GO RICK

EXCELLENT

Great job from the guys over at Second City Cop.

VIDEO

The IPRA is investigating the alleged abuse of a non-fare paying CTA customer, in other words a thief. When the thief refused to pay the posted fare that all customers must pay the driver asked him to leave the bus. Now asshole is a trespasser, she then calls for the police. The responding officer sternly orders the offender off the bus and the offender begins to slur (appears intoxicated) that he paid. Officer tells him that he isn't going to argue with him and continues to order him off the bus. The officer attempts to reason with the man by telling him they could talk about it after he gets off the bus and that the man may be able to catch the next one. Nope this doesn't work and the officer relies on his presence and verbal commands. The officer raised his voice and used profanity, this prompted the man to get up. The problem is that from the distance of the camera and its angle one can not know if the man made any threatening gestures towards the officer. The officer then used control tactic to place the man in custody. That is how I saw it having been in the same situation myself. The bottom line is that the subject in question had committed at least two criminal acts and that the actions of the officer were reasonable. However, in the age of political correctness some "candy ass" liberal is going to second guess that officer because he was offended and because this little coward post it on YouTube some copper is going to have to pay a price. I'm sure this officer will be hung out to dry and when he is I will do all I can to ensure that everyone knows about this.
He did his job.
VIDEO

OFFICERS INJURED IN CRASH

FROM STNG WIRE REPORTS
Two Chicago Police officers and two others were injured Monday night when a squad car and another vehicle collided as the officers responded to a shooting on the Northwest Side.

About 11:20 p.m., a Chicago Police Department vehicle responding to a call was struck by a civilian vehicle at the intersection of West Belmont and North Kilbourne avenues, police News Affairs said.

...... more

NYPD COUNTERTERRORISM

NYPD reloads after Mumbai with training program

By TOM HAYS
Associated Press Writer

The nation's largest police department launched a counterterrorism initiative this month to train a new team of officers with semiautomatic rifles loaded with armor-piercing bullets. The officers also are being trained in tactics for close quarters combat and rescuing hostages in hotels and other high-rise buildings.

more

BAD RULING

From FOP Lodge 7

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2009

ILLINOIS SUPREME COURT RULING 02/05/09

The Supreme Court of Illinois has denied the Lodge’s petition for leave to appeal the case of People v. Carey. As has already been reported, the Appellate Court ruled that the use of an administrative breathalyzer examination at a criminal proceeding is permissible. The Lodge filed a petition with the Supreme Court seeking an opportunity to argue our position. The Supreme Court denied our request. Accordingly, the ruling of the Appellate Court remains in effect. Evidence obtained by IAD, whether for a criminal case or an administrative case, will be admitted into evidence at any subsequent criminal proceeding, as long as the recovery of the evidence does not violate the exclusionary rule. To be clear, the fact that evidence was obtained administratively does not in and of itself violate the exclusionary rule and will be admitted into evidence. The Lodge will continue to monitor what it believes was an incorrect ruling by the Appellate Court and will inform the membership of any new developments.

It is the right of a law enforcement officer to be free from compulsory self-incrimination. The basic thrust of the Garrity Rule is that a department member may be compelled to give statements under threat of discipline or discharge but those statements may not be used in the criminal prosecution of the individual officer. The courts have held that choosing to work in a police department does not give a person a “watered-down” version of their Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination.
Apparently a citizen has the right to refuse to submit to a breathalyser and a police officer is not afforded the same protection. In essence evidence is gathered from the officer because he is compelled to incriminate himself while under duress.
How is this not a violation of Garrity?
This is in no way an endorcement of drinking and driving.

RIP

John Jay Risley 1953-2009

God Bless you boss.

You will be missed.

Thoughts and prayers to the Risley family.

ARRANGEMENTS:
Visitation Friday 1 to 9 p.m. at Dalcamo Funeral Home, 470 W. 26th St.
Funeral Saturday 8:45 a.m. from the Dalcamo Funeral Home to All Saints-St. Anthony Church. Mass 9:30 a.m.
Interment Resurrection Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Chicago Police Memorial Fund would be appreciated.

