F
B U I L D I N G
O R
R
T H E
E C O R D
S A F E
N E I G H B O R H O O D S
I N
C H I C A G O
Ecstasy:
Anything But What the Name Implies
2000
2
Q
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Ecstasy. An illegal drug combined with late
night dances held at unsafe dance clubs is a
recipe for danger for Chicago area youths.
With your help we can repel its advance. Get
the facts. Page 2.
Incidents. Crime continues to decline. This
DOWN
edition of “For The Record” focuses on the
location of these incidents. Page 8.
DOWN
Arrests. Arrests are down Citywide. Details
begin on page 12.
C H I C A G O
P O L I C E
D E P A R T M E N T
•
2 0 0 0
TOGETHER
WE MUST FIGHT THE RETURN OF
ECSTASY
drug that has been around for a long time is poised for a comeback in
Chicago. The drug is Ecstasy, also know as XTC, X, Clarity and Essence. We
are going to make sure this doesn’t happen. The Organized Crime Division
has established an interdisciplinary team to target the users and organizers who
have enabled the spread of this drug. These units will work in conjunction with the
Strategic Inspections Task Force to shut down the locations where Ecstasy is used
and sold. Our approach is already starting to work and the message is getting out—
Ecstasy use will not be tolerated in the City of Chicago. The task force recently
concluded a successful operation against Club Excel, an Ecstasy club on Chicago’s
near West Side. We were able to aggressively go after the operators of this club
thanks to a new provision of the Municipal Code of Chicago that makes arrests and
prosecution more effective. However, we can not solve this problem alone.
A
The Chicago Police Department has teamed up with different city agencies to pass
laws and institute a plan of action that will address the growing problems associated with the drug Ecstasy. Now we need your help.
Let your children know about the dangers of this drug. If they are already using it,
and you find out where, report that information to us so we can move against the
dealers and operators.
Communication and partnership between the police and the community is
needed now more than ever to prevent tragedies such as the recent death of
three young people in the suburbs who died as a result of ecstasy.
In this issue of For the Record we have outlined many of the telltale signs associated with the use and sale of Ecstasy. Please take the time to familiarize yourself with
the effects of this drug, so that if it reaches your neighborhood, you will be prepared
to help us stop the spread of ecstasy.
C H I C A G O
P O L I C E
D E P A R T M E N T
•
2 0 0 0
Ecstasy:
Anything But What the Name Implies
What is Ecstasy?
• Scientific name: Methylenedioxy-NMethamphetamine (MDMA)
• Street names: Ecstasy, XTC, X, Adam,
Clarity, Lover’s Speed, Essence
• A synthetic, psychoactive
(mind-altering) drug with
hallucinogenic and
amphetamine-like
properties.
• Called the “hug drug” because
users experience feelings of serenity and calm, emotional closeness with
those around, and heightened senses of
touch and hearing.
• Can be psychologically, but not physically, addictive.
2
C H I C A G O
P O L I C E
• Produced in the Netherlands, distribution controlled by Israeli organized
crime.
• Costs $0.50 per tablet to manufacture,
sells for $25.00-$30.00 per tablet in
Chicago.
• Called a “club drug” because
it is mostly found at rave
parties/after-hours dance clubs.
Users tend to be white, upperincome, suburban teenagers and
young adults.
• A “designer drug” which often has a
high-end brand name, such as MercedesBenz, IBM, or Volkswagen, stamped
upon it.
D E P A R T M E N T
•
2 0 0 0
Together We Must
Fight the Return of Ecstasy
Ecstasy: Gaining in Popularity
Ecstasy is an illegal synthetic drug that was
invented in 1912. Ecstasy, which acts both as a
stimulant and a hallucinogen was first patented
in Germany as an appetite suppressant. It was
never legally manufactured for that or any other
medical purpose. However, starting in the 1970s
through the mid-1980s, Ecstasy was popular
with some American psychotherapists as a drug
to induce patients to confront difficult feelings.
Despite the medical community’s rejection of
ecstasy as a legitimate drug, it became a popular
“designer drug” among recreational drug users.
Due to the dangers of Ecstasy, the Federal
Government enacted legislation in 1985 that
made the sale, possession, or use of ecstasy
illegal. Consequently, those still using ecstasy
now use and purchase the drug through
underground channels that are often difficult for
the police to track.
Recent information released by the National
Institute for Drug Abuse suggests that the use of
Ecstasy is rising at a significant rate. A recent
national survey found that the number of
12th-graders who had used Ecstasy in their
lifetime increased from 5.8 percent in 1998 to
8.0 percent in 1999. Local findings mirror this
trend. According to the Illinois Youth Survey,
Ecstasy use remained relatively stable in the early
and mid-1990s, with approximately 2.5 percent
lifetime use among high school students.
