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“The most important work we do is keeping our communities safe,
and this is another important step towards addressing violence
and conflict through research-based, community-focused
approaches,” Pritzker told reporters. “IDHS is creatively
utilizing their funding to find high-impact solutions to the
current problems facing Chicago, and I’m thankful for their hard
work heading into the summer months.”
The Citywide Crisis Prevention & Response Unit (CPRU) will
consist of 30 peacekeepers and street outreach partners with a
goal to “provide essential assistance in de-escalation, conflict
resolution, and crisis support across Chicago.”
With Memorial Day weekend 2022 ending with over 50 people shot,
nine of them fatally, newly elected Chicago Mayor Brandon
Johnson said he is on board with the plan.
“The CPRU is an essential tool in keeping our communities safe
because these individuals bring invaluable insight and knowledge
that allow us to reduce conflict before it escalates, so we are
proactive instead of reactive in addressing the causes of
violent crime,” Johnson said. “In preparing for Memorial Day
weekend and the unofficial start of summer in Chicago, it is
critical that we have as many stakeholders as possible at the
table to ensure peace and safety on our city’s streets.”
In addition to working to broker peace, CPRU staff members will
also provide support for neighborhood-based work.
The program is being funded by the Reimagine Public Safety Act.
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