In a move aimed at combating the over-reporting of crime, an alderwoman in Chicago is halting the posting of crime alerts on social media and sending out notifications to constituents unless they specifically opt in. This decision, based on community feedback and the alderwoman's commitment to antiracism, follows a rise in robberies and sex crimes in the city.
Alderwoman Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth of Chicago has announced that she will no longer post crime alerts on social media or send notifications to her constituents unless they specifically opt in for the notifications. This decision follows growing concerns about the over-reporting of crime, which has been shown to have a disproportionate negative impact on marginalized and underserved communities.
In a blog post, Manaa-Hoppenworth explained that her decision was based on feedback from her constituents and her "commitment to our values of empowerment, antiracism, and community."
"Research also shows us that over-reporting of crime negatively impacts our most marginalized and underserved neighbors," the post stated.
According to Manaa-Hoppenworth, only subscribers to her newsletter who have opted in to receive crime alerts will continue to receive them.
The alderwoman's office has not yet responded to requests for comment from Fox News Digital.
Crime remains a significant issue in Chicago, with robberies, car thefts, aggravated battery, and burglaries all increasing year-over-year. Over the Memorial Day weekend, 41 people were shot, nine fatally, including a 5-year-old girl.
Critics of the decision argue that withholding crime alerts may put residents at risk by limiting their awareness of potential threats. However, supporters of the move contend that the negative consequences of over-reporting crime outweigh the benefits.
Experts have suggested that over-reporting can lead to increased fear and anxiety, particularly among minority and low-income communities. Additionally, it can perpetuate negative stereotypes and contribute to racial profiling.
Manaa-Hoppenworth's decision aligns with a growing movement among criminal justice reformers who advocate for reducing the reliance on punishment and surveillance in favor of community-based solutions.
It remains to be seen whether other Chicago aldermen will follow Manaa-Hoppenworth's lead and adopt similar measures to mitigate the negative impacts of crime reporting on marginalized communities.
