Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Information

Public Safety, Policing, and Citizen Responsibility

A service of the Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Conference and its website, www.hydepark.org. Help support our work: Join the Conference! Report to us problems and concerns and how you think the Conference can contribute to improved community safety. Watch for news of a new HPKCC Community Safety committee.

To still-controversial University of Chicago alert/update message from Hank Webber, April 12, 2005, with listserve and reply addresses. Views and analyses of HPKCC board: Community Safety. Shortcut to West Nile Virus. To "10 things you can do"-from the Conference. Independent of this site: http://hydeparkcrime.blogspot.com
To In this page. Help, police contacts. Safe and Sound-How not to be a victim

To CAPS News and Views.
To Community Safety Focus Group (New initiative of HPKCC)
To Crimes - concern over Attacks and Robberies See there also discussion of effects of juvenile and community vs adult criminal prosecution.
To WhistleStop HPKCC "crime stopper" Project and HPKCC WhistleStop Committee
To Community and Business Relations with Students and Youth, present concerns
To Quality of Life issues
To Persons with Disabilities- needs and rights (U of C Police, SECC have joined the Hyde Park Disabilities Task Force.)
To University and Community
To Government Services (city & county emergency and routine contacts and services)
To Helpline (non-government)
 To Community and Neighborhood News
To Tracking Community Trends

In this page:

 

General news

In a big shakeup in March 2008, new (and fitst outsider since 1960) Superintendent Jody P. Weis changed 21 of 25 district commanders. In the 21st, John. Doty is commander. Howard Lodding was promoted to assitant deputy superintendent of administrative services where he will put his IT skills to work. The new 2nd and 3rd district commanders were not yet known. 2nd District former commander Lynette Helm was promoted to clhief of CAPS

 

Meetings, tip-sharing etc.

September 6, September 13, Thursdays, 6 pm. Police/CAPS hold seminars on high rise and condo-coop safety and security. Loop: Sept. 6, 333 S. State lower level. Southeast: September 13 6330 S. Stony Island (Southside YMCA), South: September 13, 3510 S. State (Police hq). William.Townsell@chicagopolice.org.

September 28, Friday, 8 am-9 pm. CAPS Implementation Office Counterfeit Currency and ID Theft Seminar for business. Hyde Park Bank, 1425 E. 53rd St. 312 747-9987.

 

Concern of the Conference, alerts issued by Police, SECC

Looking back on 2004, the members of the Board of the Hyde Park-Kenwood Conference feel that, statistics aside, our community, especially certain areas, have slid backward in terms of our goal of a community that is secure and attractive. We are exploring facts and causes with knowledgeable parties and what we can do to develop and promote remedies in conjunction with our neighbors. HPKCC may well form a Community Safety Committee. We will surely invite the community, perhaps including via a community forum, to participate in discussion and action. Other initiatives are underway.

This page, WhistleStop, and CAPS News sets forth some of the information, resources and practical tips we have already discovered, many furnished by the 21st Police District Community Policing Outreach Office or the University of Chicago. You might begin with the last item, on perceptions.

2005 alerts - more recent are in Latest.

February-April 2005. Since: visit Latest Robberies and Crimes page.

Note- summer always sees a major uptick in crime.

In mid-February 2005, South East Chicago Commission issued a Community Alert concerning armed, aggravated strongarm robberies, urging alertness by persons walking alone. Some of the incidents may be related--esp. multiple incidents by a group of teens (up to 6), others are apparently unrelated incidents. Associated in now a "pattern alert" in late February for near the University, often in broad daylight afternoon. One offender is a 30-year-old medium complexioned black male 5'-10", very heavy build130 lbs. Another has a highly wrinkled very dark complexion, sunken face in mid 40s, 180 lbs. Police are using special surveillance tools. This "older set" has been involved in several continuing armed robberies, one attempt, and an aggravated assault. They do carry semi automatic handguns. They confronted victims at gunpoint, often after following them home.

These two were captured March 28 when they attempted another hold-up robbery, witnessed by undercover UC police and, independently, by a woman. They are Johnnie Harrison of the 3700 block of King and Calvin Johnson of the 800 block of 46th. Johnson is on parole, according to Bob Richards of SECC. Both the accused were denied bail. As of April 5, Johnson was charged with 4 counts of armed robbery and one of aggravated robbery, Harrison with 3 for armed robbery and 1 of aggravated robbery. A total of 11 instances are under investigation.

The total robberies for January and February 2005 was 39, up 40 percent from the previous year, with total crime up 26 percent.

Good news: Another set of brazen robbers, two separate groups of teens, were caught the last week of February. See story in Robberies Spike. In late March, the "older set" of robbers was caught, and more teens.

