Here's the logistical problem of police departments. They're already behind the eight ball most of the time.
Hiring more cops is the actual *start* of the process but it's more then just that.
Probation for rookie cops is usually around a year. So the new hires aren't going to make a dent until they are actually past probation to work on thier own or with a peer.
So that's the first step more boots on the ground patrolling. Next that new officer needs experience. (Likely 2 to 3 years working the beat / pushing a car) before he can go into his areas gang unit.
Gang enforcement officers are great. They have experience and specialize.
To be a homicide cop it's a two tier system. First you need to put in your *time* but then you also need to be liked by the good'ol boy club. Homicide is the high speed low drag of detective work. So by nature most homicide units aren't that big. But! Homicide does utilize / work along with gang units allot.
Long story short, it takes time. To fix Chicago's problems today we're talking about 2 to 7 years for that solution to work itself out in the future via the process I just described, hence why I say they are behind the curve.