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B"H
Community Safety Services
- Shul Security Training
- Community Safety & Education
- Safety Patrols & Response
"Protecting Our Community From Within" Since 2016
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Chicago's Jewish Community Safety Update | |
Stay in touch with our community's safety concerns and latest updates- | |
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Keeping Our Neighborhood Safe in Challenging Times
In the wake of Iran's unprecedented aerial attack on Israel, MAGEN Chicago responded to the safety concerns of our community by immediately calling out its volunteer patrol presence after the end of Shabbos. At the height of the response, 11 patrol vehicles provided a watchful eye, working in coordination with our dispatch center.
These patrols added a secondary eye and acted as a force multiplier in our efforts.
We are deeply grateful to our dedicated volunteer community members who have stepped up to aid in making our community feel more safe and protected from within. An increased level of vigilance and situational awareness is so valuable at times like these.
As always, we remind everyone that 911 should be called first in the event of an emergency or if you see something suspicious. Then, follow up with a call to MAGEN Chicago at 1-844-MAGEN-CHI so we can provide additional support and follow-up.
Together, we will continue working to Protect Our Community From Within. Thank you to all who are helping in this important effort.
#protectingourcommunityfromwithin
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MAGEN Chicago Aids in Bolstering Upcoming Holiday Synagogue Security
At MAGEN Chicago, we take the safety and security of our community extremely seriously. Because of this, we recently conducted extensive scenario-based training for our Shul Safety Officers and Greeters (SSOs/SSGs) under the direction of Andrew Cuomo, CPP®, PSP®, a highly skilled CPD SWAT Team Leader and owner of Secure Options Consulting, LLC.
During this intensive hands-on training session, our SSOs and SSGs were put through a series of realistic, threat-based scenarios. This allowed them to hone their skills and develop the necessary knowledge to respond effectively to potential risks and emergencies. As Benjamin Franklin wisely noted, "By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail."
We are incredibly grateful to Andrew Cuomo and his invaluable guidance and direction during this critical training. Events like these are a vital part of our mission to Protect Our Community From Within, especially as we approach the upcoming holiday season when synagogues may face increased security challenges.
Support our training efforts to help us continue this important work. Visit magenchicago.org/donate to contribute and help strengthen our community's safety and security. Together, we can ensure our Shuls remain a safe haven for all.
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MAGEN Chicago's Volunteer Patrols Keeps Watch on Purim
As families gathered to celebrate the joyous Purim holiday, a dedicated team of volunteers from MAGEN Chicago took to the streets to help keep watch over the community's festivities.
Throughout the neighborhood, the unmistakable presence of MAGEN Chicago patrol vehicles and their green lights could be seen almost everywhere. The volunteers donated their time and vehicle to help provide an extra set of eyes and ears on the lookout for any potential disturbances.
Avi Levin, who coordinated the volunteer effort, emphasized that their role was to act as a "force multiplier" in maintaining order and allowing residents to celebrate in peace and safety. "Our volunteers understand the importance of this holiday," Levin stated. "We wanted families to be able to fully enjoy Purim without any worries."
In addition to highly visible street patrols, MAGEN Chicago also offered a pickup service for any revelers who overindulged during the celebrations. Though the service ended up being lightly used, its availability further underscored the group's core mission of "Protecting Our Community from Within."
For the volunteers, the experience provided a chance to give back while upholding communal safety standards. "I've lived in this neighborhood my whole life, and I just wanted to do my part to help keep it safe, especially during Purim," said David Cohen, one of the volunteer patrollers. "It feels good to give back and contribute to the safety and security of my community."
As the Purim celebrations concluded, MAGEN Chicago's volunteers returned to their normal routines, but not without earning the appreciation of a community that rested a bit easier knowing such a dedicated watch had their safety in mind.
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Calling 911
Community members must remain vigilant and immediately call 911 if they notice anything out of the ordinary or suspicious, no matter how minor it may seem. The police cannot respond to potential threats or incidents if they are not informed about them in the first place. Calling 911 immediately is the best way to ensure law enforcement is aware of the situation and can investigate further.