Issue comes to a head in April, 2004: University issues letter April 12 (To letter)

April 13, 2005: Overall, 40 attacks by teenage groups from January 31 to April 6 resulted in 33 teenage arrests, according to Bob Mason of SECC, 28 of those arrested being between 14 and 16 years of age. Victims are mostly single males but include a group of out of town tourists, a woman with a baby, and a UC coffee store. Some involved robberies, the majority battery. A high proportion happened between 10:30 am and 2 pm and 10 of the arrestees were Kenwood students. But many incidents were in the late afternoon. Locations were concentrated between Woodlawn and Lake Park, 51st to 54th but as far north at 47th and beyond and 56th to 59th. Disturbing according to Mason was the nonchalant attitude of the arrested teens. Meetings have been held between police, businesses and Kenwood administration (facilitated by Ald. Preckwinkle) and Kenwood assemblies and discipline have already started. Students interviewed are upset with the attacks, believe they are wrong as well as a black eye on the school and its students. Also disturbing to many is that this comes at the time of other conflicts (and hope for resolution) between businesses and youth and may further widen the gulf between youth and the rest of the community.

From the April 15 Maroon story. (Many other media covered the story, including the Tribune 4/15.) The focus definitely is on teenagers and Kenwood, raising fears of polarization and stereotyping.

.....The assailants have used anything from their hands, feet, clubs, bats, chemical spray, a razor, an a BB gun to beat or intimidate victims. ...the perpetrators have often attacked without any prior confrontation or apparent motive. .."We haven't pinned down any specific motives," said Rudy Nimocks, executive director of the UCPC. ...Duel Richardson, director of neighborhood relations ..of the University: "I've heard speculation that this is 'a thing to do," ...Richardson [also] cited several cases in which the attackers chose targets who were listening to music or talking on a cell phone..."..be alert as possible." Richardson suggested [people} ...switch directions if they feel uneasy, or carry a whistle...He advised against Mace and pepper spray, saying that these supposed deterrents often anger attackers.

...At its May meeting, the Committee on University Crime Prevention will be considering methods to make the security alert system more widely used [including] proposal that all University students be automatically subscribed to the [alert] service...

[University officers Hank Webber and Duel Richardson maintain the neighborhood is still much safer than it used to be and than other parts of the city, and that this] pattern is "an aberration.}

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Murder on 53rd opens March, more follow.

Composite from reports in the Chicago Maroon and Hyde Park Herald

Faheen A. Muhammad, 28, has been arrested, within days, and is reported to have confessed and said he acted alone. But because witnesses said he was accompanied by another man, the investigation has not been closed.

26-year-old Dion Bufkin was shot multiple times in the 1200 block of 53rd by a man with a gun who ran up to him and performed the likely targeted hit (but see next paragraph), which followed an altercation that escalated according to a witness. Bufkin continued to be shot several times while on the ground. This man was an associate of Steven Curry, shot by a guard at the former McDonalds close to where Bufkin was shot. The relevance of this is only that Bufkin spent time in jail but was released (without a trial?) Sept. 2004 and that he was likely very well known to various personages. His place of residence was uncertain. One police source said he was a gang member with numerous drug arrests and associated with a gang whose territory is east of Dorchester-CVS is west. And witnesses said drug sales across the boundary may have been involved. Circumstances were said by one police officer(Sgt. Dufkin of Area 1 Homicide Detectives) to be indicative of the cocaine trade. Other witnesses said several suspicious men had been hanging out in front of CVS and police arrived just after the shots were fired. At bleat one witness claimed there were UC police already present--one is quoted as saying he witnessed the shooting. UC police deny involvement in the shooting. But Third World Cafe owner Forrest Moore is quoted as saying UC police were not yet there when the shooting started but were likely watching. UC Police spokesman Taylor confirmed police were in the area.

Caution: 1) While reputable sources say that Bufkin was in some way gang connected, this source has no information as to how closely related Bufkin was--these are matters of degree and specific circumstance. And while Dorchester is a boundary between certain gangs, this source has no information to show that this was indeed a hit or done as a gang act as opposed to a personal and perhaps gang-issue related matter except that the gathering and argument appear to have been not instantaneous and some witnesses indicate targeted.

UC Vice President Steve Klass made the distinction for "street presence" of showing you are alert and careful, but not fearful. Crime usually occurs in small waves because only a few are involved at any one time. He said disengagement is not the answer. Students involved in a crime should call 4-HELP at once.

For later homicides see the Crime Latest/Robberies page.

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Other disturbing crimes

A North Kenwood 14-year-0ld girl was reported by the Herald to have been allegedly lured into an apartment and assaulted by 4 minor males said to be Kenwood who then sent pictures of the actions to friends of the girl on their cell phones. The girl was allegedly assaulted again that day by an unknown person. The States Attorney's office did not press charges due, the office was reported to say, to lack of evidence.

