Illinois to send ‘Peacekeeper’ team and other assets to Chicago for Memorial Day weekend – NBC Chicago

The Illinois Department of Human Services and Governor JB Pritzker announced that the state will send a citywide crisis prevention and response unit to Chicago for Memorial Day weekend in an effort to to help ensure the safety of residents.

According to a press release, more than 30 trained neighborhood “peacekeepers” will be part of this deployment, along with street partners who will provide “de-escalation, conflict resolution and crisis support assistance.” crisis” in the city.

“The most important work we do is keeping our communities safe, and this is another important step towards addressing violence and conflict through research-based and community-driven approaches,” said Pritzker said in a statement.

“The CPRU is a critical tool in keeping our communities safe, as these people bring invaluable knowledge and knowledge that allows us to reduce conflicts before they escalate,” Mayor Brandon Johnson added.

According to the press release, the group of peacekeepers will work to prevent any violent action, including in parks and at major events.

The program “addresses conflict in high-risk blocks and provides engagement opportunities for those most at risk,” the statement said.

CPRU peacekeepers are trained in de-escalating crowds and breaking up crises, officials said.

The program will remain in place through the summer, with a scheduled rollout with Memorial Day weekend.