JAMMING

I spotted this article at the Washington Post via Pajamas Media.Com. The article is about the use of equipment by federal agencies to jam wireless devices and the desire to allow local law enforcement the same abilities.

It is an increasingly common technology, with federal agencies expanding its use as state and local agencies are pushing for permission to do the same. Police and others say it could stop terrorists from coordinating during an attack, prevent suspects from erasing evidence on wireless devices, simplify arrests and keep inmates from using contraband phones.

But jamming remains strictly illegal for state and local agencies. Federal officials barely acknowledge that they use it inside the United States, and the few federal agencies that can jam signals usually must seek a legal waiver first.

The critics would rather that law enforcement find non disruptive techniques to obtain the desired results rather than disrupt Joe Citizens phone call.

"When lives are at stake, law enforcement needs to find ways to disrupt cellphones and other communications in a pinpointed way against terrorists who are using them," New York City Police Commissioner Raymond F. Kelly told a Senate panel Jan. 8. He also cited the Mumbai terrorist attacks, when hostage-takers used media spotters and satellite and mobile phones to help them outmaneuver police at hotels, train stations and other targets.

Occasionally suicide bombers have second thoughts and decide that they aren't really ready for "martyrdom,” unfortunately, a handler will step in and activate the explosives wirelessly.

14 YEAR OLD DETAILED TO 003

What can I say that hasn't already been said over at SCC? At last glance the original post was at 469 comments. That's a lot of opinions, some are sarcastic and some are right on, while others are just plain hilarious. In the end its an embarrassment for the second largest police department in the United States. The officer that rode with the habitual impostor will be second guessed from top to bottom. She is definitely the easy target but lets not forget that the desk called her in to work with him. Will the sergeant who had the traffic car on his log be crucified? Where does the watch commander on 2nd watch fit in all this? What does this say about the quality of recruits that the academy has been producing when this kid can't even raise suspicion because he is no worse than past recruits sent to 3. Better yet how about the culture of our department that allows people to freely flow in and out of the station to conduct all sorts of business from bust out shoe shiners to Streets and San workers to swipe out. Security is nonexistent. In the suburbs 4 inches of bullet proof glass and key cards separate the police from the citizens but not here in Chicago.
There will definitely be a knee jerk reaction to this incident. I am not even going to guess on the discipline, if any, that will be taken. I only hope that a lone patrolmen and or a street level supervisor (sergeant) not be made the scapegoat in what can only be described as a monumentally embarrassing lapse in security.
Back in 1968 they chanted "The whole world is watching", and now in 2009 the whole world media from Australia, Germany. UK, Canada, Ireland and the rest of the US are reporting on this story. Does this put into question our ability to have a safe and secure Olympics? The 3rd District will never live this down.

By the way, this story made the Drudge Report, with its nearly 18 million hits a day.

