No public funds for new transit safety group
(The Center Square) – The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office says no public funds are being used for the agency’s new Regional Transit Task Force.
State’s Attorney Eileen O’Neill Burke announced the task force and said crime on public transportation is one of her office’s biggest priorities.
“The RTTF brings together local and federal law enforcement partners, prosecutors and transit experts to strengthen prosecutions,” Burke said.
Task force participants include the Chicago Police Department, Chicago Transit Authority, Cook County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Attorney’s Office, FBI, ATF, DEA, Metra and Pace.
CTA Acting President Nora Leerhsen said collaboration across agencies and law enforcement is deeper than ever.
“What you are witnessing here today is an unprecedented level of commitment, resources and work focused entirely on the safety of the riding public,” Leerhsen said.
Burke’s office told The Center Square that participating agencies are contributing existing personnel and expertise to support the RTTF. The CCSAO Communications Department said no public funds would be used for the task force and there is no anticipated taxpayer impact.
Last December, the Federal Transit Administration said assaults against customers on CTA vehicles and property increased 150% in the last five years.
The FTA threatened to withhold up to $50 million from the CTA if it failed to enhance security.
Burke said the RTTF would hold its first meeting in the next week. She said all different kinds of crimes will be prosecuted in collaboration with local and federal law enforcement agencies.
“Our focus right now is making sure that those who present the biggest danger to the public are detained,” Burke said.
Burke said her office has heard the concerns of the riding public and is working to deter crime.
“We are upping the likelihood that someone will be caught, and we are upping the likelihood that someone will be punished,” Burke said.
Burke said, as of May 10, violent crime on public transportation is down 22% compared to the same time last year.
Isolated Rain Showers
Latest News Stories
Proposed Illinois bill would let local voters approve rent control, drawing sharp criticism
Businesses close in Minnesota for anti-ICE ‘economic blackout’
Illinois Quick Hits: Higher ed board pushes for more spending
Policy Change Relaxes Grade Exclusion Requirements for Returning Students
Pritzker says $481.6 million put in reserves, GOP questions state spending
Illinois Quick Hits: HHS: IL abortion referral rule violates federal law
WATCH: Resolution condemning federal immigration law enforcement sparks debate
Casey City Council Bans Sale and Possession of Kratom Products
Council Pursues Site Readiness Grant; Discusses Outsourcing Code Enforcement
Chicago splits pension payments in hopes of Improving cash flow
Following GOP criticism, Pritzker finds $481.6 million in budget reserves
Critics slam Illinois’ $36M park grants as political, wasteful
