9-Aug-20 – Two downtown neighborhood organizations were given details recently from Chicago police about how they will address increasing crime in River North and Streeterville.

Representatives of River North Residents Association and Streeterville Organization of Active Residents met on August 6 with 18th police district commander Jill Stevens, 42nd Ward Alderman Brendan Reilly, and 2nd Ward Alderman Brian Hopkins.

According to an update emailed to members of SOAR, the 18th police district has received an additional 50 police officers from a recently-created Critical Incident Response Team. The officers will help patrol the 18th district north of the Chicago River in the afternoon and evening.

The district will also get additional officers from bicycle, canine, and mounted units, and patrols on foot have resumed on some city streets.

The groups were told that a police presence, including “multiple police cars moving through an area,” will be shown on weekends at certain “hot spots” in the Loop and neighborhoods north of the Loop.

Stevens (left) also addressed complaints of loud motorcycles, particularly on Lake Shore Drive, saying Chicago police officers will be instructed by Illinois State Police “on specific methods and laws to curtail illegal motorcycle activities.”

“We are in constant contact with CPD and our aldermen and plan to have monthly follow-up meetings like this one,” wrote SOAR in its update. “At this point in time, the safety of all who live in, work in, and enjoy the Streeterville neighborhood is our number one priority.”

Attending the meeting were SOAR president Deborah Gershbein, Bob Johnson, chair of SOAR’s Safety & Security committee, Mike Riorden, president of River North Residents Association, and Sergeant Chris Schenk of the 18th police district.