GUEST POST

A letter from a reader

Hey SCS,
We all know that the state of policing in this city/country is bleak and deteriorating fast, but I’ve been bothered by several observations lately. The police on the ghetto streets are unprepared. I’m not sure who to blame for that - my list of suspects is long. Regardless, these young guys and girls need to step up their game. Too many times have I seen officers taking a load of shit from street trash that have no business handing it out. I’m not saying they should kick ass every time. Obviously those days have long since passed. However, we have books filled with remedies for just such situations. All it takes is a little time, a little typing and a little thought. Lock these people up! It is critical now, more than ever, to hold our ground.
This is a simple fact that has been true forever and bears repeating: if he gets away with m-fing you and your partner then he will surely up his attack with the next coppers he encounters. If he runs from you and is caught and set free because he ditched some unknown contraband, he has won. He will run every time, there has been no consequence. If he shoves you out of the way in order to run, come on. That’s an easy one. If he threatens to beef or sue and is subsequently let go, then whatever your reasoning was for not making the arrest, he will think it’s because he scared you with his threats. You’ve got good intentions, we know, but you are doing a disservice to the rest of us.
If you need to make a ‘pimpy’ arrest, so be it. These blogs can be our worst enemy. No one wants to be called ‘the hair-gel police’ or ‘the two-year wonder’ or ‘the pissing/drinking/crack-pipe police’. There are a lot of heroes sitting behind their keyboards making it sound like the only arrests that should be made are the ones that result in a prison sentence. Not so. Sometimes you just need to house ‘em for a little while to prove a point. You have a great power. Restrict their freedom for just a little while and you remind them of that. Take their shit when you have the authority to do so. You don’t need to be heavy-handed or use ‘creative writing’ or to use any other measure that would compromise your integrity or your job. Use what is at your disposal. You should be hard pressed to drive by any vehicle traveling in the ghetto, any person standing on a corner or any group of thugs walking down the street and be unable to find a handful of laws being broken or ordinances being violated. If during an encounter with them, they seem to be begging you to set them straight, by all means, comply.
Obviously this doesn’t just apply to street trash. Perfect point is the Alderwoman that attempted to bully the coppers on the north side. Sounds to me like she pushed, and thankfully, they pushed back. It needs to be done. We cannot send the message that we lose. Ever.
So thanks for allowing me to ramble. I just wonder where are the supervisors sending these officers out on the streets every day. Why aren’t they insisting on smarter police work from their officers? These coppers are smart, brave and professional and I personally expect a lot from them. What I don’t expect from them is that they become punching bags for anyone. That includes the mutts on the street, business owners or politicians, ASAs or even other cops or supervisors. Come on guys, stand up for your people and remind them that it’s ok to be the police. That they can be ‘modern’ police and still be effective. If you can’t guide them or advise them when they need it then maybe you need a little reminder of your mission, too.
And before anyone begins with the litany of criticisms, no, I’m not a company guy. I could give a rats ass about Jody or the mayor or anyone else that far out of my loop. It’s not about making numbers to make someone look good. It’s about holding our ground and doing our part to send the message that the police will not be stepped on or around. It’s about trying to keep a few coppers from getting their asses kicked or worse.

I couldn't agree with you more sarge.

If you have a topic you wish to be posted please drop me a line at cpdsarge@gmail.com

MORE GOOD MONEY WASTED

City OKs $2.25M to home invader's kin

by Fran Spielman

SunTimes

Ald. Bernard Stone (50th) voted against the settlement, declaring, “I cannot see giving taxpayer money to the family of a home invader. It encourages lawlessness.”

Are you kidding me? Alderman that cats been out of the bag for some time now. Law firms like Loevy and Loevy boast on their website that they have earned "$80 million in jury verdicts for our clients". A great deal of that money coming from settlements with the City of Chicago.
These "civil rights" attorneys hold press conferences and make statements that distort the facts of the case. They minimize their clients intent or even disregard it entirely. They grandstand and are given a public forum to do so via the mainstream Chicago media. The public never hears the side of the involved officer. All the public hears is the tragic outcome.

Attorney Don Shapiro, who represents the Salazar family, has called $2.25 million a “great settlement” for Chicago taxpayers.

“They were tucking tail, running away as fast as they could. There was no reason to shoot and kill this young boy. Police officers are supposed to arrest people. They’re not supposed to be judge, jury and executioner,” he said last month.

Here are the facts. The "boy" was only 14 but he was accompanied with his 26 year old accomplice. They were armed with a pellet gun, wore yellow ponchos and their faces were covered with a mask. These two misguided youths knocked on the door of an off duty policeman's parents house. They forced their way into the house and the officer's elderly mother began screaming that they have a gun. The off duty P.O. was in the basement and gave chase and fired his weapon striking both the offender and his own father.
720 ILCS 5/7‑5{a}.....he is justified in using force likely to cause death or great bodily harm only when he reasonably believes that such force is necessary to prevent death or great bodily harm to himself or such other person, or when he reasonably believes both that:
(1) Such force is necessary to prevent the arrest from being defeated by resistance or escape; and
(2) The person to be arrested has committed or attempted a forcible felony which involves the infliction or threatened infliction of great bodily harm or is attempting to escape by use of a deadly weapon, or otherwise indicates that he will endanger human life or inflict great bodily harm unless arrested without delay.