Getting help

Emergency numbers

Hyde Park and Kenwood are in the 21st Police District 300 E. 29th (Prairie) and Area 1, 5101 S. Wentworth Detective District. Jackson Park and Woodlawn are in the 3rd Police District 7040 S. Cottage Grove (Grand Crossing) and Area 2, 727 E. 111th St.

A citizen's Guide to 911 Caller Anonymity

As a matter of policy, call-takers ask callers reporting gang- and drug-related incident whether they would like to remain anonymous. As a result, the 911 dispatcher and the officer receiving the call do not see the caller's name or address. Any person reporting a crime may inform the call-taker that he/she wishes to remain anonymous.

While citizens who witness serious crimes have an obligation to come forward and cooperate with law enforcement authorities, it is the policy of the Chicago Police Department and the Office of Emergency Management and Communications, to honor citizen requests to remain anonymous, whenever possible.

  • Clearly state your request to remain anonymous to the call-talker.
  • The call-taker will note this on the event record, which will make your information unavailable to a police dispatcher. The dispatcher will not have the caller information to pass along to police field personnel assigned to investigate the incident.
  • If you call 911 again with additional information, you must request to remain anonymous, as another call-taker may take your call.
  • Do not mistake basic police investigative techniques as ignoring your wish to remain anonymous. Police officers have a duty and an obligation to canvas crime scenes for potential witnesses. Without knowing you called and requested to remain anonymous, police may knock on doors in the surrounding area attempting to locate potential witness.

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(section updated Dec. 2007) University of Chicago Police 773 702 8181 (or 123 from campus phones) The UC Police now patrol south to 63rd- and north to 47th, soon to 39th- but not in Washington and Jackson parks. They have full police powers and are often able to respond more quickly than CPD. (Note: Park District Police may not have full police powers under every circumstance.) Push the Red Button on white emergency phones. UC Police respond to all 911 calls. Also 4-HELP from a regular campus phone or 834-HELP from other phone. 5555 S. Ellis, 60637. There are 150 officers, 80% of whom are off-duty city police. They claim a response time of 3 minutes. They are planning a state-of-the-art communications system for their new headquarters to be built at 61st and Drexel.

The University has two safety awareness and alert systems in place.

The Safety Awareness Alert system is an e-mail communication system tha provides factual information about certain crimes and crime patterns to help the community make prudent safety decisions. To subscribe to receive alerts and tips automatically by e-mail follow this link:
http://listhost.uchicago.edu/mailman/listinfo/safety-awareness.

The Emergency Notification System, called cAlert enables authorized University officials to reach members of the University community through mechanisms other than regular University e-mail and telephones. This new system can transmit short notifications by e-mail to any outside e-mail address, by text message to a cell phone, or by voice message to an off-campus telephone. This system allows the University to contact individuals in case of emergency, a University closing, or some other event that requires rapid, wide-scale notification of the community. The cAlert Emergency Notification System can send safety messages to an individual e-mail address, cell phone or other device. Visit
http://calert.uchicago.edu to register.

 

Regular number 773 702-8190, cops@uchicago.edu. Comments and suggestions about University security provisions and programs can be addressed to sauc@uchicago.edu. or communityaffairs@uchicago.edu.

Other/ More information on safety:

http://commonsense.uchicago.edu/

Late Night Van Service 773 702-2022. Info:
http://www-news.uchicago.edu/releases/07/071120.transportation.shtml

SafeRide program 5 pm-6 am: 773 702-2022 (give precise address and have UC ID ready). info on this and evening buses:
http://www-news.uchicago.edu/releases/07/071121.saferide.shtml also
http://facilities.uchicago.edu/transpparking/transportation/index/shtml

Umbrella: call 773 702-8181 or press red button on ephones. info:
http://oca.uchicago.edu/safety/

More tips and crime information, statistics http://www.uchicago.edu/uchi/resources/citysafety.html,
http://oca.uchicago.edu/safety/

Safety and emergency resources from the Dean of students Office: http://help.uchicago.edu/safety/
Student Counseling and Resource Service, 5747 S. University 773 702-9800
Campus minister, 773 702-7111
24-hour resources- 773 834-HELP
Counseling for faculty and staff- Perspectives, 5751 S. Woodlawn, 800 456-6327

Medical
UC Medical Center Emergency: 702-6250
Peds Emergency: 702-6269
Dean/Sexual Assault/Therapist on call-773 834-HELP (4357)
Resources for Sexual Violence Prevention (RSVP) 773 702-7200
Poison Control Center 800-942-5969
Student Care Center-routine 773 702-4156
SCC Nurse Advice 773 702-1915
Physician on call after hours 773 702-6840 http://scc.uchicago.edu
Student Care Center 773 702-4156
Mitchell Emergency Room 773 702-6250
Primary Care Group Appointments 773 702-6840
Mental Health Counseling (SCRS) 773 702-9800
SCRS Therapist-on-Call 773702-3625

Committee on University Security 773 702-6815
Committee on Crime Prevention 773 702-8803

 

Sexual predators http://www.familywatchdog.us

(Don't forget to carry your whistle, learn how to use it appropriately.)

