Man walks to all 22 Chicago police districts over 3 days for mental health awareness

Man walks to all 22 Chicago police districts over 3 days for mental health awareness

CHICAGO — The slogan "serve and protect" is emblazoned across countless Chicago police cars. But a local man says he is doing his part to ensure officers know they're supported. Robert Swiderski, Jr. has spent the last three days carrying out what he called "Operation Serve and Protect," a movement that seeks to raise awareness about a growing threat to officers in Chicago. When a criminal takes an officer's life, there is an avalanche of suppor…

Chicago should fully embrace alternatives to 911 police response for mental health calls

Larry Snelling, Mayor Brandon Johnson’s pick to lead the Chicago Police Department, has expressed support for mental health workers to help respond to some 911 calls.Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times We were heartened to hear Larry Snelling express support for a mental health alternative to the police in responding to 911 calls at his first press conference after being nominated as Chicago’s next police superintendent.“If we have mental health calls that …