Chicago mayor unveils crime-fighting
plans amid wave of violence
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[September 23, 2016]
By Timothy Mclaughlin
CHICAGO (Reuters) - Chicago Mayor Rahm
Emanuel unveiled an expanded student mentorship program on Thursday with
the aim of keeping at-risk youth off the streets and away from gangs in
a city that is struggling against a wave of violence.
Over 500 people have been killed so far this year in the United States'
third-largest city, more than in New York and Los Angeles combined. The
police department is under investigation by the U.S. Department of
Justice as a result of numerous high-profile incidents including the
killing of a black teenager by a white police officer in 2014.
The mentorship program, building on Emanuel's past efforts, will target
some 7,200 middle school and high school students from 20 of the city's
most violent neighborhoods.
"They are on the doorstep of adulthood, and they are among the most
at-risk of becoming crime victims or perpetrators," Emanuel said in a
speech at Malcolm X College.
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Speaking to politicians, community leaders and activists, he said the
plan would cost $36 million over three years. Half of the money will
come from the city of Chicago, the other half from donors, companies and
philanthropies, he said.
Emanuel said half of the private-sector money has already been raised
through donations from companies including energy firm Exelon Corp and
Bank of America Corp.
Student mentors will be drawn from across Chicago and Emanuel said he
plans to call on private companies to encourage their employees to
participate.
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![](../images/092316pics/news_a3.jpg)
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel delivers his speech on the city's surge
in violence as Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson watches in
Chicago,Illinois,
U.S., September 22, 2016. REUTERS/Jim Young
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His remarks came as the city and its police are struggling to
rebuild community relations.
On Wednesday, Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson said another 970
police officers would be hired over the next two years.
"They want more police on the street who know and respect the
residents of their neighborhoods," Emanuel said on Thursday.
(Editing by Matthew Lewis)
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