WHAT A SHAME

Our Board at the CPSA decided that it wasn't in our best interst to follow the lead of the lieutenants and captains and support the men and women of FOP Lodge 7.

Due to our ongoing contract negotiations, the Executive Board of the CPSA has voted not to participate in the upcoming “informational picketing”. The CPSA Executive Board fully understands the frustrations that have prompted the other police unions to take this action, but at this time we believe the interests of the members of the Chicago Police Sergeants’ Association are best served by the ongoing negotiation process.
Sincerely,

John Pallohusky
President
Chicago Police Sergeants' Association

Secondcitycop wrote a blistering post
My response as sent to the comment section:

How right you are! I am saddened and disappointed in the decision taken by the CPSA to not take a stand in support of the men and women of the FOP. It is not only the lack of support of a brother union but these folks are our friends, neighbors and in many cases our family members.
I was pleased to see that the Lieutenants and Captains stepped up and showed their support for this cause. Despite my bargaining units decision I have and always will support the men and women of the FOP and I am certain that most if not all sergeants (non-board members) do. See you all at City Hall.

GET REAL!!!!

"The taxpayers have been very, very good to public employees….Your neighbor-he or she is out of a job. Their son and daughter graduated from college [and] cannot get a job…This is a very tough economic time and public employees have to understand that. This is the real world."

Get something straight Mr. Mayor, it is not the taxpayer that the rank and file has a problem with. No sir! It is you! How are your neighbors and friends doing Mr. Mayor? I know some of them are in prison but what about the others?

Like Walsh Construction?

As for the $12.3 million, $5.5 million of it will be used to replace concrete pavement on Runway 10/28. The remaining $6.7 million will pay to widen and relocate Taxiway M, which runs parallel to O’Hare’s busiest runway.

The project is shovel ready because it’s already been bid. The lowest responsive bidder was Walsh Construction, a politically-connected company with two generations of ties to the Daley family.

Walsh was chosen earlier this month to build the third and final runway in Phase One of the O’Hare expansion project. That $79 million contract brought Walsh’s share of the O’Hare expansion gravy train totalled nine contracts valued at $372.6 million.

The taxpayers, that would be us, have provided the revenue so that the city is able to build new police stations and buy new police cars. The replacement of an aged fleet is not done as a favor to the police officer but has economic justification. The maintenance of an aged fleet far out weighs the cost of purchasing new vehicles. The building of new police and fire stations is done in most cases to replace 80 and 90 year old buildings. Maintenance and operation cost of these museums cripple the budget. And since we need to replace these buildings I'm sure a well connected or two construction companies lands a lucrative contract. Now why don't you get real?

VEBA

In case you have not seen this email. I'll leave out the name of the sender.

Hi,

I urge you to not vote for VEBA. The City is the only one making out on this health plan, in my opinion. It is the City's way of getting out from paying for a health plan when you retire. The plan will be funded by you and those that follow you. There is no guarantee that the hours that you are required to contribute to the plan will not go up from 40hrs. to an even higher percentage later. There is no guarantee that the pay percentage, 1.5%, that you are required to contribute will not go up - remember that our present health benefits started under a $1 and look what it is now. There is no guarantee that the plan fee paid to Nationwide will not go up also.

The Lts. and Capts. are already voting on this measure. Please read the attached files. Two Lts. offer some valid points that does not make this plan by the City a good deal for them (Lts. and Capts.) or us (Sgts.) as all three ranks would be bound by the same agreement, if agreed to. I made notes in the margin of one document as to what I thought; you may or may not agree. Remember it is not the majority of participants in each rank that determine if each rank will participate in the plan, but a majority of those voting. If you don't vote, you have no say. I repeat, if you don't vote, you have no say.

