verb (used with object) 1. to make (something broken, worn, torn, or otherwise damaged) whole, sound, or usable by repairing: to mend old clothes; to mend a broken toy. 2. to remove or correct defects or errors in.
Today, the Chicago Police Department is doing something similar with gangs. Using a tool academics call ânetwork analysis,â the CPD is mapping the relationships among Chicagoâs 14,000 most active gang members. Itâs also ranking how likely those people are to be involved in a homicide, either as victims or offenders.
Chicago Gang Life: Gang Members Talks About Life on the Streets, Heartache. The city of Chicago has seen an almost 25 percent increase in homicides in 2012, leading to the highest homicide rate there in years. The increase in homicides prompted the city's mayor, Rahm Emanuel, to lecture the gangs, who many blame for the increase in violence. In June, Chicago police announced a $1 million partnership with CeaseFire, an organization that relies on ex-gang members to mediate conflicts and prevent violence.