A WTTW News reporting initiative diving deep into neighborhood crime, violence and public safety as residents, policymakers and community groups work to address the growing issue.

(Michael Izquierdo / WTTW News)

Chicago is the center of attention when it comes to talking about crime data in a national context. Experts caution that interpreting numbers without examining the underlying influences can lead to misunderstandings. 

About one out of every eight people harmed by gun violence will be injured again within five years, according to a new study. (Callaghan O’Hare / Reuters)

America’s gun epidemic claimed more than 48,000 lives in 2022, federal data shows. And gun violence has become the leading cause of death among children and teens in the United States. But most gun injuries are not fatal, leaving thousands of victims to live with the resulting trauma.

(WTTW News)

The latest in our series WTTW News: A Safer City. Where the Chicago Police Department stands on the consent decree. And how communities and police can build relationships. 

(WTTW News)

With the second week of classes already under way, WTTW News reporter Joanna Hernandez moderated a live virtual conversation on back-to-school safety for children and youth in Chicago as part of the WTTW News: A Safer City initiative.

(Michael Izquierdo / WTTW News)

According to Chicago Police Department data, 24 people were shot in 18 separate shooting incidents between 6 p.m. Friday and 11:59 p.m. Sunday.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson appears on “Chicago Tonight” on Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023. (WTTW News)

Mayor Brandon Johnson, a former middle school teacher, told WTTW News on Thursday’s “Chicago Tonight” that he would give his administration an A-minus “at least for style,” with much more work to be done.

Quientest Vinson, right, of Turn Up Knox hands out candy to children during the Lonsdale Neighborhood Homecoming celebration Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023 in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo / George Walker IV)

In recent years, research reviews have begun to conclude there’s enough evidence to say which public health interventions prevent shootings, which do not, and which need more study. 

Mayor Brandon Johnson addresses reporters on Monday, Aug. 14, 2023, before introducing Chief Larry Snelling as his pick to lead the Chicago Police Department. (Heather Cherone / WTTW News)

The size of the Chicago Police Department is essentially unchanged since Mayor Brandon Johnson took office 100 days ago. There are 12,363 employees, including 11,722 sworn officers.

Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is pictured in a file photo. (Andrew Adams / Capitol News Illinois)

Six interagency law enforcement task forces received grant funding this spring to combat car thefts through an initiative of Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias’ office.

Walmart parking lot. (WTTW News)
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In Illinois, the chamber estimates more than $2 billion worth of goods were stolen from retailers in 2021, but it says the cost to Illinois businesses was more than double that when other factors are taken into account.

Brandis Friedman and Paris Schutz. (WTTW News)

The latest in our series WTTW News: A Safer City highlights the sharp rise in vehicle thefts — and how to protect your car. Efforts to get kids to school safely. And the impact retail theft has on local businesses.

(Credit: Chicago Police Department)

There’s been an increase in carjackings nationwide, but Chicago is reporting more incidents than any other city in the U.S.

Shequita Burch, a Safe Passage worker, is pictured on Aug. 21, 2023. (WTTW News)
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As students return, so to do the Safe Passage workers who are tasked with making sure students make it and from school safely.

A car with a destroyed key start is pictured in August 2023. (WTTW News)

Adding to the problem, the Chicago Police Department has linked several recent robbery sprees to stolen vehicles. That comes as carmakers Kia and Hyundai face scrutiny for failing to provide adequate security systems for their cars.

A file photo shows a crime scene blocked off by the Chicago Police Department. (WTTW News)

According to Chicago Police Department data, seven people were killed over the weekend between 6 p.m. Friday and 11:59 p.m. Sunday. During that time 40 people were shot in total, in 33 separate incidents.

Larry Snelling and Mayor Brandon Johnson shake hands while addressing the media during a press conference announcing Snelling’s appointment as the Chicago Police Department’s superintendent Aug. 14, 2023. (WTTW News)

If confirmed as superintendent, Larry Snelling faces a delicate balancing act — addressing the crime and violence that have plagued Chicago while also changing the way CPD trains and disciplines its officers.