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Community Policing/CAPS

Community Policing (City of Chicago site)

Special Community policing numbers :

 

CAPS Beat meeting schedule and locations in Hyde Park-Kenwood-all at 7 pm except 2124 Harris Bank on 47th- 6 pm.

CAPS (Community [or Chicago] Alternative Policing Strategy) meetings

For general calendar and beat boundaries see CAPS News, - call 21st District community policing office for exceptions, especially for summer and holiday seasons-- 312 474-8340 or 2930). Usual meeting time is 7 p.m.

Sgt. Theresa Odumtheresa.odum@chicagopolice.org, 21st District overseer of CAPS and HPKCC liaison for CAPS information.

Levone Treadwell is CAPS Implementation Office Community Organizer for the 021st District. 31 2745-1972.

Learn about community policing in CAPS News and Views or the City of Chicago/Police Department website.

CAPS BEAT MEETINGS SCHEDULE- SEE IN CAPS. A more extensive list covering more of the mid South Side is in Community Meetings Calendar - go to Standing Meetings.

Districts

District 21 is now in Detective Area 1, 5101 S. Wentworth, 312 747-8380 (violent), -8284 (property), -8385 (youth).

Programs include (see more in CAPS News)

____________________

Power outages: 1 800 EDISON1

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University of Chicago emergency phones

The University will be adding five new phones along 47th Street and other locations in west Hyde Park (presently not covered) in summer 2006.

Push the red button! The phones thin out or are not deployed south of 62nd, west of Cottage except one by 61st, and northwest of diagonals running from about Cottage/54th through Hyde Park Blvd./Greenwood and west of Kenwood Park thence 51st/Blackstone and east of the tracks north of 5220 Cornell.

The City recently announced that it will beef up, and connect in a fiber-optics grid, the state of the art cameras along the lakefront, as well is in certain high-crime, drugs and gang areas.

2004 trends: violent crime including burglaries were down-overall 6.5 percent, although the perception was that crime is becoming more common and brazen

In a nutshell- down sharply: aggravated assaults, burglaries. Down modestly: thefts. Up: murders (from 0 to 3 when 1 is too many), car thefts, robberies

[Note: in the first three+ months of 2005 while robberies and assaults shot up burglaries went down by 14 (21%) thefts by 17%,overall crime by 8% despite the increase of 29% in combined violent crime categories.]

SECC says... Total crime in HP and SK dropped 8%, lowest on record. Violent crime was the second lowest number since SECC started collecting statistics and has declined during six of the past eight years. Aggravated assaults/batteries are down 35% over the past 5 years, theft 28%. The total of all categories fell 17% since 2000.

North Kenwood-Oakland: Overall down 3-4% in violent crime in 2004, Robberies down 27% although aggravated assaults increased by 4%. Property crime was down 2% although burglaries were up 14%. Thefts were down 6% and motor vehicle thefts 11%.

Hyde Park Herald, December 29, 2004. By Nykeya Woods

The number of overall violent crimes in Hyde Park and Kenwood are down 6.5 percent from last year, according toe the South East Chicago Commission. [Indeed, Bob Mason, SECC Executive Director, told a group of HPKCC board members that 2004 has the next lowest overall crime rate, next to 2002.] Violent crimes include murders, sexual assaults, aggravated assaults, robberies, burglaries and thefts. "The safest year was 2002, and we could very well be having [numbers] come close to that," said Bob Mason, executive director of SECC.

Aggravated assaults had the biggest drop from last year, down 24.7 percent. Burglaries followed with nearly 66 fewer this year than last year. Hyde Park and Kenwood thefts dropped nearly 7 percent each.

There is some discouraging news, including three reported murders this year versus zero last year. The number of motor vehicle thefts increased by nearly 8 per scent and nine more robberies took place this year. Listed below are server al [late year] crime incidents.....

In September, a 20-year-old Hyde Park woman was shot several times by a passerby near the 5200 block o South Harper Avenue. [She was with a group; the shooter was on foot; she had cocaine.]

In October, two teenagers were char aged in a series of carjackings that included stealing the car of a Hyde Park federal judge. Alden Welch, 16, of the 8600 block of South Drexel Avenue an Antonio Miller, 15, of the 800 block of East 51st street were charged as adults.....

[Also in October] SECC announced that they detected a pattern of 34 home burglaries around Hyde Park, which had begun in early August. Mason said that most of these burglaries are being committed by the same person or group o people during the hours when people are traditionally at work.....[Especially targeted were 5200-5400 blocks of Hyde Park Blvd., and the 5500 block of South Blackstone. Another set was in the 5100 block of South University an nearby on Woodlawn.

