Security

This is just a note to inspire a small bit of paranoia in everyone so you can get the true urban experience while in Chicago.  Most denizens of the city simply expect that something unpleasant will happen to them eventually, so they are happy when they hear the nightly TV news and none of the really bad things have happened to anyone they know.  It is just one of the extra costs of living in the city on top of the extra gas tax (robbery in itself) and high rents.  However, don't show fear, because urban lore has it that people who look scared will be singled out by the city's criminals.  Instead, be a little cautious, friendly, respectful and have fun while in the city. 

Generally in Chicago there is very little violence between strangers.  Mostly Hispanics attack Hispanics, whites attack whites, and blacks attack blacks, probably because people usually attack acquaintances who are generally of the same race in this heavily segregated city. In Pilsen in particular, nearly all violence is between gangs.  Therefore, if you do not look like a gangbanger, you probably won't be a target of violence in Pilsen. Most past volunteers have looked unmistakably like anything but a gangbanger.  However, there is plenty of property crime in Pilsen and VSers have had to deal with that.  Luckily property crime is generally accomplished through stealth rather than violence. 

If you bring a car into Chicago, never leave something that looks valuable in a visible place in your car, particularly at night.  Put belongings in the trunk where they are out of sight and won't tempt some generally honest but desperate person into breaking your car windows and starting a life of crime.

To prevent theft, don't bring a lot of valuables to Chicago.  It may seem redundant to tell VSers, but don't carry much cash.  Instead, get an account with a bank that gives a free ATM/Visa card (Bank 1 on Cermak and Damen is a favorite), and use your card frequently instead of carrying a lot of cash.  Money should not be carried in the back pants pockets, but in front pockets where it is a bit more of a challenge to pick.  Don't dress too affluently nor bring expensive jewelry.  If you must carry a valuable purse or a camera in plain view, wear it next to your side with the strap extending up across the chest to the opposite shoulder so it is harder to grab.  Ideally, wear things like fanny packs and cameras under your jacket. Fanny packs, although better than a handbag, are not completely secure, even when worn on front.  If mugged, be courteous and hand over your money.  Who knows, someday you may be so desperate that you have to resort to armed robbery, and you will certainly want people to respond with good manners.  Some people always try to carry around $20 in cash to give to potential robbers so as to avoid making them feel frustrated.

Although crowded places attract pick-pockets, they are safer than more isolated places in the city.  The exceptions to watch for are places with groups of idle young males and few women, children, or senior citizens.  There is safety in numbers; if you are uncomfortable going somewhere alone, go with a friend.

Riding on public transportation is extremely safe from violent crime (pickpockets and pan handlers are another story).  Waiting at a bus stop at night may not be so safe, but once on the bus you can relax because the drivers keep tabs on what they can see and they can summons help on their radios.  If you sit near a door, keep your belongings in a place that would be difficult for bag snatchers to grab on their way out.  If you are truly paranoid, the El is slightly less safe than the Bus unless you ride in the car with a CTA attendant and you are always safest sitting nearest the CTA workers.

Many people ignore all safety precautions and never have a problem, but it doesn't hurt to be aware of your surroundings and think about the possibilities.

One way to learn about neighborhood safety issues is to attend the Neighborhood Beat Meetings for Beat 1222 at 7:00 on the first Saturday of the month at 1919 S. Ashland.  Here you can talk to the officer who is assigned to the area around the VS house to find out about the neighborhood.  The beat officer usually knows minute details about his/her beat right down to the nicknames and addresses of all the gangbangers.