Documentation of these types of incidents is also extremely important. Each 911 call creates an official record that helps build a better understanding of potential threats or patterns of suspicious activity in a given area. This documentation can be invaluable for law enforcement investigations and efforts to enhance security measures. As MAGEN Chicago advises, "When in Doubt, Call It Out"—do not hesitate to contact the authorities if something seems off or concerning, no matter how small. Prompt reporting from alert community members is essential for keeping Jewish schools, synagogues, and other institutions safe.
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New Volunteer Patrols Aim to Boost Community Safety
A new volunteer patrol program called the Chicago Neighborhood Safety Watch (CNSW) has hit the streets. Groups patrol neighborhoods to deter crime and enhance community safety. Powered by MAGEN Chicago, the CNSW is modeled after a successful frum program in Baltimore.
Unarmed volunteer patrols are assigned quadrants to patrol with vehicles donning green flashing lights, which act as a deterrent. The patrols maintain contact with a team leader. If they witness suspicious activity, they relocate and report it to the police without confrontation. The patrols act as a force multiplier and a second set of eyes for the police. Each shift begins with a briefing covering local crime trends and safety protocols.
The Baltimore program, running for the last 41 years, has helped reduce crime rates in patrolled areas. Organizers hope the Chicago patrols will have a similar positive impact. Having more citizens patrolling their neighborhoods increases vigilance and can deter criminals.
The group is seeking more volunteers who are interested in joining this public safety effort. Visit magenchicago.org/cnsw or click the link below for more information.
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024th District CPD Increase Patrols on Purim
The 024th District of the Chicago Police Department took commendable measures to prioritize community safety during the recent Purim festivities in Rogers Park. MAGEN Chicago appreciates the district's proactive approach, which included increasing patrol presence throughout the neighborhood during this joyous but potentially hazardous holiday.
With Purim celebrations often involving alcohol consumption, the 024th District made wise decisions to deter impaired driving and irresponsible behavior on the roads. Additional officers were visibly patrolling the area, on the lookout for any instances of intoxicated motorists, underage drinking, or other conduct that could endanger lives. The CPD rightly emphasized the need for added precautions to protect excited children who may have inadvertently put themselves at risk by darting across streets or from between parked cars. MAGEN Chicago commends the 024th District for strictly enforcing traffic laws and parking regulations to prevent avoidable tragedies during this festive time.
The police department struck an appropriate balance – understanding the celebratory nature of Purim while making public safety the top priority. Their visible presence allowed community members to mark the holiday without compromising the security of our neighborhoods. We thank the 024th District for their diligence and commitment to creating a safe environment for all residents to enjoy the Purim holiday.
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COMMUNITY SAFETY BULLETIN
From CPD 024th POWSAT
The 024th District Place of Worship Safety Advisory Team (P.O.W.S.A.T.) is publicizing this safety bulletin to address the upcoming holiday of Pesach (Passover). Due to the unfortunate events ongoing in Israel, the 024th District encourages the community to continue with daily activities, especially with the upcoming holiday. Law enforcement as a whole cannot stress enough the importance of remaining focused on safety and security within the community.
(Click on the above bulletin to read the full article.)
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MAGEN Chicago Conducts Vital Radio Drill to Strengthen Shul Safety Procedures
Last week, the Shul Safety Officers and Greeters (SSOs/SSGs) from MAGEN Chicago conducted an important system-wide radio drill to practice communication procedures in the event of a safety concern at a local Shul.
Brian Drake, President of CMXI Consulting and Deputy Director of Support Services at Northwest Central Dispatch System, was MAGEN Chicago's consultant who expertly oversaw the exercise. Brian's professional guidance was invaluable, as he provided hands-on training and detailed debriefings after each part of the exercise.
