CHICAGO – As the busy holiday weekend begins, the Chicago Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Illinois State Police Department, Cook County Sheriff’s Office and Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications are working together to enhance enforcement efforts and augment security resources to ensure the safety of residents, visitors and those traveling in Chicago and through the adjacent expressway systems.
Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson announced that beginning today, thousands of uniformed and plain clothed CPD officers will be joined by FBI agents, State Troopers and Sheriff’s Deputies to ensure Chicago has a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend. In addition to a heavy police presence on highways, and major thoroughfares, including Lake Shore Drive, extra police officers will be highly visible in neighborhoods throughout the city, and at city parks, along the lake, and at Navy Pier on the 4th. CPD sent a strong message that violence and gang activity will not be tolerated when it completed a raid this week striking at street gangs throughout Chicago.
Similar to other major holiday weekends, Illinois State Police Director Leo Schmitz announced that the ISP is stepping up its presence on expressways and highways around the city of Chicago, and will be conducting joint traffic enforcement initiatives with CPD.
Several major events with large crowds are scheduled for this weekend, including Fourth of July celebrations at Navy Pier on Saturday and Monday, Guns N’ Roses concerts at Soldier Field on Friday and Sunday, Modest Mouse concert at Northerly Island on Saturday and both Sox and Cubs home games on Monday. Fans attending events should be aware of the prohibited items and security checks in order to provide a safe environment for all.
In addition, Taste of Chicago street closures have gone into effect for the annual food fest starting July 6 in Grant Park. Columbus is closed from Roosevelt to Monroe (Balbo remains open);
Congress from Columbus to the semi-circle and Jackson from Michigan to Lake Shore Drive are closed through July 11.
Attendees at events as well as the traveling public are urged to be aware of surroundings and report suspicious activity that appears to be an imminent threat to 9-1-1. OEMC Managing Deputy of Operations Rich Guidice stated that everyone has a role to play a role in keeping Chicago safe – and while law enforcement agencies are enhancing security and OEMC will monitor activities, everyone should be cognizant of any situation that may warrant attention. Some of these activities could be innocent, but it’s up to law enforcement to determine whether the behavior warrants investigation.
OEMC will also be monitoring events, as well as weather conditions, throughout the weekend and traffic control aides will be deployed to assist with traffic management.