The officer had every reason to believe that the two home invaders had committed a forcible felony which involved the infliction or threatened infliction of great bodily harm and that their escape would further endanger human life. My question for Mr. Shapiro would be, what if Juan Salazar was running from the officer and made good his escape by entering your home? Oh that's right, it was only a pellet gun.
Can you tell the difference in a split second?

SHE HAS EVERY RIGHT "update"

I received an email from one of my readers that I would like to share with you.

Dear SCS,
I think that maybe you should let the rest of your readers in on the nonsense that is going on in the comments of an old post. I stumbled across it by accident, looking for some old information. I doubt very much that any other readers will see it and I think they ought to. I’m sure that many of our colleagues, as well as other right thinking people may have something to say about this. Even if not, I think it’s worth sharing.
Brief description of what’s going on: On November 12th you posted about a murder victim’s mother and her reaction to the subsequent murder of her son’s killer. You titled it, very appropriately if you ask me, SHE HAS EVERY RIGHT. At the time of the post, there were very few comments, certainly nothing surprising. Then, on December 30th there appears some off-the-wall comment that has led to a little back and forth amongst SCS, this constant reader and a couple of morons that obviously support gangster life (and death). I just thought you might consider reprinting it and exposing these fools as what they are. (I have yet another response to the latest comments posted by these silly bitches, it is forthcoming).
Just a suggestion. Thanks

I agree with you and if anyone has not seen this post you can read it here.

PB&PA

Via PB&PA website:

Update: 04 January 2009
Previously we had presented a counter proposal to the City addressing the below captioned points. On 18 December 2008 we were scheduled to meet with the City’s negotiating team to discuss these issues. Shortly before this meeting the City notified our attorneys that they were still reviewing our counter proposal and requested additional time to respond. Since the City did not flat out reject our proposal we felt this was a reasonable request and a positive step in moving these contract negotiations forward.

Issues addressed in our counter proposal.

5 year contract
Inadequate wage & benefit package.
No increase in Watch Bids within District Law Enforcement (currently 5 per watch)
Changes to section 8.4 of the current contract.
Maintain sustained C.R. numbers for the entire career of the officer.
Inclusion of on-duty random alcohol testing
Mandatory alcohol and drug testing for any off-duty incident involving the discharge of a firearm.
Audio recording of all statements given by officers to I.P.R.A. and I.A.D.
We expect the next contract negotiating session will be in late January, but as of yet have not set a date due to scheduling conflicts on both sides. It is our intention, as well as the City’s to keep these negotiating sessions moving forward.

Since we already had scheduled a meeting with the City for 18 Dec 08, we suggested that we utilize the time to discuss the status of establishing a retirement health savings plan or VEBA (Voluntary Employee Benefit Association). This plan, if approved by the membership would allow for members to contribute pre-tax dollars to a health savings account to be utilized for health related costs during retirement. These plans have strict IRS guidelines which dictate how any plan is designed. The City is in the process of reviewing vendors and proposals for establishing a plan. Once we have the final proposal we will disseminate the information to our members for their review and approval. No plan will be agreed to or implemented until our members have had time to review it and vote on it.

Sincerely,

John Pallohusky
President
Chicago Police Sergeants’ Association

CREDIT UNION THEFTS

SCC warned of this a awhile back.

8 arrested in ring targeting police credit unions
Read in Breaking News at Tribune

OFFICERS INJURED

Breaking news from Tribune:

A Chicago police officer suffered injuries to his face while trying to break up a fight tonight between suspected gang members in an alley near a South Side funeral home.
The police officer responded at 7:28 p.m. to a call of a fight near the funeral home in the 600 block of West 37th Street (map), Officer John Mirabelli said. When the officer approached the people who were fighting, he was hit in the face.

