As the runoff race for Chicago mayor tightens, public safety has become a top priority for both candidates.
Brandon Johnson, who wants to reduce crime, plans to train and promote detectives from within the existing ranks of the Chicago Police Department.
He also wants to bring the department into greater compliance with court-mandated reforms and increase the hiring of EMTs and social workers to respond to police calls.
On the other hand, Jean-Paul Vallas, backed by Chicago’s police union, is calling for proactive policing to crack down on crime.
His plan includes replenishing the department’s ranks, creating a protection plan for victims and witnesses, staffing CTA with the police unit, and building a forensic crime lab.
Early voting begins next Monday, and the April 4th runoff may be tight.
Governor Pritzker has promised not to get involved in the race.
