Chicago announces youth mentoring program to combat crime

The invitation-only speech came as the city has seen a troubling spike in crime and his police department is under an ongoing U.S. Department of Justice investigation.

“Every one of us has a role to play in rebuilding the vital partnership between our police and the community,” Emanuel said in his speech at Malcolm X College on Chicago’s near West Side. “So today I am calling on all Chicagoans to join in a comprehensive plan to confront gun violence. No matter who you are, what your background is, where you live in Chicago, this fight belongs to all of us. “

Outside of the college a couple dozen protesters stood quietly as Emanuel was about to speak. Some held signs calling for a civilian police accountability council they want created to investigate police misconduct cases.

Emanuel, in his second term as mayor, has been trying to rebuild trust in his leadership, particularly after the 2014 death of Laquan McDonald, a black teenager shot 16 times by a white police officer. The officer was charged with murder, but only after a judge ordered the public release of the graphic squad car video last year. Circulation of the video prompted frequent protests, allegations of a cover-up and repeated calls for Emanuel to step down.

The Justice Department has since launched a systemic probe of department practices. In recent days, Emanuel’s administration has announced plans to add nearly 1,000 police officers, as well as an expansion of the use of body cameras and mandatory de-escalation training for all officers.

Emanuel also asked Chicagoans for help. Calling respect “a two-way street,” he said there’s no pass for people to taunt police or for officers “belittling” citizens who need help.