[Mason reminded people to never buzz strangers in, or let them follow you in. Also the vast majority of burglars are feeding drug habits.]

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2003 crime statistics, area trends over 5 years, comparison

(See comparison to 1999 below)

SECC figures 2002 2003 % CHANGE
MURDER 1 0 -100%
AGGR. SEXUAL ASSAULT 6 7 17
ROBBERY 218 249 14
AGGRAV ASSAULT 123 117 -5
BURGLARY 264 401 34
THEFT 1,421 1,192 -9
MOTOR VEH THEFT 355 267 -25
VIOLENT CRIME 348 373 7
PROPERTY CRIME 2,040 1,960 -4
TOTAL CRIME 2,388 2,333 -2

Statistics reported by the University of Chicago under the Federal Campus Security Act (from Common Sense and www.uchicago.edu/commonsense)

2001-03

Agrav. Assault-campus 1 2002, non campus building 1 2001, public property 4 2001, 3 2002
Arson - campus resid. 1 2001, public prop. 1 2003
Burglary- campus resid. 8 2002, 2 2002, 2 2003; campus 62 2001, 60 2002, 41 2003; non campus 7 2001, 8 2002, 12 2003; public prop. 4 2003
Manslaughter/Murder- none
Motor vehicle theft- campus 1 2001, 5 2003, public prop. 73 2001, 66 2002, 40 2003
Robbery- campus 2 2001, 2 2002, 2 2003; non-campus 1 2001, 4 2002, 1 2003; public prop. 15 2001, 15 2002, 14 2003
Sex offense forcible- campus 1 2001, 1 2002, 2 2003; non-campus2 2001, 1 2003; public prop. 12002
Sex offense non forcible- none
Other, hate crimes- none

2001-2003 Arrests (residence halls-none)

Liquor law -none
Drug law - campus 2 2001, 1 2002, 1 2003; public prop. 2 2002
Illegal weapons- non campus 1 2001

2001-2003 Disciplinary referrals (included employees starting in 2002)

Alcohol- residence halls 9 2001, 5 2002, 14 2003; campus total 10 2001, 5 2002, 14 2003; non-campus 1 2001
Drugs- residence halls 7 2001, 15 2002, 7 2003
Weapons- residence halls 2 2001, campus total 2 2001, 1 2002

Rate of Crime in Hyde Park-South Kenwood 1999 and 2003

  1999 2003 % Change
Homicide 9 0 -100
Aggrav. Sex. Assault 17 7 -59
Robbery 237 249 +5
Aggrav. Assault 155 117 -25
Burglary 314 401 +28
Theft 1,764 2,292 -27
Motor Veh. Theft 421 267 -37
Violent Crime 418 373 -11
Property Crime 2,499 1,960 -22
TOTAL 2,917 2,333 -20

Comparable communities (This has to be culled from records as the DPD keeps these for police districts only.)

Rate of violent crime per 100,000 in the early 2000s was about a third under the citywide average for 2e003 (867 vs 1,363) according to SECC based on CPD and 2000 census. the HPSK rate has been comparable to comparable districts on the north lakefront; in 2003 higher than Town Hall/E. Lakeview) and Rogers Park and lower than East chicago 18th (River North to Fullerton).

 

Stopping burglaries; latest burglary/break-in patterns

First the good news--crimes continue to dip in summer 2004. For 2004 through July property crimes dropped 11.2%, both burglary down 13.5% and theft down 16.7% (both of which have seen several spikes over the past 12 months) down, and violent crimes (murder, criminal sexual, aggravated assault) down 9.6%. Overall, there are 5 fewer robberies and 22 fewer burglaries to date in 2004. A recent one-night spate of street thefts by a man in a car was followed by an arrest.

Then some bad-- burglaries are having another bulge in summer-fall 2004, though not as extensive as last year's. It seems to be the work of one or two pairs.

also, auto thefts are up 23.9 percent. Drivers can do a lot to make it harder to steal a car or from a car.

Two patterns were discerned in March and April, 2004. Despite several arrests, the patterns expanded in coverage and only later subsided.

By late April the first of these had intensified in Central Hyde Park, especially between 54th Pl. and 57th. A new pattern emerged in east Hyde Park centered around 55th Cornell to Everett. Arrest of a pair of burglars at the end of April apparently made a dent.

Steps you can take

General Safety Tips

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Safe and Sound: How not to be a victim

The Chicago Police Department conducts an hour and a half personal training program on keeping safe. Discussions-talks-demonstrations are followed by a martial arts demonstration that can be participatory! Call the 21st District CAPS 312 747-2930.

