Chicagoans are likely going to notice more uniformed officers on the streets during the duration of the teacher strike.
"We're emptying out our offices," police Supt. Garry McCarthy said Sunday night at a press conference at the Harold Washington Library. "We're taking officers who are on administrative duties -- we're shutting down administrative duties -- we're putting those officers on the streets to deal with potential protests at various locations throughout the city."
The police department's main goals, according to McCarthy:
- Providing security at the Safe Haven Sites throughout the city;
- Dealing the protests that may arise at the picket lines;
- Keeping an eye on the number of kids likely to be on the streets
McCarthy said the hours of tactical units will also be extended, beginning at 6 a.m. Monday, so that more officers are in uniform and on the streets.
The Chicago Teachers Union late Sunday said it would take to the picket line after intensive talks with Chicago Public Schools officials failed to result in a new contract. It's the first teacher work stoppage in Chicago since October 1987.
