CPD changing overtime policy, to start patrolling expressways

CHICAGO (Sun-Times Media Wire) - Chicago Police Supt. Eddie Johnson is changing the department’s policy when it comes to overtime work in an effort to bolster community relations in high-crime areas.

Officers already assigned to more crime-heavy neighborhoods will now work overtime only in those same neighborhoods, according to a statement from the department issued Monday night.

The move aims to “continue to build relationships with residents and community leaders in their district,” department spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said.

The new edict will at first apply only to officers assigned to the department’s designated high-crime areas, but will eventually “expand to officers who work that Area and then expand citywide,” Guglielmi added.

Previously, officers worked in different districts during each overtime rotation as part of the violence reduction initiative.

It was not specified when the new overtime policy would take effect.

In addition to the changing overtime policy, the department is also upping its number of designated high-crime areas — which see extra police saturation — from 19 to 25, according to the statement.

With more than 20 people shot on Chicago expressways so far in 2016, the department also plans to start patrolling expressways with the Illinois State Police “in an effort to ensure public safety on the roads,” the statement read.

Shootings that occurred on Chicago expressways were not included in the city’s data portal as of Monday night and a representative from the Illinois State Police could not be reached late Monday.

The CPD also announced it will be increasing foot and bike patrol units across the city as another well to foster community relations.