction with the newly formed STOP team is leading the way as a great police model for other cities to adopt. It is part of Mayor Copeland and Chief Becker’s task of making East Chicago safer, and it’s working. The ECPD has teamed up with Indiana University Northwest to help identify crime in East Chicago. Professor Joseph Ferrandino and his staff at IUN have provided the ECPD with a first glimpse of their analysis of the crime issues facing the community. The ECPD then takes that data and focuses their efforts in problem areas targeting high crime areas more effectively. The effort really pays off when you see the crime reports. Crime is down 18% percent this year already.
“This is not an easy task. “We can only do this effectively if everyone is involved. We need your help just as much to get the job done. We want to make that connection with businesses and make it strong.” said Chief Becker.
Mayor Anthony Copeland stated, “This makes a real comprehensive approach to public safety in East Chicago. We are humbled by the outpour of support for this program and look forward to establishing a symbiotic relationship with everyone involved. It’s a new day in East Chicago, one of hope and progress through interaction with our police department.”
Earlier this month the East Chicago Police Department had a similar meetings with clergy leaders and educators. The East Chicago Police Department and the Mayor’s Office would like to thank all of our Business Leaders, Clergy Leaders and Educators for taking the first steps to helping us in our efforts to bring a better quality of life to our residents and visitors alike.
For more information on the STOP Team and outreach efforts from the East Chicago Police Department please contact Police Chief Mark Becker at 219-391-8331 or email him at mbecker@eastchicago.com
We’ll see you on the streets!