CHICAGO (WLS) — As warmer weather approaches, the Chicago Police Department is exploring strategies to prevent teen takeovers and is seeking support from Chicago Public Schools (CPS).
Teen takeovers, which have been observed near Millennium Park along Michigan Avenue, have led to the implementation of a stricter 6 p.m. curfew for young individuals frequenting the area.
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With warm weather expected this weekend, CPD sent out an email to CPS parents overnight.
The Chicago Police Department is urging parents to discourage their children from participating in these takeover events, emphasizing their commitment to upholding public safety and peace.
RELATED: Alderperson seeks earlier curfew for minors after shooting during Streeterville teen takeover
But CPD warns when officers if teens do not comply with de-escalation techniques during these gatherings, they will be arrested.
This comes after two recent takeovers in Streeterville left a 15-year-old boy and a tourist shot.
Second Ward Alderman Brian Hopkins plans to introduce an ordinance for an earlier 8 p.m. curfew at next week’s City Council meeting to cover parts of the Loop, Streeterville, River North and West Loop areas.
It’s currently 10 p.m. for minors.
RELATED: 15-year-old boy shot as large crowd of teens gather in Streeterville, Chicago police say
Superintendent Larry Snelling recently spoke about these takeovers and CPD’s response in an interview with the ABC7 I-Team.
My focus has been more on how to prevent these things from occurring,” Snelling said. “Things like this can happen at any time of the day. We want to make sure that we have plans in place to stop it before it even happens.”
Mayor Brandon Johnson has made it clear he does not support moving the teen curfew any earlier and instead wants to see more investments in young people, he says.
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