A key focus was MAGEN Chicago's radio system implementation across local area Shuls. Brian's expertise ensured we optimized the use of the radios' capabilities for efficient communication during emergencies. His public safety communications experience will be vital as we continue expanding and refining our Shul radio network.
We were fortunate to have the CPD 024th District POWSAT Officers Michael Specht and Roger Heath attend and participate, especially as it was during their off time in the evening. They provided valuable insights by reviewing and clarifying the 911 call and police report writing policies.
Our community is incredibly fortunate to have these dedicated officers who aid in community and Shul safety efforts. Like all of our training, we hope never to utilize it, but if that situation arises, we diligently prepare to safeguard our community.
The drill focused on our Shabbat and weekday radio system, which is now in place at numerous Shuls. This radio network is a critical part of our safety infrastructure and aligns with our motto of "Protecting Our Community From Within."
We thank all the SSOs, officers, consultants, and MAGEN Chicago involved for their commitment to making our community more prepared and secure.
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MAGEN Chicago Volunteers Demonstrate Professionalism and Coordination in Dual Emergency Response
It was a very busy night for MAGEN Chicago's dedicated team of volunteers. While providing crowd safety for the large Siyum Harambam event at KINS, they had to rapidly pivot and respond to an emergency call of a suspicious person that came in through their 24/6 Emergency line. Displaying incredible coordination and efficiency, several units were immediately dispatched to the emergency location, and two additional units were on standby. The police arrived, questioned the individual, and found everything to be in order.
This response occurred while other team members remained on-site at KINS to continue overseeing crowd safety. Despite having to split their focus between two critical situations, MAGEN Chicago's team handled both with expertise. Their ability to maintain public safety at the event while rapidly responding to an emergency call is a testament to their training, preparedness, and commitment to assist in protecting the community. Remember to always call 911 first in the event of an emergency.
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Active Threat Training Empowers Chicago's Jewish Community
MAGEN Chicago would like to extend its sincere gratitude to Officers Michael Specht and Roger Heath from the Chicago 024th District POWSAT (Place of Worship Safety Advisory Team) for presenting their informative Active Threat Program seminar at Congregation Bene Shalom Hebrew Association of the Deaf and Hearing.
In an era of increasing security concerns, this specialized training is more vital than ever for houses of worship. The officers' expertise in topics like responding to active threats, maintaining situational awareness, and enhancing overall synagogue safety were invaluable in equipping the Congregation Bene Shalom community with crucial knowledge and skills.
We're grateful to Officers Specht and Heath for dedicating their time and sharing this important safety program with the Jewish community. Events like this demonstrate their unwavering commitment to empowering places of worship to be prepared for emergencies.
If your synagogue is interested in hosting the Active Threat Program seminar presented by Officers Specht and Heath or other safety classes, please contact MAGEN Chicago. We're honored to help facilitate this vital training across the Chicago area.
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Police CAPS Meeting Schedule
The police hold regular CAPS meetings where the public can speak directly with beat officers and address safety concerns in a public forum. Alderman Debra Silverstein reminds you of the importance of attending local meetings and getting to know the officers tasked with keeping us safe. Find the CAPS meeting schedule for 2024 on the 50th Ward website at: 50thward.org/events/category/police-events.
The 50th Ward includes five police beats:
· Beat 2411 - Between Howard and Pratt
· Beat 2412 - Between Pratt and Devon
· Beat 2413 - Between Devon and Peterson
· Beat 1711 - Peterson Park
· Beat 2011 - South of Peterson
Find your police beat at https://operations.chicagopolice.org/FindMyDistrict.
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SIMCHAS CORNER
Mazal Tov to our SSG, Moshe Yudkowsky, and his wife, Rachel, on the birth of a grandson, Asher Alexander Cohen. Mazel Tov also goes to the parents Jeff and Channah Cohen and the siblings Aryeh, Shifra, and Raphael of Silver Spring, MD.
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Call us after calling 911
24/6 EMERGENCY NUMBER
1-844-MAGEN-CHI
624-3624
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