A former New York Police Department detective criticized the Chicago Police Department on Thursday for public safety guidance issued after a string of violent robberies downtown, saying the advice could put victims at greater risk.
The criticism followed a CPD memo that said eight violent robberies occurred last month in Grant Park, New Eastside and the Loop, and that a gold chain or necklace was taken in each attack. The department advised residents to walk in pairs, stick to well-lit areas at night, not to chase suspects and to try to remain calm, observe attackers for identifying markers and speak with witnesses afterward.
Carl DeFazio, a former U.S. Marine and NYPD officer who now runs a private investigation and security firm, called the list of tips "embarrassing" and said the guidance overlooked immediate survival priorities during an armed robbery. "The first they should tell people is, ‘do whatever it takes to stay alive,’" he said. "When you're robbed at gunpoint, it's not TV. You can't just sit there and say, ‘let me take a look.’"
DeFazio warned that attempting to observe or record identifying features of an assailant could escalate violence. "Even making eye contact," he said, "could lead to a criminal harming or killing a victim." He advised compliance with demands during an armed robbery and recommended that victims avoid sudden movements or trying to pursue suspects.
Beyond immediate victim guidance, DeFazio urged a shift toward preventative policing strategies, including community patrols and more aggressive stops to identify people carrying weapons. He likened the approach to early-2000s "stop-and-frisk" policies, saying policing in Chicago and across the country has moved away from deterrence and toward response.
"That's why the police aren't doing well in Chicago," he said. "They react to crime instead of preventing it. They're not doing anything preventative."
The Chicago Police Department did not respond to a request for comment. The memo circulated after the downtown robberies described the offenders targeting lone, unsuspecting victims on park property and using physical force to take jewelry.
City officials have faced mounting scrutiny over public safety in recent months amid a broader national debate about policing tactics, crime prevention and community safety. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has appeared publicly to address safety concerns as federal and local officials consider measures for upcoming large events in the city.
The CPD memo and the criticism from a veteran investigator underscore tensions over how police communicate safety advice and how municipalities balance immediate victim safety with longer-term crime prevention policies. Advocates for victims and some law enforcement veterans say guidance should prioritize de-escalation and survival, while others emphasize the value of witness information for investigations.
Chicago has recorded a range of violent incidents this year that have intensified public concern and political debate about policing strategies. City officials and law enforcement leaders face pressure to articulate both short-term safety steps for residents and a longer-term plan to reduce violent crime in public spaces.
The episode follows reporting by multiple outlets about the downtown robberies and the CPD memo; it adds to an ongoing discussion in Chicago and other U.S. cities about the content and tone of official safety advisories to residents.
The department has said in other public statements that it is investigating the incidents and working to increase patrols in affected areas, but details on operational changes in response to the memo were not provided in response to requests for comment.