EAST CHICAGO POLICE END OF THE YEAR INFO AND RESOURCE ROUTER INFO
This past year was a very productive year for the East Chicago Police Department, East Chicago Police Chief Jose Rivera said.
In 2023 Rivera implemented a new program called Resource Router. Resource Router Technology directs officers to where they are needed most by utilizing current crime statistics, ShotSpotter technology and call logs to assign officers high crime and high call volume areas to patrol.
Once officers go on duty they log in to the Resource Router system. The system will then automatically assign them specific areas in their jurisdiction to patrol based on up to date crime data and call volume. The system monitors the officer’s activity and compliance by utilizing the GPS in the officer’s squad car. The command staff and first line supervisors are also able to monitor the patrol officers and gain insight on how the patrol officers are spending time on shifts and easily assess officer compliance. By focusing on crime suppression direct patrolling, the officers are in areas where they are needed the most.
Within the first month of implementing this new program they began to see a drop in crime and calls across the city. One example of this is in 2023 we recorded 5 homicides. This comes out to a 55% decrease in homicides compared to the year 2022 when they recorded 11 homicides. This is the lowest amount of homicides recorded in the city in 10 years. This was made possible by the hard work of the Uniform Patrol Division, Gang & Narcotics Division, Intel Support and Street Crime Units.
By utilizing a combination of technology, team work and boots on the ground policing the Criminal Investigation Division was also able to clear 4 of the 5 homicides. This comes out to an 80% clearance rate compared to the national average of 52%. This is a great accomplishment and proof that the Criminal Investigation Division is working hard on all their cases.
This decline in homicides contrasts with the perception, driven in part by social media that labeled the city as being out of control when it comes to crime. The truth is that the men and women of the East Chicago Police Department have been working hard to lower crime and keep the city safe.
Overall crime in East Chicago has been dropping consecutively for 12 years. This 55% drop in homicides and 80% clearance rate is proof of that.
Chief Jose Rivera wanted to take this opportunity to publicly thank all his officers. “Your hard work, dedication, and attention to duty not only reflects great credit upon yourself but also on the image and reputation of the East Chicago Police Department. “Performance of this level is worthy of recognition. We would not have been able to accomplish this without your team work, dedication and compassion for the work you do. Great job to all of you and I look forward to leading this great department in 2024!”
Past Years Recorded Homicides
2020: 13 homicides
2021: 13 homicides
2022: 11 homicides
2023: 5 homicides
