BRIDGEPORT — The neighborhood's top cop wants more officers walking the beat.
At a community forum hosted by Ald. Patrick D. Thompson (11th) at Pilsen's Providence of God Church, Deering District Cmdr. Daniel Godsel said he wants to "expand foot patrols" in the 11th Ward.
"I want to get more cops on bicycles," Godsel said. "When there's some down time ... We'll get there."
Foot patrols will allow police to meet residents and explore the neighborhood's difficult-to-reach areas, like narrow alleys.
Leading his second "Meet the Alderman" meeting since he took office last year, Thompson said he maintains a steady focus on crime in the 11th Ward.
“Public safety is No. 1,” he said.
The first-term alderman welcomed Godsel and Deering District Police Lt. Susan Moss to share their thoughts on crime in the area.
Moss called Thompson's turf a "pretty good area."
“You live in one of the safest areas of the city,” Godsel said, “and we’re doing what we can to keep it that way.”
Godsel said he speaks with Thompson on the phone daily, sharing resources and talking shop about keeping neighborhood folks safe.
For more neighborhood news, listen to DNAinfo Radio here:
