FBI, DEA, ATF join new CTA crime task force

FBI, DEA, ATF join new CTA crime task force

The CTA is getting backup from federal law enforcement agencies as officials work to crack down on violent crime across the transit system.

CHICAGO - The CTA is getting backup from federal law enforcement agencies as officials work to crack down on violent crime across the transit system.

Cook County State’s Attorney Eileen O’Neill Burke announced a new task force Monday that brings together the FBI, ATF and DEA to support investigations tied to CTA crime.

The announcement comes just days after a man hijacked a CTA bus at knifepoint, raising new questions about safety on the CTA.

What they're saying:

"There are two ways to deter crime: the likelihood of being caught and the likelihood of being punished," Burke said. "By working with law enforcement we are upping the likelihood in both scenarios. That's what I want to send to the write-in public, that we have heard you. We share your concerns and we are doing everything we possibly can to make this the safest big city in America. And that starts with our transit system."

Violence interrupters call for more CTA outreach after bus kidnapping | ChicagoLIVE

Violence interrupter and "Mr. Ceasefire" Tio Hardiman joins ChicagoLIVE to discuss CTA safety after a shocking bus kidnapping involving a driver held at knifepoint. Hardiman explains why his organization wants to deploy more outreach workers across CTA buses and trains, how violence interrupters help defuse conflicts before they turn deadly and why he believes community-based solutions are critical heading into the summer months.

Burke said violent crime on the CTA is already down 22% compared to last year.

She also said nearly 40 prosecutors have been specially trained to quickly access CTA camera footage and other digital evidence to help move investigations faster.

While the new task force includes multiple law enforcement agencies, it does not include community organizations.

Tio Hardiman, who works with young people involved in violence prevention efforts, said that’s a missed opportunity.

"You cannot arrest your way out of an epidemic," Hardiman said. "Violence and violent behavior has become a lifestyle for some people. So we have to work with the people, meet them where they are and help them out."

Hardiman said his group, Violence Interrupters, has stepped in to stop about 40 potentially violent situations so far this year — before anyone even called 911.

What's next:

The task force is expected to hold its first meeting next week.