Gov. J.B. Pritzker | Stock Photo
Gov. J.B. Pritzker | Stock Photo
Governor JB Pritzker of Illinois and newly elected Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson collaborated on June 17 to address the increasing crime rate in the city. Both leaders expressed their dedication to combating the growing violence and ensuring the safety of Chicago's residents.
"There's more emphasis on prevention than there ever has been before with the new mayor," Pritzker said. "And I'm grateful for that. I think, you know, lifting up communities that have been poor and left out is the best way for us to make an enormous difference going forward at lowering our crime rate."
According to Fox32, Governor Pritzker said he recognized the need to strengthen law enforcement efforts by recruiting an additional 1,500 police officers. He acknowledged the difficulties posed by a competitive job market with abundant opportunities. Nevertheless, he said, the new strategy prioritizes prevention and community improvement, providing a glimmer of hope in the battle against crime.
He said the task of recruiting the needed police officers has become more challenging due to the multitude of job opportunities available in various sectors.
"A couple of things," Pritzker said. "One is, we've gotta hire police. There's no doubt about it, right? I mean, the Chicago Police Department has lost hundreds, I mean 1,500 police officers. And then we have a labor shortage in the country. Let alone here. And, I would say, there aren't enough people applying for any jobs."
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