In my opinion there are other points to consider: The plan is based on the hours set forth as written now and the number of participants. What if the City decides to cut back on the number of participants in each rank? Will that mean that the rest of the participants will have to make up the difference with higher contributions, due to either attrition or not filling vacancies? This of course is not addressed. And just what is the City's contribution during the life of the health plan on a monthly, quarterly, yearly basis or on a participant's involvement? Does the City make a blanket contribution or a contribution based on the salary level of the participants? Remember also that you will need 40hrs. now in the bank to pay for this plan on a yearly basis. If you are one of those sergeants that has very few hours on the books because you may take off for a variety of reasons, you will be forced to burn Baby Furlough Days and Personal Days to take off till that 40hrs. is contributed. Why has the City unilaterally decided who will administer this plan and not allow the participants have input as to what entity should administer the plan? Why hasn't the City offered the Capts., Lts., and Sgts. the opportunity to seek other similar plans that are on the market? If you like dealing with BC/BS or HMO, how much more fun will it be dealing with Nationwide and the IRS? This health plan proposal was left over from the previous contract. Why did it take the City so long to bring it up again and why is the City in a rush to get it finalized?

Please take the time to read the attachments and ask questions to make an informed decision should you be asked to vote on this proposal.

I feel compelled to give my opinion on this one. The negatives, as I see them, are more glaring than the positives.
I am a person who holds hundreds of hours in comp time as opposed to a person who holds thousands of hours. Some may view this as a higher initial cost to the person with thousands of hours and others may view it as a bigger opportunity to save. Each and every one of us would be impacted differently.
keep in mind that there are no guarantees that your contribution of comp time and or payroll deduction will not increase.
The city does not contribute one penny but decides who manages your money.
If you die and have no qualified dependants ( you are divorced/widowed and children are grown} your money will be placed in the fund. No beneficiary can be named.
There is nothing voluntary about this plan, once in, there is no way out.
Thanks but no thanks.

PRAY FOR THEM

Sgt. Ervin Romans, Sgt. Daniel Sakai, Sgt. Mark Dunakin and Police Officer John Hege.

FOP PICKET

FOP Lodge 7 to picket city hall Thursday 2 APR 09 when IOC members arrive to visit the city. Transportation will be provided. Click link for more info.

Transportation will be made available for all members who wish to attend this rally. All buses are scheduled to leave the listed locations on Thursday, April 2, 2009 at 9:30 am.

006th District 016th District - Habetler Bowl
008th District Area 3
022nd District Area 4
Area 5


Chicago Police officers will picket City Hall during International Olympic Committee visit
Sun-Times

OUR MONEY

Michael J. Lazzaro


Via Sun-Times

Pension funds may not cooperate on subpoena

At their last meeting, trustees for the police fund voiced opposition to the subpoena. They're meeting again today. An attorney for another city pension fund has contacted Inspector General David Hoffman's office to say its trustees also plan to refuse his subpoena, according to sources who would not identify that fund.

Many officers and detectives are outraged by the investment, which they view as a political favor to Daley's family. Officer Mike Shields was recently elected as a trustee on a platform criticizing the deal.

At the last trustees' meeting, he supported cooperating with Hoffman, pointing out that the pension is funded with officers' salaries and taxpayer money. But fellow trustees strongly disagreed, sources said.

Care to explain Sgt. Lazzaro? I would love to give you the opportunity to explain why you feel that the investigation by Hoffman should be stonewalled. Why does the trustee for the patrolmen, Mike Shields, have no fear in opening up the books to the IG?

UPDATE: In the comment section Sgt. Mike Lazzaro gave his explanation as to why he did not believe Hoffman had any legal standing in subpoenaing the funds records.

IMPORTANT INFO FOR SERGEANTS

From the PB&PA site

Proposed Post Retirement Medical Savings Plan

The City of Chicago has proposed a VEBA (Voluntary Employee Benefit Association) Plan for all Active Sergeants, henceforth, referred to as the "Plan". The purpose of this Plan is to provide members an opportunity to pre-fund the costs of their health care during retirement. This proposed Plan is exactly the same plan that has been presented to the Captain's and Lieutenant's for their consideration.

In order for this Plan to be implemented it will require the approval of the active membership. Each active sergeant will have the opportunity to cast their vote to either approve or reject the Plan. Ballots will be mailed to each member's residence. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY IMPORTANT ISSUE AND YOUR VOTE IS VERY IMPORTANT. This Plan will either be approved or rejected based on the majority of votes cast from the ballots that are returned. This Plan, if approved will make it mandatory that all active sergeants participate. IF APPROVED, YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO OPT OUT OF THIS PLAN. This Plan has financial requirements and each active sergeant needs to evaluate how it will affect them and their families.

