CAPS Meeting

What Is CAPS?

The partnership between police and community is the foundation of Chicago's own philosophy of community policing, known as CAPS - the Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy. CAPS brings the police, the community, and other City agencies together to identify and solve neighborhood crime problems, rather than simply react to their symptoms after the fact. Problem solving at the neighborhood level is supported by a variety of strategies, including neighborhood-based beat officers; regular Beat Community Meetings involving police and residents; extensive training for both police and community; more efficient use of City services that impact crime; and new technology to help police and residents target crime hot spots.

CAPS has monthly community meetings where residents have the opportunity to talk to the officers who patrol their neighborhood. Residents are encouraged to bring questions or concerns regarding safety, quality of life issues and City services.

The 44th Ward is served by the 19th District (bounded by Lawrence, Lake Shore Drive, Fullerton, and the Chicago River). Each police district is divided in beats, and each beat has a team of beat officers assigned to it. Police representatives from these teams and local community leaders conduct the CAPS meetings.

For more information on CAPS, visit the Chicago Police Department's webpage, How CAPS Works.