Saturday, December 29, 2007

SO DISAPPOINTING

A few days back Annie Sweeney of the Sun-Times wrote an article about TRU passing out gifts in the 5th district on Christmas Eve. The article was positive for the most part but couldn't be written without the obligatory mention of recent scandals plaguing the CPD. I have a few friends in TRU and asked one of them about the gift give away in 5. He told me that the unit had a toy drive and three groups were designated recipients, La Rabida, Gold Star Families and a women's shelter. This Sgt also told me that 300 gifts were needed and that there was an excess of toys that were received. It was later decided on Christmas Eve that when the cars were deployed to the various level two DOCs each car could take a few gifts out and pass them out to some local kids.
How did Annie Sweeney come to know about this story and be present when it occurred? My source claims that the WC told the Commander who then told the Deputy and someone up there called media affairs. Obviously someone up high saw this as an opportunity to shed a better light on a department that gets shit on on a regular basis. Its called public relations and it happens all the time. Someone told the press that our "heroes" aka CFD were passing out presents at La Rabida. Either the hospital or the Fire Department made that call and positive press was created. The bottom line is that the intentions were genuine and the members of that unit who participated came through for the intended recipients and some additional kids in the hood. Find some fault in that!

I had no intention of posting on the issue until seeing SCC's take on it.
SCC's post of 27 DEC "Feel Good Story" was about Annie Sweeney's story on TRU. SCC ended their post with

And the chosen subject of this feel good story? TRU. Is there anything these people can't do?

I wasn't absolutely sure if the above comment was a compliment or sarcasm but since SCC prides itself on "sarcasm and silliness" I leaned toward sarcasm. That's all and good but TRU is favorite target of many readers of SCC. Sarcasm and humor from the moderator is fine but the ensuing comments that resulted degenerated into impetuous backbiting. Like the targets before them TRU seems to take a beating at every turn. I do not have a horse in this race but I was deeply disappointed at what I read.
It seems that the post "Feel Good Story" got legs and spawned yet another post called SCC Comments where SCC defended the fact that its their blog and they will print what they see fit. Fair enough. SCC seems to take issue with a comment by Bill Schield Sgt TRU. It appears that this TRU Sgt took issue with SCC's sarcasm and the follow up comments made about TRU. My first thought was good for him he had the balls to stand up and post his name and then immediately my second thought was the shit he is going to catch from a whole bunch of anonymous tough guys. What if the comment was made by someone else claiming to be Sgt Bill Schield TRU. Either way they would shit all over him.
As of the writing of this post 137 comments were submitted on the "Feel Good Story" and 168 comments were submitted on the "SCC Comments". That's 305 comments about one group of police officers. Anecdotally I would say the negative comments were 10-1 against the guys and gals in TRU. That in of itself is so disappointing. I'm not disappointed that the comments were valid but that most were hypocritical and uninformed for the most part. You see as a sgt in a working district I dealt with TRU many times. As a sector sgt I can't turn a corner in the DOC without seeing flashing blue lights and multiple heads on the hood. I stop and they give me a thanks and a wave off. I drive by them on the street and for the most part I get a wave from one or both of the occupants. On a few occasions I would work the desk and for the most part the folks from TRU would bring in arrest and inventories that are no different then that of our gang/tact teams. The only difference is they wouldn't be bringing in the trespassers or loose cigarette hustlers. I rarely hear any grief from the guys on the watch about TRU being in the district except for the fact the the lock box keys seem to disappear when they are here. They bring their own wagon for transports they have their own supervisors for TRR's,IOD's and pursuits. I have on occasion been assigned a CR that I discover to be theirs. Big deal! I do a To-From and request it be reassigned to TRU. From what I hear they don't have too many problems in the south side districts but are treated less then poorly on the west side in particular in 11 and 15.
Schield claims there is nothing TRU can't do after SCC sarcastically questioned if there was anything that they couldn't do. Well I'm in no position to say they can or can't but SCC points out three things that TRU can't do

eat lunch without congregating

process a one bag dope arrest with less than 3 cars

take a joke


There isn't a gang or tact team that the first two criticisms don't apply to. As far as not taking a joke, there are nearly three hundred comments that go way beyond humor.
I am not an apologist for TRU and if you go back in the archives I have advocated the return of manpower to the districts. I am just tired of the same old beat downs that certain groups in this department take from the snide bitchy old ladies who share their lackluster opinions on a blog that at times can be absolutely brilliant.
That is just my opinion.

21 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thanks Sarge, I think I needed that after seeing SCC's blog. I could go back and forth with everyone of those comments, but all it would do is fuel the fire. Thanks from a 2 bar wonder from tru.

It's Not All Real said...

Well said! A little rivalry and ball busting (sorry ladies) never hurt anyone. It's usually good for morale, as long as it's just "busting balls."

