Former CPD Superintendent to Head Chicago Crime Commission

Weis outlines plans to support crime fighting efforts in Chicago

CHICAGO, July 6, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Chicago Crime Commission announced the appointment of former Chicago Police Superintendent Jody Weis as the organization's new Deputy Director.  At a Chicago news conference Weis explained his intentions to help support crime fighting efforts, and to protect and enhance the area's image and social viability.

"Under the direction of Chairman J.R. Davis and the organization's Board of Directors, I want to focus the Chicago Crime Commission on leveraging support to address the root causes of crime - gangs, guns and drugs," stated Weis.  "I will use my position as a platform for collaboration to turn ideas into action and work with law enforcement, the community, faith based organizations, public health groups, and business leaders to make our community a better place to live," he added.

Weis announced that under his leadership, the Chicago Crime Commission would advocate for such items as a ban on high capacity gun magazines, leverage support for a state RICO statute, which would make it easier for law enforcement to seize the assets of gang and other organized crime leaders, and garner support for legislation such as a mandatory collection of DNA samples from all those convicted of a crime." Weis said.  "DNA is critical to ensure the guilty are convicted, but more importantly, to ensure the innocent are exonerated."

Additionally, the Chicago Crime Commission will research the feasibility of supporting new technology, such as bullet casing microstamping technology.  "In many investigations, a spent casing is the only critical piece of evidence recovered by police," Weis said.  "However, until it can be matched to the weapon that fired it, that casing has limited evidentiary value.  The technology known as microstamping can cast a unique number for a weapon that will be stamped onto a bullet casing when fired.  With the microstamping technology, police can connect the casings back to the firearm's last legal owner without recovering the actual weapon.  Being able to identify the owner of the weapon from a shell casing recovered at a crime scene will hopefully deter "straw purchases" and other illegal gun trafficking activity," he continued.  These technological changes can bring criminals to justice, with no impact upon an individual's Second Amendment right; every weapon currently sold has a unique serial number.

He added, "We are looking forward to working with the Illinois legislature and all other willing partners who are committed to assist law enforcement do their job more effectively and safely."

It is also the goal of the Chicago Crime Commission to address the public health aspect of youth violence.  "It is clear that youth violence has reached epidemic proportions in Chicago, and other major cities in the United States.  And that is why it must be looked at from the public health perspective.   A study by the University of Chicago concluded that youth violence is driven by three factors: lack of education; mental health issues; and, substance abuse," said Weis.   "I will work to bring the law enforcement and public health communities together to find meaningful solutions to this deadly epidemic," he added.

Finally, we cannot forget the threat of terrorism, with the greatest threat being the lone wolf terrorist, radicalized over the Internet or other medium.  "The Chicago Crime Commission needs to work with all members of the community to ensure our residents remain vigilant for those individuals who want to destroy our way of life."          

The appointment of Jody Weis drew praise from J.R. Davis, Chairman of the Chicago Crime Commission.  "As Deputy Director, Jody Weis will be a great asset to the organization and will reinforce our mission of supporting the fight against crime and improving the image of Chicago," declared J.R. Davis.

Mr. Weis has a unique background of more than 32 years of service to the military, and to both federal and local law enforcement, with experience in cities from coast to coast and in between.  "As Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department, Jody Weis was effectively the Chief Executive Officer for the second largest law enforcement agency in the United States, overseeing more than 15,000 employees and a $1.2 billion budget," Davis said.  "He led a cultural change of utilizing 'intelligence-based' crime fighting strategies, based upon cutting-edge technology, to restructure how the department deployed its resources into a proactive posture, resulting in the lowest homicide totals in 45 years.  However, Weis also emphasized training, accountability, professionalism, and risk management, resulting in a 47 percent reduction in lawsuits against police officers.  He built partnerships with the community to remove the tarnish of several high-profile scandals that led to his appointment as Superintendent."  

"During his 23 years with the FBI, Weis held all positions from Special Agent to Special Agent in Charge.  From chasing bank robbers and fugitives and being on the SWAT team, to serving as the Special Agent in Charge in Philadelphia, Jody Weis investigated, or managed, all of the FBI's investigative programs," stated Davis.  "The Chicago Crime Commission and the city of Chicago are fortunate to have a man of his knowledge, experience, and integrity leading our organization.  We are confident that he will continue to have a positive impact on the quality of life in our community," Davis concluded.    

Contact:
John Pastuovic
312-372-0101 X 240

SOURCE Chicago Crime Commission