Starting in 1997 the lifetime use among high
school students rose to 4.2 percent. An ominous
sign of things to come may be found in drug
seizures. In 1998, the Chicago Police
Department Narcotics Section seized 11 Ecstasy
tablets. In 1999, the figure was 72,237.
Ecstasy is a dangerous drug which is often
used in dangerous circumstances. Because
adolescents and young adults are the primary
users, it is especially important for parents to be
familiar with this drug and its effects.
1999
1998
In 1998, the Chicago Police Department Narcotics Section seized
11 Ecstasy tablets. In 1999, the figure was 72,237.
C H I C A G O
P O L I C E
D E P A R T M E N T
•
2 0 0 0
3
Ecstasy:
Anything But What the Name Implies
Ecstasy at
Clubs and Raves
Ecstasy is often sold and used at clubs and raves
(large, all-night dance parties). Wicker Park and
Bucktown are frequent locales for rave parties in
Chicago. Clubs where Ecstasy is used are sometimes called "dry cabarets," "juice bars," or
"teenage cabarets." Ecstasy use should be
suspected at a club if the club:
• is open at very late, unusual hours (e.g.
5 A.M.-11 A.M.).
• sells no food or drink except for very
expensive bottled water, often in the
neighborhood of $7 per bottle.
• is very crowded, well beyond what
appears normal and safe for an establishment of its size.
• has a separate room designated for cooling off, often requiring a fee to enter.
The premises themselves may add to the risk
of taking Ecstasy. To accommodate the large
crowds associated with rave parties, the operators of venues may overload the electrical system
with fans and other devices. This increases the
chance of a fire, made all the more deadly by the
crush of people inside.
Patrons who overdose may encounter another premises-related risk. Instead of receiving
medical attention, they are often removed from
the immediate area of the party and placed in an
alley. The operators of the clubs are reluctant to
call for medical assistance, fearing police
involvement.
4
C H I C A G O
P O L I C E
D E P A R T M E N T
•
2 0 0 0
Together We Must
Fight the Return of Ecstasy
Ecstasy and PMA
PMA (Paramethoxymethamphetamine) is a
look-alike drug which is often sold as, or
mistaken for, Ecstasy. Tablets from recent
Chicago Police Department seizures have had
the Mitsubishi corporate logo stamped on them.
Like Ecstasy, PMA is a stimulant with hallucinogenic properties. However, PMA is a potentially
lethal drug because a single tablet can increase
the heart rate to dangerous levels, and drive up
body temperature to the point that organs shut
down. The danger is compounded by the fact
that PMA takes two to three times as long to
"kick in" as Ecstasy. Unsuspecting users who
think they are taking Ecstasy when they are in
fact taking PMA may take an additional dose
when the drug does not "kick in" as soon as they
expect.
Three young people in the Chicago suburbs
have recently died from taking PMA. They
ranged from 17-20 years of age. In one case, the
victim had taken a single PMA tablet. In another, the victim ingested five to seven tablets she
believed to be Ecstasy. The body temperature of
one of the victims was found to be 108 degrees
Fahrenheit an hour after death.
In addition to the dangers of illegal drug use, clubs where Ecstasy is
used are oftentimes equally dangerous due to serious building and
health code violations.
C H I C A G O
P O L I C E
D E P A R T M E N T
•
2 0 0 0
5
Ecstasy:
Anything But What the Name Implies
Ecstasy’s Physical
Side Effects
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Muscle tension
Involuntary teeth clenching
Nausea
Blurred vision
Rapid eye movement
Chills/sweating
Vomiting
Increased heart rate
High blood pressure
Marked increase in body temperature
Dehydration
Stroke
Damage to those parts of the brain
which control thought and memory
(with long-term use).
Ecstasy’s Psychological
Side Effects
•
•
•
•
•
•
Ecstasy Use Clues
There is also behavior of the guests which
is typical of Ecstasy use. This includes:
• conversation about "rolling," which
means using Ecstasy.
• substantial, mutual touching, resulting
from the heightened sensory awareness
Ecstasy produces.
• use of "glow sticks," which heighten the
hallucinogenic effects of the drug.
• inhalation of Vicks Vapo-Rub, or
application of Vicks Vapo-Rub around
the nose area. This enhances the effects
of the drug.
• use of pacifiers, to combat the effects of
involuntary teeth clenching.
• profuse sweating.
• excessive water consumption.
