CHICAGO (WBBM) -- Gang investigators from local and state police are brushing up on new ways to tackle gang violence in their communities through a federal training program in the suburbs.
U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald offered opening remarks at the U.S. Justice Department training event near Oakbrook.
According to Fitzgerald, Chicago has 13,000 police officer and more than 70,000 registered gang members. He says combating gang violence needs to be a collaborative battle based on intelligence generated at the local, state and federal levels.
He also encouraged law enforcers to “market” themselves better by letting potential gang bangers know who they are up against and what penalties or prison time they face if they’re caught.
Fitzgerald pointed to Chicago program called a “parolee forum” where ex-cons are gathered together and told about the harsh federal prison sentences available to repeat offenders, then given an opportunity to go in a new direction through job placement, training or education.
Apollo 11 This is the 40th anniversary of the Apollo 11 launch and a retired astronaut from the suburbs looks back but is anxious for the future. WBBM's Steve Grzanich reports.
First Burr Oak, Now Restvale? Newsradio 780 has learned that investigators are taking a closer look at another cemetery in the southwest suburbs. WBBM's Steve Miller reports.
Hello 'Big Willie' The Sears Tower gets a new name, officially. WBBM's Nancy Harty reports.
ADVERTISEMENT
Top News
CBS
No bond reduction for man accused of killing son A judge denied a motion this week to lower the $5 million bond set for a north suburban man accused of fatally stabbing his son with a kitchen knife.
WBBM-AM 780 has been the consistent all news radio voice in Chicagoland for over 35 years and is now streaming online for free. Listen online to Chicago news as it happens around the clock, along with Chicago traffic, Chicago weather, Chicago sports and Chicago business. Subscribe to WBBM's free podcasts for additional Chicago business and Chicago community reports and listen to Chicago news on demand. WBBM news radio is also the home for Chicago Bears, Chicago Auto Show and Chicago Air & Water Show. www.wbbm780.com