Press Release
On Tuesday, August 12, 2003 at approximately 10:00 AM, the Citizens for
Community Action will hold a press conference in front of the Chicago Police
Headquarters on south Michigan Avenue.
The purpose of the conference is to present a petition to Superintendent Hillard
containing approximately 2300 names and addresses
of people who are concerned about the crime in and around the 25th District
Police Department and the poor leadership in addressing issues. The petition
reads as follows:
To: Chicago Police Department Superintendent of Police Terry G. Hillard
We the Citizens/Business owners of the 025th District respectfully ask you to
consider the demotion/replacement of the current 025th District Commander
Michael J. McCotter. Commander McCotter has refused to cooperate with the
citizens of the community in addressing the rising crime that is occurring in
OUR COMMUNITY. In the period that Commander McCotter has been in charge of the
025th District (Since May 2001 / OVER 2 YEARS) crime has risen to epidemic
proportions and the worse part of the situation is that Commander McCotter does
not have the necessary people skills and refuses to communicate with our
community. We feel at this point it would be a travesty for such an individual
to remain in charge of the 025th District or for that matter be promoted in
rank. (i.e. Deputy Chief/Assistant Deputy Superintendent of Police).
cc: Mayor Richard M. Daley
Highlights...
After Wayne received the tickets because of the informational
picket, the final straw was a ticket (ticket #3) that was issued on
private property. In conjunction with this was McCotters
talking to the press and making erroneous claims that were not based
in fact at all.
This is not, in our way of thinking, how the Police Department is
supposed to act. They reacted by retaliation to our activity,
which is protected by the 1st Amendment to the Constitution of the
United States of America.
Although it was a arduous task to collect all these signatures,
it was something that we felt needed to be done. We spent more
than one month collecting these signatures. The reception by
people was very positive and heartwarming.
Shortly after the press conference, McCotter was removed as the
Commander of the 25th District. He was replaced by Daniel
Alvarado.