Confusion
Depression
Sleep disturbance
Drug craving
Severe anxiety
Paranoia
These effects can occur weeks after
taking the drug.
6
C H I C A G O
P O L I C E
D E P A R T M E N T
•
2 0 0 0
Together We Must
Fight the Return of Ecstasy
The Chicago Police Response
The Organized Crime Division has established an interdisciplinary team of officers from the
Narcotics Section and the License Unit of the Vice Control Section. The Licensing Unit officers often
complete a preliminary investigation where they look for many of the telltale signs associated with “Rave
Clubs.” The licensing unit then turns over any useful information it obtains to the Narcotics Unit. It may
also provide information to the Strategic Inspections Task Force, which can take direct action against the
premises. Based on Licensing Unit information, officers from the Narcotics Unit will go undercover to
infiltrate the club. “Our strategy is to go in and just become part of the crowd,” says Officer L. A. Nieves.
“We take a low-key approach, and people start talking to us. After a while we know who the dealers are,
and we make buys inside the club. That leads to arrests.” The interdisciplinary team recently concluded
a successful operation against Club Excel, an Ecstasy club on Chicago’s Near West Side. This winning formula is now being replicated and other clubs that host rave parties are being targeted.
Partnership With City Government
Recent amendments to Section 4-156-300 of the Municipal Code of Chicago expands the liability for
conducting a public amusement without a license—such as a rave party—to persons not previously
specified in the ordinance. Liability now extends to the owner of the property, the lessee of the property, the manager of the property, the producer of the amusement, the presenter of the amusement, and
the person conducting the amusement. Each person in violation of the subsection is subject to a fine of
up to $10,000. This tool in the hands of the interdisciplinary team established by Superintendent Hillard
is extremely effective. The owners of clubs hosting rave parties must now think twice before allowing illegal behavior to occur in their establishments.
A further amendment creates a special class of public place of amusement license for premises to be
used primarily by minors, where the amusement primarily involves music, music videos, and dancing.
Premises so licensed may not operate between 2 A.M. and 11 A.M. which are primary hours for Ecstasy
use. Violators of this law are subject to revocation of all city licenses pertaining to that establishment.
Partnership With The Community
The alarming rise in Ecstasy use is being addressed head on by the Chicago Police and City
Government. While an effective interdisciplinary task force and stricter laws will help to reduce the incidence of ecstasy use, the Chicago Police still needs help from the community to stop this dangerous drug.
If you have observed any of the behaviors outlined above, please contact the Narcotics Section of the
Chicago Police Department at 1-800-CRACK44. Furthermore, if you believe rave parties exist in your
neighborhood, share this information with your local beat officers and neighbors at your CAPS beat
meeting. Through the CAPS problem-solving process, you can work with us to rid our community of the
dangers of ecstasy. For information about your police beat and CAPS, please call 3-1-1.
C H I C A G O
P O L I C E
D E P A R T M E N T
•
2 0 0 0
7
Index Crimes — Q1- Q2 2000
Citywide Total: Down 6.8%
24
chicago
o'hare
international
airport
16
20
not in city
17
25
Incidents
19
23
14
fullerton
18
120000
15
11
13
1
12
100000
60000
10
104,187
110,642
80000
16th
9
2 21
40000
8
DOWN
5.8%
20000
7
0
3
6
Q1-Q2 '99 Q1-Q2 '00
22
4
Q1-Q2 Index Crime Incidents
5
20000
15000
14,992
17,921
17,159
18,910
18,687
5000
16,518
10000
J
F
M
A
M
J
0
8
C H I C A G O
P O L I C E
Percent change
in reported total
index crimes
January-June
2000
compared to
January-June
1999
D E P A R T M E N T
DOWN –17.7 to –16.4
DOWN –13.2 to –10.6
DOWN –9.8 to –7.3
DOWN –5.6 to –2.5
UP +0.6 to +1.9
UP +2.8 to +5.9
•
2 0 0 0
Violent Index Crimes
24
Citywide: Down 4.4%
chicago
o'hare
international
airport
16
20
not in city
NOTE: Violent Index Crime for this report includes Homicide,
Agg. Assault/Battery, Robbery, and Criminal Sexual Assault.
