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University of Chicago Police to Open Office in Former Doughnut Shop

By Sam Cholke | December 17, 2013 8:26am
 The University of Chicago Police Department will open a temporary office in March in a former donut shop at 1411 E. 53rd St.
The University of Chicago Police Department will open a temporary office in March in a former donut shop at 1411 E. 53rd St.
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DNAinfo/Sam Cholke

HYDE PARK — The University of Chicago Police Department will open a new office in a former doughnut shop.

On Monday, Chief of Police Marlon Lynch announced the private police force would provide officers with desks and meeting space at a former Dunkin Donuts at 1411 E. 53rd St.

“Hyde Park is one of the safest neighborhoods in the city, but we are always looking for new ways to support our officers and enhance community engagement,” Lynch said. “With the significant change underway on 53rd Street, and larger numbers of people there in the day and in the evening, we wanted to be sure that our patrol officers working in the area make the most effective use of their time.”

The university bought the property last month for $1.5 million from the Chicago Title Land Trust Company, according to records from the Cook County Recorder of Deeds.

The property is being renovated and will reopen as office space for officers in March.

Lynch said the office will not act as a station or be staffed full time, but will be used temporarily to gauge how an increased police presence on 53rd Street affects safety.

“The office on 53rd Street will also provide another point of contact between UCPD and the community — a place where we can hold small meetings on police matters, or where officers can meet with neighbors and business owners,” Lynch said.