OFFICERS NOT-SO-FRIENDLY

Despite his rhetoric, it's hard to believe a mayor as concerned about
Chicago's neighborhoods as Mayor Daley claims he doesn't understand
why many Northwest Siders don't rush to tell police what their
neighbors are doing.

For a decade or more, the Shakespeare District has had the reputation
of being the most corrupt police operation north of Madison Street.
Right or wrong, thousands of Chicagoans are convinced Shakespeare
officers "serve and protect" only two interests: that of the area's
drug-dealing gangs, which are believed to supplement many officers'
incomes, and that of the developers who, with the full support of City
Hall and local aldermen, are gentrifying West Town, Humboldt Park and
Logan Square, driving out their current residents.

I wouldn't stroll into my local police station to give evidence
against a local criminal if I honestly believed the police officer who
took my statement might be on that criminal's payroll. Would you?

Mary A. Carroll, Lake View