The Chicago Police Department announced Tuesday the number of detective areas in the city is expanding from three back to five in order to improve response times, particularly on the West Side.
Former Mayor Rahm Emanuel had shuttered two of the original five, reports the Chicago Sun-Times.
Mayor Lori Lightfoot mentioned the plan in October, and a report from the Police Executive Research Forum recommended the expansion, saying it was challenging to effectively police large areas and respond in a timely manner.
Patrol Bureau Chief Fred Waller said, "There are specialized gang and saturation teams that operate from CPD's existing three detectives areas. The two additional areas will allow these teams to be even more responsive."
Interim Supt. Charlie Beck said another aim of the expansion is to familiarize residents with detectives and patrols, especially in areas of the city with high crime rates.
Waller said many officers have been "quietly lobbying" behind the scenes for the expansion.
The two new areas are expected to open by April 1, Beck said.