Unfortunately what I've seen transpire since I've been reading these blogs is nothing but petty name calling and bullshit that would rival anything that a 3rd grader would be capable of. "You work in _____District so you're a pussy. Gun Teams that are assholes. TRU this, TRU that. Nothing but petty bullshit under the veil of anonymity.

Now don't get me wrong, I know that we can't go posting our names without catching heat from the department, and anonymity has it's advantages. But this repeated unnecessary bullshit that goes on and on and on has got to stop. We are all becoming our own worst enemies.

When I first came on the job years ago I learned one important thing: None of us walk on water! I don't care how specialized or great the unit you're in is, we're all just one transfer order away from a beat car. And being in a beat car was what we all started out in. If you're afraid to push a beat car, then I pity you.

Any copper who has spent at least a year in a beat car has had at least one incident that almost made them shit their pants. Some of us have had many (I have had too many). I've worked all over the city, worked every public housing project at one time or another on my day off (and yes, I WORKED, didn't go hiding or blowing off jobs) and been shot at and shot back. But this doesn't make me any kind of goddamn hero, I'm just another copper doing a job.

If I could ask for one thing, I'd ask for the petty bullshit to stop. Remember, busting balls is OK, but this vindictive, vile and heartless bickering about each other is just too much.

Happy New Year to all.

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Anonymous said...

Thank you for the positive comments. I wish SCC would grow up and stop posting names and negative comments about any one on this department.

Anonymous said...

It is unfortunate that there seems to be sufficient numbers of those with the grade school/ppo mentality to foster negativity and disunity which is seen by the majority of us as childish, counterproductive, damaging, and just plain embarassing!

As supervisors we have an obligation to lead by example example. Thanks for showing the way SCS, stay on the high road!

Anonymous said...

You censor even more shit than SCC

SECOND CITY SARGE said...

How about posting some of these? said...
You censor even more shit than SCC

Sat Dec 29, 09:27:00 PM

Thats right! Its my blog.....go back to writing shit in the bathroom stalls.

Anonymous said...

I am just tired of the same old beat downs that certain groups in this department take...

My opinion for what it's worth is that yes,the TRU unit did take a beating in that post,much of it was unwarranted agreed, still, what sets off all the animosity is the disparate treatment that exists in this department regarding specialized or so called "ELITE" units. Yes it's always been there and always will,but does that make it right?
How many officers in patrol have tried to get into TRU or other units but were denied because of not having the clout? What is the percentage of those who get gigged in patrol compared to these other units,when the rules we all are supposed to abide by are disregarded by the special people and nothing happens.

Is there a need for the TRU unit? Yes,still,they should actually go on calls for service in the districts they're detailed to,thus alleviating the stress on the district manpower. As it is now, and I think we'd all agree, the focus should be to get back to basic police work and getting officers back on the street,and out of HQ's,front offices,CAPS and these "ELITE" units. Remember when the district commander had one, one, officer as an assistant? Remember when the CAPS office had 3 officers, and we all thought that was alot. But I'm realistic in knowing that we'll always have the clout babies,I just wish I had bought stock in the cubicle company that supplies our department.

Anonymous said...

SCS, you've struck the nail on the head again. Your blog is a credit to the CPD, as you DO censor a lot of crap that doesn't deserve to see the light of day on the other blog. I applaud you sir, as a fellow Sgt. and Officer. I only wish the hatred many of our brethren feel for our profession and even each other would be gone in the coming New Year. God bless you all, and stay safe!

Anonymous said...

In response to "How many officers in patrol have tried to get into TRU or other units but were denied because of not having the clout?" Having been a former TRU supervisor I can honestly say that TRU is the one unit you don't need any clout to get in to. Fill out an application, go on the interview and have a good work record and if there is an opening you can get in the unit without any phone call.

One more thing;
TRU is'nt there to help out on service calls they get deployed to a level II DOC to shut it down, make a lot of street stops, zero tolerance and let everybody know the police are in the area. I'm not saying they districts don't need help but that is not the purpose of the unit.

Anonymous said...

I like that SCC doesn't censor too much. Yes, there is a bunch of childish B.S. but a lot bullshit done by the powers that be is also exposed. The people who really want SCC silenced are the old regime types who have an agenda to keep things status quo.

Anonymous said...

Having been a former TRU supervisor I can honestly say that TRU is the one unit you don't need any clout to get in to. Fill out an application, go on the interview and have a good work record and if there is an opening you can get in the unit without any phone call.

Well..with all due respect...I did just that and I have a good work record,no time on the medical and nothing. No problem though..I know how the game is played. But please don't tell me it's not about clout.

As far as TRU not being there for service calls and that not being it's function, that's the problem. When a district that they are deployed to is in a back log, they SHOULD,have to handle jobs.

Anonymous said...

Is there a need for the TRU unit? >>Yes,still,they should actually go on calls for service in the districts they're detailed to,thus alleviating the stress on the district manpower. As it is now, and I think we'd all agree, the focus should be to get back to basic police work and getting officers back on the street,and out of HQ's,front offices,CAPS and these "ELITE" units. <<

While I am sympathetic to your general sentiment, it is misplaced with respect to TRU. No offense, but answering 9-1-1 calls is NOT "basic police work" as you say. It is almost entirely providing service to the same squeaky wheels, over and over again, while little gets solved.

