It's not reading, writing and math, it's shootings, robberies and gangs.
That was the priority Tuesday as Chicago Police held the first school-based CompStat meeting with police commanders, Chicago Public Schools principals and Mayor Rahm Emanuel.
The trinity of schools, city and police -- CPS chief Jean-Claude Brizard, Emanuel and Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy -- helmed the Q&A. The meeting focused on five high schools, all part of the city's 7th and 8th police districts: William R. Harper High School, John Hope College Prep, Paul Robeson High School, Gage Park High School and John F. Kennedy High School.
Gage Park High School's principal answered questions about crime and truancy. McCarthy inquired about crime trends within a half-mile of the school before, after and during school hours, and was especially interested in those who are truant.
"The gang unit is on my speed dial," said principal Anita Andrews, noting she is in constant contact with the CPD.
"We do peace cycles with opposing gangs," Andrews said. "I'm the only gang leader inside Gage Park High School."
The school-based CompStat is modeled off the crime-fighting program used by CPD, but Emanuel said the school version is unique because it gives educators and police "a more complete picture of the environment."
”School-based CompStat will help CPS and the Police Department in our shared efforts to ensure the wellbeing of our children by reducing crime near our schools so that can they focus on their education, not their safety,” said Brizard in a statement.
Emanuel's office noted the city is increasing school security officers, as well as spending $7 million for security cameras at 14 schools and $10 million for the new Safe Passage program.
Emanuel also reported that 15 percent more truant students have been cited since the start of the new curfew ordinance.
