Page 48 - 2018 July Newsletter

rd isric officers roide wae ca o ra he coi
n BY ERIKA WURST
If there’s one thing that gets 3rd District Community Policing Officer Maudessie Jointer’s blood boiling, it’s having to host an Operation Wake-Up anti-violence rally in her district.
In two years, Jointer has launched four rallies. Each one gets more difficult to attend. But it’s not the rallies that get Jointer riled up; it’s the reason she’s compelled to host them.
Operation Wake-Up rallies are hosted throughout Chicago neighborhoods whenever there is a child shot or an innocent victim caught in the crossfire of street violence. Nearby resi- dents are called out of their homes and businesses and invited to rally and take back their streets.
“If you’re not outraged at a child being struck, what will get you going?” Jointer asked, her voice rising with passion. “If you’re not outraged by a kid – a kid – being shot, then something is wrong.”
Not only does Jointer work in the 3rd District, she also lives there. She rides her bike to work, and immerses herself in the neighborhoods. It pains her to see such violence happening in an area she cares about so much.
“This is where I live. I’m a cop, but I also know the other an- gles (of these streets)...don’t talk to me about crime unless you talk to me about all of the reasons it’s here,” she said. For Jointer, the goal is creating a strong community where another rally will never need to be hosted.
“If everybody did one thing, we’d be far better off than we are now.”
Officer Maudessie Jointer
“If everybody did one thing, we’d be far better off than we are now,” she proclaimed.
This is the exact aim of the Operation Wake-Up rallies. After a shooting involving a child or an innocent bystander, the de- partment works swiftly to invite community members to take to the streets. Officers set up chairs, close the street and blare sirens in an attempt to draw out residents. Prayers are said, the victim’s family speaks and Jointer and her team work diligently to gather the names of everyone in attendance. A sign-up sheet goes around for those willing to help to leave their contact in- formation.
Jointer will get about 60 residents as willing volunteers for each rally and will contact them within days. This act is why these rallies are so important. The possibilities to help are end- less. Residents can volunteer as court advocates or on a domes- tic violence sub-committee. There’s a way for everyone to do their part, said Jointer.d
48 CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ JULY 2018