You may get 50 calls a year from some old crank who doesn't like the kids playing ball in the part, and not a single call for dozens and dozens of murders in this city where bodies just turn up.

What the department needs is less emphasis on responding to 9-1-1 calls, not more emphasis. What the department needs is better intelligence and intelligence gathering. And what the department needs is more street-smart officers who can be variably deployed to different places.

Oh, and what the department needs is better leadership, very very particularly at the top, to make all of this happen. Right now, there is no plan for 90% of the department on any given day. As you note, for many its basically show up and go home, from a cubicle, an office, a car, a specialized unit, whatever. For many others, its show up and chase 9-1-1 calls around. And for others still, it doens't even start with showing up.

Anonymous said...

Oh, and what the department needs is better leadership, very very particularly at the top, to make all of this happen. Right now, there is no plan for 90% of the department on any given day. As you note, for many its basically show up and go home, from a cubicle, an office, a car, a specialized unit, whatever. For many others, its show up and chase 9-1-1 calls around. And for others still, it doens't even start with showing up.

Sun Dec 30, 09:35:00 PM

Ok, you bring up some valid and interesting points,though I do disagree to some extent. I do agree with your quoted statement above though.

What's refreshing is that two people can have opposing views without the name calling.

Happy New Year, stay safe

Anonymous said...

One more thing;
TRU is'nt there to help out on service calls they get deployed to a level II DOC to shut it down, make a lot of street stops, zero tolerance and let everybody know the police are in the area. I'm not saying they districts don't need help but that is not the purpose of the unit.

Sun Dec 30, 01:38:00 PM

Then they should learn to blow off a handwaver properly and stop asking for a beat car to do paper

Anonymous said...

The tru unit serves no valid purpose on this department. The districts are low in man power and with the disbanning of the tru the back logs will drop.

I worked in 007 in the early 90's and if you were not a block from a call you would be the third unit arriving on the scene. We had , the dea, gun south teams, gang unit and so many po's that every car was up for service. The carnage on the streets were unreal! To believe that any area saturation can stop gang wars is a urban myth generated by this departmet.
An increase of man power in district law enforcement would free up more cars from sevice calls to do other types of police related activities. District po's are over worked with doing not only thier service calls but, heat checks , cold checks , sex offenders checks, seat belt enforcement and lets not forget parkers and movers.

Yes, I am a patrolman. I have had my opertunities for units but do enjoy the laughter of day to day jobs. I also feel that I have help people in the area that I have worked over the years. I now am getting closer to the kma club and find that the special treatment of units is getting a bit to old.

I find it hard to take a 35 min lunch, as I come clr by dispatcher after 30 mins. I have seen units in area eateries for mor than 90 mins( more times then I can count!) Don't forget we are answering calls while the cars sit in the same spot.

Sorry if you cannot see my view point but with more being dumped on district police officers special units like tru lose my respect.

have a great new year!
Be safe,

District Po by choice!

Anonymous said...

Is this what your blog is now? An additional comment forum on SCC topics? Originality, "Sarge", is a virtue in the world of blogging.

Anonymous said...

if you enjoy the district God bless you, but don't begrudge the person who wishes to try and better themselves and go to a unit, the district will always be there if you don't like the unit. That is the beauty of this job.

SECOND CITY SARGE said...

Anonymous said...
Is this what your blog is now? An additional comment forum on SCC topics? Originality, "Sarge", is a virtue in the world of blogging.

Wed Jan 02, 12:25:00 PM

My friend,
I read their blog as they on occasion read mine. I created a post about how people on this job have strong animosities for certain people/units. I felt strongly about the subject so I wrote about it. By the way I posted about the Lawyer who keyed the Marines car 16 hours before SCC did his post on the same subject. I also listed the blogs that also posted on this same subject. So tell Michelle Malkin, Ace of Spades, Instapundit, Confederate Yankee and about 80 other blogs about their lack of virtue. Thanks for your concern.

Anonymous said...

but don't begrudge the person who wishes to try and better themselves and go to a unit,

Wed Jan 02, 03:31:00 PM

"going to a unit" I don't begrudge anyone for trying to better themselves. What I and I think most officers find offensive is that only those with the clout get to "better themselves". Another perk of a specialized unit that pisses off most is the "ELITE" tag that most start to believe in these units. The grunts of Patrol are dumped on by inspectors,and those in specialized units are never looked at. Like our society,we now are divided into two departments, the haves and the have nots. But please don't tell me anyone can apply and just be picked. It's statements like that,that insults our intelligence.

It is what it is in this department and always will be if there is a connection to City Hall,that's what it's all about, clout. Just admit it and we'll all get along.
Be Safe my friend

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that can and is read by people other than Chicago Police Officers.