Other officers were called to the scene, Mirabelli said.

When the man who police believe hit the officer was arrested, he kicked out the windows of the squad car, Mirabelli said.

The crowd, who police said were suspected gang members, became furious when the man was arrested and attacked the police with bottles and their fists, Mirabelli said. Police said the people had attended services at a nearby funeral home, he said.

The officer was taken to a local hospital to be treated. The severity of the officer's injuries is not clear, Mirabelli said. Two other officers also were injured, but not seriously, he said.

What a shock that there would be "civil" unrest at a gang banger funeral.

1ST AMENDMENT

An interesting little lawsuit is coming out of Belleville, Illinois.

Man sues after "POLICE" t-shirt arrest
By Nicholas J.C. Pistor
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
12/30/2008

A Belleville Police officer arrested a St. Charles man for wearing a t-shirt emblazoned with the word “POLICE.”

Now, Adam C. Weinstein, of St. Charles, has sued the department for what he calls the violation of his constitutional rights.

Weinstein was arrested in 2006 outside a bar in Belleville for “impersonating officers.” He was wearing a t-shirt with the word police striped across the front and back under a sweater. The t-shirt became exposed when he removed the sweater because he was hot. continued....

STREETS AND SANITATION

This evening there was a call, on zone 6, of a rollover accident involving an ODPO at 45th and Cicero. The first car on scene gave a "slow down" and informed the zone that the officer was ok. The unit then informed the zone that the accident was caused by ice that had formed on Cicero from 45th to 46th street. The officer requested the zone to call Streets and San to send a salt truck to eleviate the problem. Reply from Streets and San was that they only had one truck available citywide. So at this time we know that an ice rink exist on Cicero, a major thoroughfare leading to Midway Airport, an accident that could have been fatal, and S&S can't spare a truck to deal with it. The officers then ask if CTA could help, "no, their snow command is not up". In-fucking-credible! The officer, now desperate, requests for a salt truck from Midway Airport to respond. The zone states that a supervisor from OEMC is calling Midway with the request. The coppers on scene realize that the water is coming from a broken water main and inform the zone of this. The zone contacts water department and salt trucks and repair trucks are dispatched.
The City That Works!
By the way my street is finally clear, no thanks to S&S.

SERIOUSLY?

We have all witnessed this department make some ridiculous "knee jerk" reactions in the past. I pray we see nothing as absurd as the new foot pursuit policy instituted in the Austin (TX) Police Department.

There's a new foot pursuit policy in the Austin, Texas Police Department. From now on, officers in that agency will have to ask themselves a long list of questions before chasing criminal suspects by foot. According to a report in the Austin American Statesman by Tony Plohetski, Austin police officers must evaluate the immediate danger, consider whether a suspect is known and can be arrested later, and ask themselves what would be gained from pursuing the suspect before beginning foot chases

More from American Police Beat

SERGEANT SHOT IN 004

Just received word that a 4th district sergeant was shot. By all accounts he is in good condition at Christ Hospital. Vest apparently saved his life.



Update: Offender said to be in critical condition.

POLICE SHOOTING IN 003

Police were involved in a shooting with an armed offender in the 3rd district tonight.

A Chicago police officer shot an armed offender while executing a search warrant tonight on the South Side.

At about 7:04 p.m., officers from the Narcotics Section approached a residence in the 7300 block of South Kingston Avenue (map) when a person confronted the officers with a gun, according to a statement issued by the police department.

An officer fired his weapon and the suspect was struck, the police statement said.
The suspect was taken to an area hospital in "stable" condition, police said.

A weapon was recovered on the scene, police said.

As of 8:30 p.m., investigators from the Independent Police Review Authority were out at the scene investigating the shooting, said Mark Payne, spokesman for the agency.

There were no other injuries, police said.

Thankfully no officers were injured.