As Chicago steps into 2024, it looks back at a year of change and tumultuous events with the city’s crime rate and leadership being at the forefront. In dealing with crime, 2023 brought mixed results: Chicago saw a decrease in homicides but faced a significant uptick in robberies and auto thefts. WGN-TV reported that more than 10,800 robberies and 28,000 motor vehicle thefts were logged across the city, painting a challenging picture for Mayor Brandon Johnson as he headed into the new year with his fresh crime-fighting strategy.
On the leadership front, the Chicago Police Department welcomed a new Superintendent, Larry Snelling, after an extensive search and public input facilitated by the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability. Snelling has emphasized the need for tailor-made strategies to fit the unique needs of each patrol district, rejecting a "one-size-fits-all" approach. "A Far North Side district is not going to have the exact same problems that a Far South Side district," Snelling told The Chicago Tribune.
Mayor Johnson also faces the multifaceted challenge brought on by the arrival of thousands of migrants from the Texas border. According to The Chicago Tribune, over 2,000 migrants at one point sought shelter in and around various CPD stations. The issue of accommodating these new residents was one of contention, as neighborhoods grappled with the pressure and obligation. Meanwhile, CPD stations have been reportedly cleared of the migrants as the city readjusted its response.
2023 also saw its share of tragedies with the loss of Chicago police officers Andres Vasquez-Lasso and Areanah Preston, who were killed in different incidents in March and May, respectively. Their deaths resonated through the city, uniting residents in grief and respect. Recognition was also brought to those officers who died by suicide. As noted by WGN-TV, The Fraternal Order of Police established a memorial to remember the officers who took their own lives, providing a sobering reminder of the pressures faced by law enforcement. The union's president, John Catanzara, made his stance clear after the City Council shot down a disciplinary provision arbitration award: "They want war; we’ll give you war," he told the Tribune.
The year 2023 brought ceremonial closures like the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency, and significant shifts in the political landscape signified by the loss of incumbent Mayor Lori Lightfoot. Natural disasters struck as well with deadly dust storms and wildfires affecting the state, and a record number of tornadoes highlighted Illinois' vulnerability to climate phenomena.
Entertainment and sports brought some respite to Chicagoans, with fans enjoying sold-out concerts and the opening of Bally’s new temporary casino at the former Medinah temple. The city also confronted labor disputes across various sectors, bringing back memories of strife amid chaos.
