As the Chicago Police Department continues its efforts to curb gun violence, the department will mark a significant milestone on Monday morning.
According to a press release issued by the department, CPD has now removed more than 5000 guns this year off of Chicago’s streets. The milestone will be marked at a press conference on Monday, as Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson will speak and elaborate on the efforts that got the department to this mark.
“Chicago police officers have made over 30 percent more arrests for gun-related charges and 10 percent more arrests for murder this year compared to last,” the press release says. “This is on top of strengthened partnerships to process ballistics evidence and stem the sources of guns into the city, as well as a new prosecution model with the Cook County State’s Attorney.”
The department has rolled out several initiatives this year, including a high-tech ballistics van that was sent as part of a partnership with the ATF. The van was deployed to the city earlier this summer to help deal with gun violence, and the bureau also sent 20 additional agents to the city.
Police reported at the end of June that shootings were down by 14 percent compared to the first six months of 2016.
According to Chicago police data, there have been more than 1,500 shooting incidents across the city as of last week. Though police statistics don't show how many people have been shot in those incidents, the Chicago Sun-Times reported Monday more than 2,075 people have been shot since the start of the year.
At least six people were killed and dozens of others wounded in gun violence across the city over the weekend.
