Over 1,300 Crimes Reported on Chicago’s CTA; Activists Urge for Actions for Safety

Race Day Live (Chicago, IL) –  As crime rates across Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) stations surge, Tio Hardiman, Executive Director of Violence Interrupters, is calling on city officials to take immediate steps to enhance rider safety.

New data reveals that more than 1,300 offenses were reported on the CTA system through September 2024, the highest number since the pandemic began. Notably, the Green Line and Red Line have emerged as hotspots for criminal activity, with battery being the most frequently reported offense. On average, 1.3 out of every 100,000 rides across the CTA system results in a crime.

Activist Pushes for Prevention Strategies

Hardiman emphasizes that many of these crimes could have been prevented. “The majority of crimes that take place on the CTA train system could have been avoided,” he said in a statement to The Center Square.

Through Violence Interrupters, Hardiman and his team work to de-escalate potentially violent situations on the transit system. “We’ve built relationships with high-risk individuals who ride these trains intending to commit crimes,” he explained. “In some cases, we’ve successfully intervened to prevent robberies and assaults. We know how to detect potentially violent situations before they escalate.”

Crime Hotspots Highlighted

Statistics pinpoint the Green Line station at 63rd and Ashland in Englewood as the most crime-prone location, with a rate of 1.9 crimes per 100,000 rides between October 2023 and September 2024. Englewood and neighboring areas like West Chatham and Greater Grand Crossing have seen significant crime rates both on and off the transit system.

“It’s no surprise that some of the most rampant crime is taking place in these neighborhoods,” Hardiman said. “The same pattern applies to gun violence in areas like Englewood, which consistently ranks among the most affected communities.”

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A Call for Collaborative Solutions

Hardiman advocates for a collaborative approach, suggesting the city implement pilot programs on the Green and Red Lines to address the issue. “We could mediate conflicts on the trains and work with support organizations to provide resources for young individuals,” he said.

These resources could include job training programs, alternative education, or employment opportunities to steer individuals away from criminal behavior. “By working with them regularly, we can help change the mindset of those victimizing others,” Hardiman added.

Progress and Challenges

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Research from the Manhattan Institute underscores the importance of routine police precautions in preventing and uncovering more serious crimes. Nearly 45% of all reported crimes on the CTA have resulted in arrests this year, marking the second-highest clearance rate in a decade.

While this progress is encouraging, Hardiman believes a more proactive and community-centered approach is essential to addressing the root causes of transit crime.

As officials weigh solutions, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of CTA riders and fostering a transit system that serves as a secure and reliable mode of transportation for all.

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