As part of LPM’s 2020 ORCAs in Action conference, officials from the Chicago Police Department discuss Chicago’s Looting Task Force, a unit launched in August of 2020 and made up of Chicago police detectives who specifically work to identify and arrest those suspected of being involved in looting incidents and burglaries.
Members of the task force will review what the task force is all about, how it originated, how it operates, some of the successes that the program has had thus far, and how retailers can partner with police to mitigate incidents and help solve these crimes that are devastating Chicago communities.
Brendan Deenihan
Chief of Detectives, Chicago Police Department
Chief of Detectives Brendan Deenihan is a 22-year member of the Chicago Police Department, currently serving as the department’s Chief of Detectives. Deenihan previously served as a Deputy Chief in the Detective Division. He also served as Commander of Area Central Detectives for the Department, Commander of Internal Affairs, and as a Homicide Lieutenant in Area South.
Alex Wolinski
Sergeant, Chicago Police Department
Sergeant Alex Wolinski is an 18-year veteran of the Chicago Police Department, currently overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Area 3 Looting Task Force. Since 2018 he has supervised the Area 3 Technology Center and Social Media Exploitation Teams in the investigation of primarily violent crimes. He has also served as a watch supervisor and a Tactical Team supervisor. Wolinski was also previously assigned to the Fugitive Apprehension Unit, where he was a member of the US Marshal’s Great Lakes Regional Fugitiive Task Force.
David Neberieza
Officer, Chicago Police Department
Officer David Neberieza has served with the Chicago Police Department since 2007, currently working in the Office of Constitutional Policing & Reform. Recently, he was part of the Looting Task Force and Joint ATF Task Force, helping manage day-to-day operations, organizing digital recovery efforts, and working with the retail community. He previously worked in the Area South Detective Division Technology Center (ATC) and the 008th District Strategic Decision & Support Center (SDSC).
In response to the scope and severity of organized retail crime concerns across the country, there has been an increased effort on the part of retailers and law enforcement agencies to share information regarding organized retail crime at the local, state, and regional levels. Organized retail crime associations have helped provide that vehicle, opening doors to improve legislation, enhance investigations, and build cooperative relationships in the battle against organized retail crime.
In appreciation and support of all of their local and regional efforts, LP Magazine has prepared an exciting series of webinars, podcasts and virtual conferences to promote and further the mission of these vital organizations.
Watch the full 2020 ORCAs in Action Virtual Summit.
