<p>We live and work in downtown Chicago, so I think I can speak with some authority re: public safety in Chicago’s downtown and Hyde Park areas. Don’t bash posters noting crime stats and safety problems. The personal safety issue is very real in Hyde Park, and UC students and administration are aware of risks. Muggings, theft, and burglaries (private homes) are commonplace despite strong private police presence. UC has its own police force, which helps, but Hyde Park adjoins two very poor high-crime areas to the south and west (Lake Michigan to east, and Kenwood to north). Chicago’s police patrol force is significantly under-staffed. Crime is under-reported by Chicago Police administration, and CPD police presence is mainly after-the-fact report filing. (Read up on “Second City Cop” blog-site) It’s not as bad as the 70s, but with the recession, it seems that Chicago’s crime stats are rising and that people need to be vigilant again.</p>