UCPD attributes increased arrest rates to dedicated dining hall squad

By Sam Spiegel

Nov. 12, 2012

In coordinated and simultaneous raids on all three campus dining halls, the University of Chicago Police Department has arrested upwards of 50 people linked to a food-smuggling ring.

Colonel Jeffrey Reilly of the UCPD said in a press-conference that over 40 kilograms of food were confiscated in the raids, with a street value of approximately $12 million. The smugglers seemed to favor common food items, like fruit and cookies, for which they would normally receive a lighter sentence of three to five years in prison. There was, however, a “significant amount” of larger items, including full pasta entrees, and even an entire cooked chicken. Those caught with the latter could be facing sentences upwards of 20 years if convicted.

“While this is a major step forward, there is still work to be done,” Reilly said. “Our force will not rest until we render the dining halls safe for all to use.”

Although the raids were considered a success, one officer was struck down in the line of duty when a fleeing suspect threw a sharpened ice-cream cone at his face.

Police are releasing minimal details on the raids, citing ongoing investigations into the alleged ringleaders of the operation. Officers briefed on the situation, speaking on condition of anonymity, have said that the leader of the gang is linked to other criminal enterprises, including passing out answers to tests, keeping books that are overdue from the library, and posting fliers on walls and bulletin boards without approval.

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emmanuel said in a press release, “This is a victory not just for the UCPD, but for dining halls struggling to combat food theft everywhere.”