17
25
19
23
14
fullerton
18
11
15
Q1-Q2 Violent Crime Incidents
Incidents
5000
25000
4000
15000
2000
4,411
4,394
3,807
3,844
3,357
1
12
Percent change
in reported
violent index crimes
January-June
2000
compared to
January-June
1999
16th
10
9
2 21
8
7
3
6
DOWN –17.3 to –12.4
DOWN –11.9 to –6.5
10000
3,700
1000
23,513
3000
24,601
20000
13
5000
22
DOWN –5.7 to –1.5
DOWN
4.4%
4
UP +0.3 to +5.1
5
UP +8.7 to +9.3
0
0
J
F
M
A
M
J
Q1-Q2 '99 Q1-Q2 '00
UP +14.9 to 17.3
Property Index Crimes
24
chicago
o'hare
international
airport
Citywide: Down 6.2%
16
20
not in city
NOTE: Property Index Crime for this report includes
Burglary, Theft, Vehicular Theft, and Arson.
17
25
19
23
14
fullerton
18
11
15
Q1-Q2 Property Crime Incidents
Incidents
15000
100000
12000
14,276
14,516
13,352
14,077
11,635
3000
12,818
6000
60000
80,674
9000
86,041
80000
1
12
Percent change
in reported
property index crimes
January-June
2000
compared to
January-June
1999
16th
10
9
8
2 21
7
3
6
DOWN –19.5 to –16.2
DOWN –14.9 to –11.1
40000
DOWN
20000
13
6.2%
22
DOWN –9.2 to –7.5
4
DOWN –5.6 to –2.4
5
DOWN –1.0 to –0.1
0
0
J
F
M
A
M
C H I C A G O
J
Q1-Q2 '99 Q1-Q2 '00
P O L I C E
UP +2.6 to +6.2
D E P A R T M E N T
•
2 0 0 0
9
Focus On Location:
Homicides
Agg.Assaults/Batteries
Citywide: Down 17.0%
Citywide: Down 3.6%
• 34.5% on street
• 44.3% on street/sidewalk
• 17.8% in automobile
• 28.8% residential
• 11.7% in apartment
• 5.7% in alley
60
3000
350
50
15000
2500
300
12000
250
48
55
A
M
J
0
Q1-Q2 '99 Q1-Q2 '00
0
2,559
35
M
2,499
42
F
500
2,161
39
J
0
DOWN
17.0%
50
2,188
45
100
10
1,843
1000
1,840
150
20
J
F
M
A
M
J
DOWN
3000
3.6%
0
Q1-Q2 '99 Q1-Q2 '00
Robbery Incidents
Criminal Sexual Assaults
Citywide: Down 4.8%
Citywide: Down 7.5%
• 61% on street/sidewalk
• 9.3% alley or parking lot
• 6.7% residential
• 54.1% residential
• 13.9% alley or street
• 6% non-commercial vehicle
250
2000
150
800
J
9,055
DOWN
4.8%
J
0
Q1-Q2 '99 Q1-Q2 '00
C H I C A G O
P O L I C E
F
M
A
M
600
205
206
164
186
164
100
4000
2000
0
1000
179
1,592
1,641
1,447
1,428
1,311
1,636
1000
9,508
6000
500
200
8000
1,104
1500
1,194
1200
10000
10
6000
13,090
9000
1500
13,581
264
200
30
2000
318
40
50
400
DOWN
200
0
J
F
M
A
D E P A R T M E N T
M
J
•
7.5%
0
Q1-Q2 '99 Q1-Q2 '00
2 0 0 0
The second quarter for the record takes a specific look
at where the index crimes are occurring, in addition to
quarterly totals and trends.
