Overall crime rate on decline in West Chicago

Crediting a citywide culture that prioritizes community relationship-building between residents, businesses and the police department, West Chicago Interim Chief of Police Laz Perez announced recently that crime statistics compiled by the West Chicago Crime Analysis Unit indicate a continuing decline in violent crime and property crime rates over the past four years in West Chicago.

Citing programs like National Night Out, Neighborhood Watch, West Chicago Youth and the Neighborhood Resource Centers, Perez believes being proactive rather than reactive has remained the key to the city's success.

“City leadership has made public safety a number one priority, evidenced by the addition of 10 to 15 officers to the force since the 1990s and a realistic approach to crime that acknowledges the issues and deals with them head-on,” he explained.

West Chicago's overall crime rate decreased almost 27-percent from 2007 to 2010. The city experienced a 17-percent decrease in violent crime and a 20-percent decrease in the rate of property crime since 2009.

Mayor Mike Kwasman concurs with Interim Chief Perez that the success in his community is owed to the joint efforts of many, and he is quick to point out citizen involvement with city programs that strengthen individual neighborhoods and the role the police department has played in fostering those relationships.

“We have successfully embraced the philosophy of ‘community policing' which emphasizes open, honest and approachable communication with community members. It's working, our crime stats are down.”