Community Protection Initiative for the Red Line

Introduction

The safety of Chicago’s South Side is a priority for our community. In light of increasing crime and concerns about public transportation security, we are organizing a community-based protection force for the Red Line, inspired by successful self-defense and neighborhood patrol groups like those combating racial violence in Ohio and the Guardian Angels in New York.

This initiative will:

1. • Provide a visible community presence to deter crime and violence.
2. • Work with local faith and community leaders to recruit and train volunteers.
3. • Coordinate with law enforcement to ensure lawful and effective operations.
4. • Offer non-violent conflict resolution and assistance to those in need.

Taking Control of the Narrative

With the upcoming Red Line expansion, we have a unique opportunity to reshape the perception of the Red Line and our communities. For too long, outsiders and racists on social media have labeled it the “Blood Line,” falsely portraying our neighborhoods as lawless and our people as thugs.

I, for one, am tired of these stereotypes and the way they paint our communities in a negative light. The truth is that the South Side is full of hardworking, family-oriented, and resilient people who deserve respect, safety, and investment—not ridicule.

By establishing a strong, community-led security presence, we can change the narrative, protect our people, and show the entire city—and country—that we are taking charge of our own destiny. This initiative has the potential to be monumental for Chicago and beyond.

• Key Community Leaders 
• Proposed Schedule for Community Protection Patrols
• Focus Areas: Most Vulnerable Stations & Times

Based on crime reports and rider concerns, the following stations have been identified as high-priority areas for patrols:

Priority Stations:

1. 95th/Dan Ryan – Major transit hub, frequent incidents of violence and theft.
2. 87th Street – Nearby schools and high foot traffic make it a hotspot for crime.
3. 79th Street – Historically high crime area, known for robberies and altercations.
4. 69th Street – Reports of gang activity and attacks on commuters.
5. 63rd Street – High foot traffic, connecting routes to Woodlawn and Englewood.
6. 47th Street – Crime reports indicate frequent robberies and assaults.
7. Garfield – Proximity to high-crime areas and late-night safety concerns.
8. Roosevelt – High-volume station with rising safety issues, close to downtown transitions.

Peak Crime Times for Patrols:

• Morning Rush Hour (6:30 AM – 9:30 AM):

• Presence needed to deter theft and ensure safe commuting for workers and students.
• Afternoon Dismissal (2:30 PM – 5:00 PM):
• School dismissals bring potential conflicts; visible patrols can help de-escalate issues.

• Evening Rush (5:00 PM – 8:00 PM):

• High volume of workers returning home; robberies increase during this period.
• Late Night (10:00 PM – 2:00 AM, especially weekends):
• Violent incidents spike as bars and clubs close, with an increased risk of altercations.

Suggested Patrol Structure

• Two-Person Teams at each station during peak hours.
• Mobile Teams on trains between high-crime stops.
• Community Safe Zones near stations for commuters to seek assistance if needed.

Volunteer Roles & Responsibilities

• Visibility: Wear identifiable clothing (such as vests or armbands).
• Communication: Report incidents immediately and assist commuters when necessary.
• Conflict De-escalation: Engage peacefully and prevent confrontations from escalating.
• Emergency Assistance: Provide support in medical emergencies or to vulnerable riders.