Arrests at historic lows, murders up 50% since last election: Next mayor faces daunting challenges on public safety

Chicago mayoral candidates Brandon Johnson, left, and Paul Vallas shake hands March 16 before the start of a debate on ABC 7. (AP pool)

As Chicago’s mayoral candidates have sparred over their vision of the city’s future, two themes have largely dominated the conversation: Crime and policing.

Whether Brandon Johnson or Paul Vallas wins, the new mayor will have to work with the current police leadership to tamp down rising crime and implement sweeping court-ordered reforms.