By Darlene Hill, FOX 32 News reporter - bio | email
CHICAGO (FOX 32 News) -
Some aldermen say they will be asking for a new top cop if the gun violence in Chicago doesn't stop soon.
"We love Chicago and when we go someplace and they talk about and when they talk about how ruthless Chicago is,"
43 people were killed on the streets of Chicago in January. Now, going into the weekend, the city's homicide rate is at 54.
Alderman Willie Cochran of the 20th Ward says people and parents who live in his neighborhood are afraid and they want to know that their kids will be safe.
"This is not about the man; it is about crime," Cochran says. "The perception of crime and the measures that are being taken to decrease and avoid crime."
Cochran says members of Chicago's City Council started mumbling months ago about McCarthy's job. A new class of police officers graduated Friday putting more patrolmen and women out on the streets, but Cochran says this isn't enough.
"The fact that the crime is still escalating, the murder rate is still escalating, we as alderman across the city, not just the black caucus are hearing these kinds of statements from our constituents," Cochran says. "We cannot sit on this, and it has to be something that we discuss."
Mayor Rahm Emanuel didn't directly address reporters about calls for his top cop's job. He told the graduating class that solving crime out on the streets of Chicago isn't about what the police do. He says parents need to be involved and there must be tougher penalties for every gunman.
"I am a firm believer in putting more police on the street and getting kids, guns, and drugs off the street," Emanuel says. "And if we do each of those right, we will succeed in what we need to do for the residents and citizens of Chicago."
Police Superintendent Gary McCarthy reportedly told reporters this morning that he did not know some aldermen were not satisfied with the job that he's doing.
Thursday, May 16 2013 9:49 PM EDT2013-05-17 01:49:53 GMT
Mayor Emanuel will celebrate two years in office by unveiling "Elevate Chicago" on Thursday, a series of construction projects to improve Navy Pier and McCormick Place.
Mayor Emanuel will celebrate two years in office by unveiling "Elevate Chicago" on Thursday, a series of construction projects to improve Navy Pier and McCormick Place.
Sunday, May 19 2013 8:26 PM EDT2013-05-20 00:26:18 GMT
One adult and 11 juveniles were arrested Saturday night after police responded to groups of teens running through traffic around North Michigan Avenue on the Gold Coast.
One adult and 11 juveniles were arrested Saturday night after police responded to groups of teens running through traffic around North Michigan Avenue on the Gold Coast.
Sunday, May 19 2013 6:44 PM EDT2013-05-19 22:44:15 GMT
Skokie Police Chief Tony Scarpelli said Sunday police still have no suspect in custody in connection with a shooting Friday night near just outside of Westfield's Old Orchard Shopping Center.
Skokie Police Chief Tony Scarpelli said Sunday police still have no suspect in custody in connection with a shooting Friday night near just outside of Westfield's Old Orchard Shopping Center.
Sunday, May 19 2013 3:10 PM EDT2013-05-19 19:10:22 GMT
The derailment of an Amtrak City of New Orleans train on the Near South Side Sunday morning led to delays and a couple cancellations for trains on Metra's Rock Island District line.
The derailment of an Amtrak City of New Orleans train on the Near South Side Sunday morning led to delays and a couple cancellations for trains on Metra's Rock Island District line.
Sunday, May 19 2013 12:32 PM EDT2013-05-19 16:32:45 GMT
A 23-year-old woman was killed and four others were critically injured when two cars crashed into a building in the Far South Side Washington Heights neighborhood early Sunday.
A 23-year-old woman was killed and four others were critically injured when two cars crashed into a building in the Far South Side Washington Heights neighborhood early Sunday.
Sunday, May 19 2013 11:50 AM EDT2013-05-19 15:50:06 GMT
One number in Saturday night's Powerball drawing was the difference for a dozen Illinois players between being $10,000 richer and living the life of a multi-millionaire - whose ticket was purchased in Florida.
One number in Saturday night's Powerball drawing was the difference for a dozen Illinois players between being $10,000 richer and living the life of a multi-millionaire - whose ticket was purchased in Florida.
Sunday, May 19 2013 10:52 AM EDT2013-05-19 14:52:09 GMT
Four people have been killed and at least 15 other people wounded -- including a 12-year-old boy left in critical condition -- in shootings around the city since Friday night.
Four people have been killed and at least 15 other people wounded -- including a 12-year-old boy left in critical condition -- in shootings around the city since Friday night.
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