Amid torrent of gun violence, Chicago mayor proposes 3-part plan
In a highly anticipated speech, Rahm Emanuel calls for community, mentorship and increased police presence. Crisis communicators weigh in on forward strides, as well as missteps.
Chicago’s reputation as one of the nation’s most dangerous cities is becoming tough to shake.
Enforcement, investment and protection are the keys to rebuilding the violence-stricken city, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel said in a public safety address Thursday night.
Gun violence—primarily in two of the city’s most impoverished sections—is at the root of soaring murder rates, and it has put pressure on police to engage more with residents, to do more community patrolling and to be more involved in west and south side neighborhoods.
Though Emanuel has faced recent criticism about how he will rebuild trust between police and community leaders, he addressed the situation with a 45-minute speech at Malcom X College near the city’s West Side.
Here’s video of the speech in its entirety:
The broader topic of crisis comms
Emanuel’s goal is not unlike those of many PR pros working to stem an escalating crisis.
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