Public Safety Reminders Amid Heightened Preparedness
Today, the grand jury overseeing the killing of Breonna Taylor involving 3 Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) officers announced wanton endangerment charges against 1 of the officers. At the request of the Chicago Police Department (CPD), we are preemptively sharing the below public safety reminders in the event of any local civil unrest.
In the event your business and/or home are located along routes used for public assembly, in efforts to allow for safe passage, please consider temporarily relocating any items and/or vehicles within or near the public way. You can monitor public transportation changes at transitchicago.com and learn more about the City's response on Mayor Lightfoot's website. CPD will be working with other City agencies and departments to deploy resources throughout Chicago if needed.
Businesses throughout the West Loop can stay vigilant and prepared by following a few key recommendations:
Every business owner should sign up for the CHIBIZ Emergency Alert system by texting “CHIBIZ” to 67283 or by visiting chicago.gov/chibizalerts. Through this program, business owners will receive targeted emergency alerts.
Consider closing your business early, covering windows to prevent damage, and removing items of value.
Consult with your local CPD District for specific recommendations.
Familiarize yourself with your insurance policy to ensure that you have the proper coverage and to understand the steps that you would need to take in the event that your property is damaged.
Businesses should call 911 in case of emergency to assist CPD in directing resources quickly and effectively to targeted areas. If you have hired security personnel, please make sure that they are cooperating with CPD and are not taking matters into their own hands.
As always, we advise all community members to continue being mindful of your surroundings and to address any unlawful activity by contacting the appropriate authorities. As CPD recommends: if an incident is in progress and the on-site presence of a local authority is necessary, please dial 911. If an incident occurs and the suspected offender(s) is/are no longer at the scene, please dial 311.
According to the Illinois Constitution, Article I, Section 5: “The people have the right to assemble in a peaceable manner, to consult for the common good, to make known their opinions to their representatives and to apply for redress of grievances.” The West Loop Community Organization (WLCO) recognizes the right to peaceful protest enshrined here, and we stand with those expressing their First Amendment rights in efforts to realize a better tomorrow.
At this time, we have no confirmed information about any local protests or civil unrest, and we'll update you as we can. WLCO is here to assist any businesses or residencies impacted by criminal activity. Call our offices at 312.666.1991 or email us at info@westloop.org to contact us, and submit supplemental documentation whenever possible. As always, please stay safe and vigilant.