Prohibition Reigns: Chicago’s Mayor Cracks Down on Bootleggers

December 30, 1921, marked a turning point in the enforcement of Prohibition in Chicago. Chief of Police Fitzmorris issued a stern warning to his men: it was time to put the bootleggers on notice. The order was clear: all peace officers, from marshals to constables, were to investigate any allegations of lawbreaking and make signed complaints against those caught violating the terms of the Prohibition Act.