Key points include that you can no longer give a stranger the benefit of the doubt or your hand. Do not let the stranger get along your side--the controlling position! Do look the stranger in the eye (showing self-confidence, alertness, and friendliness but not naivete) so you can remember key features about that person should things go wrong. Obey your radar, show yourself alert, especially from a distance--avoiding what seems it could be danger is the better part of valor. If you have to get close to a group, maybe take out and seem to call on your cell phone; stay on the outside of them; if trouble starts, position yourself in a line with the 2 or 3 so you can push one into the other if necessary. If you must defend yourself say STOP! first or you could be legally in the wrong--and it might work or give you time. Women, also smile at a man starting trouble and meanwhile figure your action, such as sending your purse flying in one direction while you go in the other. If someone has his hands on you or a gun (or just might be a weapon) the game has changed. Training ahead of problems is best in order to be ready with what to do next, such as, if in a choke hold- bring your arms up outside the offender's, then between to separate then grab the hand and twist-rotate. If you have a sharp item, get it into whatever is vulnerable on the offender. Try not to go alone, and have someone meet you at your destination--let people know when and where to expect you.

Here is from their flyer:

Protect yourself and:

Remember:

If you feel threatened, call 911 immediately! You have the power...the community is your strength!

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Help for panhandlers doesn't come in a dime; and new ordinance

Dina Weinstein, Herald commentary, November 24, 2004

I haven't seen one particular Hyde Park street character in a while. I wonder where he is even though when I see him (and some days our paths cross a few times) I'm filled with a mixture of pity and fear. I feel pity for him because he always looks bloated and raw. Maybe it's the effects of a beating, Maybe it's the effects of alcohol abuse. He walks the streets of Hyde Park, looking behind him, as if being pursued, sometimes changing his course. He is often overdressed for the weather, sometimes with gloves.

I feel fear because there is an air of aggression around him; I don't have a sense of this man's mission. He seems unpredictable. And we often cross paths without another soul around. He never asks for a handout, but it's somehow common knowledge that he doesn't have a home and he lives in the 53rd street Metra station [sic]. My friend offered him food once and he declined it. That friend said he didn't make much sense. His communication was impaired. Perhaps you've seen him too. And you'll et me know if he's OK.

There are a whole cast of street characters on our streets. Many are asking for a handout. Take a walk down Hyde Park's main commercial strip on 53rd street and you'll pass psychotics, junkies, crack heads, alcoholics, panhandlers and drug dealers. Go through Nichols Park, there's an encampment of homeless. The other day, I saw a street character looming behind the utility boxes behind Borders. I think he was urinating. It was not a pleasant site for me or my two small boys.

According to a Chicago Police Department beat cop, people come from all over the city to Hyde Park to panhandle and hustle because people here don't mind giving money. Another cop put it this way: the neighborhood is more liberal than others and people usually are generous.

But police would tell you that as much as those street people seem to be in need, handout s don't help. More often than not, when you give a dollar or some change, you're just enabling an addiction or habit. It may be heartbreaking to stonewall an often blunt, aggressive or pathetic appeal, but Hyde Parkers have got to stop giving money on the street. Police hand out information cards to people who appear to be in need, which are put together by NAMI, the Alliance for the Mentally Ill of Chicago. The card offers resources for homeless, substance abusers and crisis/mental health services in Chicago. Officers have told me that moments after they hand out the car they find them discarded on the sidewalk.

But the spirit of giving is sometimes instantaneous. Most people do not think of a panhandler when they are inside their homes. The urge to give often comes up when one is about to pass a panhandler and then rummages for change or a bill or two. I would seek out those selling Streetwise, a newspaper dedicated to empowering men and women who are homeless. Streetwise vendors are legitimate; they must display a badge to prove they work for Streetwise. Sixty percent of what you give goes into their pockets. They are in no greater financial condition than a typical panhandler, yet they sought out Streetwise as an alternative.

I asked one vendor why she sells Streetwise. She told me that she does not have any other skills but cannot hold her hand out to beg for money. To donate to Streetwise, call 773 554-0060 or email abarner@streetwise.org.

George Rumsey, chairman of the Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Conference, works with people to address the neighborhood's issues. He is also a small business owner. He says aggressive hustlers and panhandlers have hurt his business. Over the years, when he's told prospective clients his training sessions are in Hyde Park, they've simply hung up on him. "There's a sense that Hyde Park is dangerous," Rumsey said.

This month a new panhandling ordinance becomes effective in the city that according to a Chicago Police Department Legal Bulletin "strikes a balance between the rights of citizens to solicit money or other gratuity and the rights of citizens to be free from intimidation and threats by panhandlers."

