Chicago's top cop looking to families, community for support

CHICAGO (FOX 32 News) - When Rahm Emanuel said he wanted Eddie Johnson for his top cop it was clear he needed an insider from Chicago who could hit the ground running.

Johnson, who’s been on the job for less than a week, says the police can't solve the growing crime problems facing the city alone.  He is urging parents and young activists to help the city fight gangs, guns, and shootings.
           
Since January there have been more than 150 homicides and nearly 700 people wounded by gunfire.  The task to reduce the Chicago crime is monumental. 

On Saturday, the Chicago Police Department sponsored a gun turn in event on the city's West Side and over 100 guns were turned over to police, no questions asked.  Johnson was there and he spoke about community responsibility.

“Parents need to be parents.   Mothers need to be mothers.  Fathers need to be fathers.  It used to 18 and 19-year-olds with these guns, now it’s 14 and 15-year-old.  Parents need to be parents,” said Johnson. "Stop blaming everybody else. Take some ownership of your neighborhood and be accountable.  Resolve this situation."

Johnson says another avenue he is pursing is reaching out to young activists like Ja'mal Green. 

Green was in the national spotlight following the release of Laquan McDonald dash cam video, leading street protests against police who use excessive force.  On Friday, he protested outside the Fraternal Order of Police headquarters after it was revealed the union hired former officer Jason Van Dyke as a janitor. 

Green hopes Johnson can make a difference. He plans on talking with Johnson in the coming week.  Some of the issues on the table will be stop and frisk policies, the need for officers to be regular people under their uniforms, the value of walking the beat, being involved in the community and understanding the community they serve.