Law enforcement veteran Michael Letts explains why the Mayor-elect needs to do something now, before the city succumbs to even more chaos.

Chicago has already seen a great deal of trouble over the years under former Mayor Lori Lightfoot, particularly with its lacking police presence and rising criminal activity. But now, under Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson, matters are getting much worse in the city.

As reported over the weekend, a “Teen Takeover” has taken place, with hundreds of young adults destroying car windows and attacking both bystanders and tourists, even sending some to the hospital. 

Hundreds of police officers have been called to the scene to restore order, though Johnson still remains sympathetic to the attacking teens. In a statement, he noted, “In no way do I condone the destructive activity we saw in the Loop and Lakefront this weekend. It is unacceptable and has no place in our city. However, it is not constructive to demonize youth who have otherwise been starved of opportunities in their own communities.”

The problem, however, is that Johnson has created his own nightmare scenario. He previously noted how he wished for funds to be reallocated from the police department to other Chicago services (as part of the movement for “defund the police” at the time). He has since changed that decision, though noted that hiring police officers will not solve the city’s criminal problems. So…what will then?

Joining us now to discuss this further is Michael Letts, a law enforcement veteran with over 30 years of experience under his belt. Letts is currently President, Founder and CEO of InVest USA, an organization that provides police officers with bulletproof vests through various charitable groups and sponsorships. His expertise is certainly welcome in this matter.

Q&A:

1. So what do you think is happening in Chicago right now? How did this many teens end up running rampant in the city? Is it gangs or something else?
2. What do you think about Johnson’s thoughts that hiring more police officers won’t solve the city’s crime problems? What solution do you believe might he have been considering instead?
3. Even with the ousting of former Mayor Lori Lightfoot, it seems that Chicago isn’t facing any easy answers when it comes to its rising criminal activity. Do you think Johnson just needs to swallow his pride and take care of his police officers before it’s too late?
4. Why do you believe so many people support the “defund the police” movement, even though it’s since led to many officers leaving their jobs and criminal activity rising to record heights?
5. If you were in charge of helping Chicago’s police department, what would you do to “right the ship,” as it were?
6. You’re the creator of InVest USA, an organization that provides bulletproof vests to police officers through various charitable groups and sponsorships. Tell us more about that, and why support for fellow officers is so important right now.
7. Where can we learn more about InVest USA, and how those interested can help their fellow officers.

You can visit our official InVest USA website, and learn more on the official Invest USA Twitter account. You can also learn about my new initiative at RestoringJustice.US, where we discuss lawful issues surrounding citizens of the United States.

About Michael Letts:

Michael Letts is the Founder, President, and CEO of InVest USA, a national grassroots non-profit organization that is helping hundreds of communities provide thousands of bulletproof vests for their police forces through educational, public relations, sponsorship, and fundraising programs. He also has over 30 years of law enforcement experience under his belt, hence his pro-police stance for his brothers and sisters in blue. Those interested in learning more about Letts can visit his official website here.