Additional Patrol For West Loop's Fulton Market District

12 additional CPD officers will patrol the area while WLCO works with its partners on creating a community-managed public safety initiative

The West Loop Community Organization (WLCO) is pleased to share that, in joint coordination with the Mayor’s Office and the 27th Ward, 12 additional Chicago Police Department (CPD) officers are being assigned to the Fulton Market entertainment district in direct response to recent increases in local crime, including a shooting incident at Alhambra Palace (1240 W Randolph) earlier this week. This additional patrol operates 7 days a week, 6PM–3AM, between Racine to Clinton and Carroll to Washington.

The West Loop’s Fulton Market District is a beacon of economic development for the City of Chicago, with $15.2 billion invested in recently planned development; providing over $113 million to the Neighborhood Opportunity Fund and with 900+ active business licenses. But crime has risen 10% YTD and 36% during the first week of September over last year in all index crimes. While we are fortunate to have such a robust and vibrant community, we are also aware of how desperately we need support to keep our streets safe and enticing to residents, visitors, and business owners. We are thankful that the 12th District will have additional support.

However, with conversations of a Business Improvement District (BID) years away, these officers do not represent an adaptable, long-term solution. Only a community-managed public safety initiative can effectively address the kinds of unpredictable changes in crime we’ve begun to see. So, we’re also calling on City leadership to allow the special earmarking of Local Impact Funds so that we may assign a special entertainment district team while the exploration of a BID continues.

What can the community do to help?

WLCO has started conversations with community stakeholders regarding short-term funding of privatized security within the district. We will be holding a meeting with all Liquor, Public Places of Amusement (PPA) and Valet Operator license holders, 12th District Police Commander Giltmier, Sgt. Karczewski Business & Entertain Liaison, representation from Business Affairs Consumer Protection (BACP) and  the Liquor Commissioner in early December. The purpose of the meeting is to remind all licensees of their obligations as defined in their respective Plans of Operations, request their participation with the Office of Emergency Management Communication (OEMC) and open the conversation of other possible solutions. We are asking for your participation and support so that, together, we can keep our streets safe.

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The West Loop Community Organization (WLCO) is a recognized delegate agency for the City of Chicago. Formed in 1991, WLCO is a membership based organization that represents the business and residential communities within the West Loop boundary. Promoting local businesses, supporting economic development, and advocating for continued, responsible growth are ways in which the organization works to improve the quality of life in the West Loop.