Police Commander Pays Home Visits To Gang Members To Stop Crime
CHICAGO (CBS) -- We've been telling you about the Chicago Police Department's new focus on visiting the homes of gang members to try to stop crime - and offer social services.
WBBM's Steve Miller spoke with a district commander who's made a good many of those home visits.
29 Austin District Police Commander Barbara West has paid a house call to gang members to say: Stop the violence and here are social services that can help you get out of a life of crime.
And the atmosphere at those meetings with gang members and often with their families?
"I don't believe that they're tense. And I don't believe that I am. I think what we know is that this is a serious conversation. If the district commander shows up at your door, it should be perceived as a very serious conversation," said West. "My gut tells me this is working."
The program has been going on for six months now - and Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy says results are encouraging.