My Name is DARRELL DACRES. I'm a Chicago Native grew up in west Rogers Park. I have been working in Violence Prevention for the past 7 years. I started as a Violence interrupter working closely with community and participants. I became an Outreach Worker after just a year of providing resources for at risk youth those likely to commit an act of violence or possibly be a victim of an act of violence.
 

I am currently the Program Manager for Uptown & Rogers Park creating new curriculum and strategies to bridge gaps in the community between our youth, the police, and local partners.

My goal is to ensure everyone can play a productive role in public safety.

I was born and raised in the 20th Police District, 40th Ward by Irish immigrants. I received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from St. Xavier University. I've served as the precinct captain for my precinct for 15 years, and I've assisted with election canvassing on numerous occasions. As a volunteer for Alder Andre Vasquez, I assist him in recruiting volunteers and serve on his field team. 

I have a strong sense of community, and I'm dedicated to increasing participation and inclusivity. Growing up in Chicago has blessed me with firsthand knowledge of the tension that exists between the community and the police. Public safety is the topic that is brought up most frequently at the door while canvassing. I am aware that residents of the 20th District are worried about the rise in crime and realize the need for systemic reform. I am also aware that some of our neighbors think we need more police officers patrolling the streets. I'm running to raise awareness of neighborhood safety issues and encourage participation from neighbors. We are in a special position to reimagine the notion of policing by the community, for the community.

I moved to the 20th District in 2016 and consider Andersonville my long-term home. I recognize that our district is one of the “safest” in the city. At the same time, there is a lack of community support and resources when it comes to alternatives to calling the police, or ways of handling crises that don’t involve police intervention of some kind. Our public safety system relies on police to handle all incidents of harm, violence, or crime, which often means police officers are tasked with responding to situations that they are not trained to handle, leading to further harm. I hope I am able to both share existing resources with the community and present proposals for additional alternatives based on community needs and ideas. I am committed to listening to and hearing what our community actually needs when it comes to cultivating safety in our neighborhoods. I want to be a strong advocate for and amplifier of the community’s voice. And above all else, I want to live in a neighborhood/district/ward/city where I know not only I am safe, but my friends and neighbors are safe no matter their identities, needs, or experiences.