Burglary Incidents
Theft Incidents
Citywide: Down 2.6%
Citywide: Down 9.2%
• 76.5% residential
• 28% on street
• 2.4% small retail stores
• 12.4% residential
• 2% restaurants
• 6.4% department stores
• 6.3% parking lots
10000
3000
8000
50000
6000
40000
12000
500
J
F
M
A
M
0
Q1-Q2 '99 Q1-Q2 '00
J
8,904
8,888
8,141
2000
2.6%
8,602
3000
7,082
DOWN
0
30000
4000
6000
7,562
2,459
2,532
2,293
2,374
1,936
1000
2,343
1500
13,937
9000
14,310
2000
20000
DOWN
9.2%
10000
0
Q1-Q2 '99 Q1-Q2 '00
0
J
F
M
A
M
J
Vehicular Theft Incidents
Arson Incidents
Citywide: Up 0.5%
Citywide: Down 12.3%
•
•
•
•
• 36% residential
• 10.4% alleys
• 3.8% abandoned buildings
76.6% street
11.3% parking lot
2.2% alley
1.6% residence
3500
120
20000
800
100
700
500
500
0
J
F
M
A
M
J
C H I C A G O
0
Q1-Q2 '99 Q1-Q2 '00
P O L I C E
300
0
96
94
107
20
103
40
UP
0.5%
400
67
5000
60
75
2,176
2,352
2,325
2,346
1,905
2,381
1500
17,016
10000
16,934
2000
542
600
80
618
15000
27,887
2500
29,220
3000
1000
49,179
2500
54,179
60000
15000
200
DOWN
12.3%
100
J
F
M
A
D E P A R T M E N T
M
J
•
0
Q1-Q2 '99 Q1-Q2 '00
2 0 0 0
11
Total Index
Crime Arrests
Q1-Q2 Index Crime Arrests
Arrests
6000
30000
5000
4000
20000
3000
5,011
4,427
5,003
4,771
1000
4,318
2000
4,607
15000
J
F
M
A
M
J
10000
DOWN
2.4%
5000
0
Q1-Q2 '99 Q1-Q2 '00
0
Violent Index
Crime Arrests
28,137
25000
28,816
Citywide: Down 2.4%
Q1-Q2 Violent Crime Arrests
Arrests
1200
8000
1000
5000
600
3000
1,096
1,164
1,021
1,130
200
958
400
1,003
4000
DOWN
2000
6.4%
1000
0
0
J
F
M
A
M
J
Q1-Q2 '99 Q1-Q2 '00
Q1-Q2 Property Crime Arrests
Property Index
Crime Arrests
6,372
6000
800
6,809
Citywide: Down 6.4%
7000
Arrests
4000
25000
3500
3000
15000
3,881
3,406
3,839
3,675
1000
3,315
1500
3,649
2000
J
F
M
A
M
J
21,765
2500
22,007
Citywide: Down 1.1%
20000
10000
DOWN
5000
1.1%
500
0
0
12
C H I C A G O
P O L I C E
D E P A R T M E N T
Q1-Q2 '99 Q1-Q2 '00
•
2 0 0 0
Agg.Assault/Battery Arrests
Homicide Arrests
Citywide: Down 6.9%
Citywide: Down 19.5%
60
800
400
700
300
600
150
A
M
0
Q1-Q2 '99 Q1-Q2 '00
J
669
M
F
745
J
100
640
19.5%
738
200
596
DOWN
50
0
2000
300
100
58
46
43
60
10
50
53
20
3000
400
3,943
200
555
30
4000
500
4,236
250
385
40
5000
350
310
50
J
F
M
A
M
J
0
DOWN
1000
6.9%
0
Q1-Q2 '99 Q1-Q2 '00
Sexual Assault Arrests
Robbery Arrests
Citywide: Down 3.8%
Citywide: yDown 3.0%
80
350
400
2000
70
300
350
60
A
M
J
0
Q1-Q2 '99 Q1-Q2 '00
Burglary Arrests
61
308
0
100
10
62
311
M
3.0%
50
150
20
68
270
F
Down
200
30
55
277
J
500
250
40
71
286
100
284
150
50
66
1000
1,736
1,790
200
383
300
1500
398
250
J
F
M
A
M
J
DOWN
3.8%
50
0
Q1-Q2 '99 Q1-Q2 '00
0
Theft Arrests
Citywide: Up 4.6%
Citywide: Down 2.0%
2500
500
15000
2500
2000
400
374
419
M
J
0
Q1-Q2 '99 Q1-Q2 '00
0
Vehicular Theft Arrests
2,253
394
A
500
2,421
376
M
4.6%
2,073
341
F
500
2,370
356
J
UP
2,010
J
F
M
A
M
J
6000
DOWN
0
Q1-Q2 '99 Q1-Q2 '00
Arson Arrests
Citywide: Up 22.1%
35
1200
150
8000
30
1000
7000
M
A
M
J
0
Q1-Q2 '99 Q1-Q2 '00
C H I C A G O
P O L I C E
0
26
F
5
11
1.5%
10
34
DOWN
26
2000
27
977
1,033
905
1,109
937
1,066
60
3000
1000
J
90
15
138
20
4000
113
5000
120
14
0
25
6,027
600
6000
6,117
800
200
2.0%
3000
0
Citywide: Down 1.5%
400
13,340
2,260
1000
1000
100
9000
2,213
200
2,160
1500
1500
13,617
12000
2000
300
J
F
M
A
M
J
D E P A R T M E N T
UP
30
22.1%
0
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For The Record: Building Safe Neighborhoods
is produced by the Research and
Development Division of the
Chicago Police Department.
For more information contact:
Research and Development Division
Chicago Police Department
3510 South Michigan Avenue
Room 4001
Chicago, IL 60653
(312) 745-6071
(312) 745-6932 (fax)
police@ci.chi.il.us
www.ci.chi.il.us/CAPS