It means there are restrictions for panhandlers. They can't beg within 10 feet of a bus stop, near public transportation, in a sidewalk cafe or restaurant, in a filling station, near a teller or near a bank. The ordinance says they can't approach people in an aggressive manner. That means no touching. No approaching people who are waiting in line. No blocking one's path. No following behind, ahead or alongside a person who walks away from a panhandler. And no usage of profane or abusive language that makes people feel afraid.

Police can give aggressive panhandlers a violation notice and a fine. The ordinance does not impose a jail sentence. Bluntly put, if panhandlers bother you, you need to complain to police. If you feel your peace has been disturbed, tell the closest cop. Or pick up a phone and call 911...Work with the police to solve chronic problems by attending ...CAPS beat meetings in the neighborhood.

Let's put our resources into more effective ways to help those in need.

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Police warn large crowds may attract pick-pockets

Police warned in conjunction with such events as the 57th St. Art Fair, 4th on 53rd, and 57th Children's Book Fair that pick-pockets and other criminals often follow crowds.

The most effective means to stay save is to stay aware of your surroundings- human, social and physical.

If attacked...

Holiday safe food tips

Halloween tips form Illinois Dept. of Public Health

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State health agency offers holiday food safety tips

The Illinois Department of Public Health announced a food safety message for the upcoming holiday season.

There are three basic rules to keep in mind. Keep food that requires warning from a stove, oven or microwave heated and food that requires refrigeration cold. Keep everything in the kitchen clean and be sure to wash hands frequently.

In a letter, state Public Health Director Eric E. Whitaker said, "During the holidays or anytime, people can prevent food borne illness by following some simple steps":

Refrigerate cooked foods that are not served immediately, otherwise food sitting longer than two hours can increase bacteria growth.

Proper thawing and cooking are crucial to avoid food borne illness. Many warm-blooded animals, like turkeys and other poultry, often harbor Salmonella and other organisms. Special thawing and cooking guidelines apply to turkeys. Start early and thaw the turkey in the refrigerator or a place where the air temperature is not higher than 40 degrees Fahrenheit. If the inner cavity of the turkey is still frozen, the outside of the bird will finish before the inside and the inside and the inside temperature will not be high enough to destroy the disease-causing bacteria. It is easier to cook the stuffing separately. Insert a meat thermometer into the center at the thickest part of the thigh or breast. Temperatures should register 190 degrees Fahrenheit for a whole turkey.

Food containing raw or undercooked food, like raw egg drinks, raw oysters and mouse should not be eaten unless they are made with pasteurized eggs or an egg substitute.

Healthy people may recover from a food borne illness without medical attention. However, if nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever or abdominal cramps begin, it may be food poisoning. Symptoms may appear 30 minutes to two weeks after eating contaminated food. If symptoms are severe, seek medical attention.

For a listing of safe meat and poultry temperatures visit www.idph.state.il.us or call 217-782-4977.

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Tips for staying safe in cold weather

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Take the Bite out of West Nile Virus

From a city brochure

Yes, IT's back. This fall it may be the biggest beast in town unless some animal flu outbreak comes along--being stockpiled against now. And don't forget to take a flu shot, if it's available.

From the Chicago Department of Public Health, (then) John Wilhelm, MD, MPH, Commissioner

What is West Nile virus?
West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne infection that can cause West Nile encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). Mosquitoes get the infection by biting infected birds. People are infected by the bite of an infected mosquito. Chicago saw its first human cases of WNV in 2002.

What are the symptoms of West Nile virus?
Infection from WNV causes illness in approximately one-fifth of people who are infected. The illness is usually mild, with symptoms of fever, muscle aches, rash, and headache (called "West Nile Fever"). Less commonly, serious illness may occur such as meningitis (symptoms include fever, headache, and stiff neck) or encephalitis (symptoms include fever, headache, and confusion or muscle weakness). Encephalitis can lead to prolonged recovery, disability, and even death. Symptoms of the disease being thee to 12 days after a bite from an infected mosquito. Adults over the age of 50 and those with weak immune systems are at greater risk for severe infections. The risk is very low for children. There is no specific medication to treat infection from WNV.

How can I control mosquitoes around my home and neighborhood?
Mosquitoes that spread WNV lay their eggs in containers of standing water. The most effective way to control mosquitoes is to eliminate or reduce standing water. Take a close look around your home and neighborhood and follow these tips. [Two paragraphs above.)

Don't stand for standing water

How can I prevent mosquito bites and reduce my risk?
During Chicago's mosquito season (May-October), wear protective clothing and use a mosquito repellant on exposed skin if outside between dusk and dawn:

What is the City of Chicago doing to control mosquitoes?

Standing water reduction. City departments and agencies are working to reduce sources of standing water in parks, building sites, and other places. The Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation will issue citations to commercial and residential property owners who do not eliminate conditions contributing to mosquito breeding.

Larviciding. When standing water cannot be removed, the city uses agents known as "larvicides" to prevent mosquito larvae from growing into adult mosquitoes. The Chicago Department of Water Management will apply larvicide briquettes to public catch basins throughout the city. I addition, the city will treat lagoons and bodies of water that are found to be mosquito-breeding sites.

Adulticiding. Spraying to kill mosquitoes may be done in areas where the Chicago Department of Public Health has determined that WNV poses a threat to human health. If spraying is needed, the pesticide Abvuk(R), registered for residential use in the U.S., is sprayed at an ultra low volume from trucks that move through streets and alleys. If spraying is planned for your area, residential will be notified through the news media and the City's web site, http://cityofchicago.org.

What is the connection between dead birds and West Nile virus?
Crows and blue jays are some of the many birds known to be susceptible to WNV. However, people do no get WNV from dead birds. The Chicago Department of Public Health uses reports of dead crows and blue jays to help track WNV in Chicago. If you discover a dead crow or blue jay, please call 311 to report the bird's location. You may b asked to carefully dispose of the bird. In selected instances, the Chicago Department of Public Health will arrange for the bird to be tested for west Nile virus to assist in tracking the virus.

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Recognizing a suspect

Observe and remember -

Time and date, location, duration, direction of flight, decoys and accomplices

General description (estimate if nec.)
Gender, color, age, height, weight, build (fat, husky, slim, muscular), hair, eyes, glasses, complexion qualities (color, pores, pockmarks, scars, acne, razor rash, bumps, shaven),
peculiarities: marks, scars, deformities, mustache, goatee etc, makeup, voice-pitch, tone, rasp, lisp, talk/lingo/speed of talk, weapons, auto and license, direction of escape

Clothing
Hat (color, style/type, ornaments), shirt/dress etc incl. sleeves and buttons, jackets, ties, trousers/skirts incl. bell, cuffs, socks, shoes, accessories, jewelry, general appearance, oddities like oversize

Hair
Color, dyed, texture, hairline, style

Forehead
Height, skin/wrinkles-crease

Nose
Shape, length, nostrils

Cheeks and cheek bones
Sunken, oily; wrinkles, lines by nose an mouth, bones prominent-high/low, wide lo, fleshy or not

Ears
Size, prominence/protruding

Mouth
corners, upper and lower lips

Neck
Front: double chin, prom. Adams apple. Sides: hanging jowls

Chin
Shape, peculiarities, dimples

Safety tips for being out and about

Based on the University Chicago publication Common Sense

Walking

On bicycle

Public Transportation

Driving

At Home

Police encounter

University Police complete a contact card after any investigative contact. This may be inspected at 5555 S. Ellis during business hours.

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How not to be burglarized; what to do in case you are

The Chicago Police Office of Crime Prevention offers seminars around the neighborhoods. One technique is to ask ex-burglars to advise on preventing burglaries. Tips include varying daily routines, going out and returning. Use a layered security system so it takes the burglar too long or noise calls attention. Teach your kids not to tell what you have in your home. Initial your property so you can prove 1) that it's yours, 2) that it was stolen. Keep a full inventory of your property and take out insurance. If you find your home or burglarized go out and call police--don't confuse the issue with your own prints! To get started you must file the report. Then stay with the process despite its frustration--or the perpetrator goes free. Top

Tips for dealing with sexual assault

Drawn from the University of Chicago publication Common Sense. This website cannot vouch for the appropriateness of every step for dealing with this particularly traumatic crime, which requires special response.

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Avoiding vehicle theft

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Curfew restrictions help protect children

The City of Chicago says its Curfew Ordinance is an important tool for ensuring the safety of our children. Much of the gang violence in our communities occurs in the late evening hours. It is your responsibility as a parent or guardian to ensure that your children do not violate this City ordinance. Know what your children are doing and be sure they are home on time.

Sunday-Thursday curfew is 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday 11:30 p.m.

Ordinance 8-16-020 (190.02) Children on Streets at Night

It shall be unlawful for any person under the age of 17 to be present at, or upon any public assembly, building, place, street, highway, in the city between the hour of 11:30 p.m. Friday and 6:00 a.m. Saturday, between the hours of 11:30 p.m. Saturday and 6:00 a.m. Sunday, and between the hours fob 10:30 p.m. an 6:00 a.m. on any other day of the week, provided, however [accompanied by parent or adult as spelled out, presence is required at employment, going to and from adult supervised activity of a school, church, civic or not-for-profit organization.]

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Safe building tips for landlords

One bad building can destroy a block; a bad block an entire neighborhood. To help break this cycle, the City has enacted the Gang and Drug House Ordinance. The ordinance, being enforced by the Police Department, the Building Department and the Law Department, contains new tools to deal with problem buildings. Landlords need to be partners in preventing buildings from becoming havens for gangs and drugs. These tips are designed to help you keep your buildings and profitable.