Please review the attached files carefully so that you will be able to make an informed decision. If you are not able to download the documents or would prefer a hard copy, please contact any elected representative of the Chicago Police Sergeants' Association. You can also contact the C.P.S.A. at 773-376-7272 and request a copy.

I have outlined some key points of this proposed Plan. Please refer to the attached documents for more detailed information.

The City's Benefits Committee has selected Nationwide Retirement Solutions as the vendor to provide recordkeeping, investment, claim payment and related services to the VEBA.


The City will not be making an employer contribution at this time.


The proposed Plan is entirely funded by the employee.


Contributions go in on a tax-free basis and are disbursed for qualifying expenditures on a tax-free basis.


If the Plan is accepted, participation is mandatory. In other words, everyone is required to be in the plan year after year.


The proposed Plan has three major components.
A mandatory payroll deduction equal to 1.5% of the employee's annual base salary will be deducted on a pre-tax basis each pay period.
Beginning 01 January 2010 each employee will contribute an amount equal to the value of the first forty (40) hours of accumulated non-FLSA compensatory time that the employee earned during the prior calendar year at the employee's hourly rate at the end of the prior calendar year. Additional restrictions apply. Please refer to attached PDF titled "Final Second Amended Memorandum of Understanding", Section 5 (ii).
The hourly equivalent of ten percent (10%) of the employee's accumulated non-FLSA compensatory time as of 31 December 2008 shall be frozen and moved into the VEBA account in two equal amounts. This is a one time provision at the time the Plan is implemented. Additional restrictions apply. Please refer to attached PDF titled "Final Second Amended Memorandum of Understanding", Section 5 (iii).



Upon the member's termination of employment or retirement, the member may use his/her account assets to pay for qualified health care expenses incurred by the member or his/her dependents. If a member dies without legal dependents, the assets in the account will be treated as investment earnings that shall be allocated to the accounts of all other participants in a non-discriminatory manner. You cannot designate a beneficiary under the Plan. The City will provide all members with the option of purchasing additional group term life insurance separate from the Plan on an employee-pay-all basis. This term life insurance will be provided through Prudential Life Insurance Company.
In the upcoming weeks we will hold informational sessions at the C.P.S.A Office located at 1616 W. Pershing Road. The times of these sessions will be staggered with morning, afternoon and early evening hours so as to provide an opportunity for any member to obtain answers to questions they may have. I will post the dates and times of these sessions on this site as soon as they are scheduled. I will also post a notification when the ballots are mailed out.Once again, please take the time to evaluate this proposed Plan and how it will impact your financial future.

Sincerely,

John Pallohusky
President - CPSA

Please read the above info carefully and make an informed decision.

FINALLY!!!!!!!

A press release from the southsideirishparade.org

For Immediate Release 25Mar2009

For confirmation contact Mary Beth Sheehan (773-393-8687)

RE: SOUTH SIDE IRISH ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE PLANS FOR 2010

Let this release serve as notice that the South Side Irish St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee is not planning to stage a parade in its present form in March of 2010.

This decision was not arrived at lightly. For 31 years, this parade was a staple of the Beverly/Morgan Park and Mt. Greenwood communities – a celebration of faith, family and heritage that was cherished by thousands. Founded in 1979 by the Hendry and Coakley families, it was intended to instill in this community an appreciation for the Irish heritage that so many of its residents share.

This parade was an eagerly anticipated annual event which celebrated families, many of whom have created decades long traditions that we hope will endure. But what began as a neighborhood parade is now an event of international proportions. More than 300,000 people typically flock to the Beverly area each year, and the sheer volume has become more than the neighborhood can reasonably accommodate. With these numbers comes a collection of issues that strain both the host community and those individuals charged with effectively managing the crowds. Additionally, the amount of resources required to launch the event has become overwhelming to the community.

The Committee would like to thank the tens of thousands of parade faithful who supported this event for more than 30 years. The multigenerational families who turned out along Western Avenue each year, along with the fine organizations featured in the Line of March, were the essence of what made this parade so special. We would also like to thank the Chicago Police Department for the effort they put into managing the ever-growing crowd while working to maintain the dignity of the event.

While we regret the need to alter such a fine tradition, the Committee feels that suspending the South Side Irish Parade in its present form is the just and responsible thing to do. It is our hope, however, that this will not mean an end to the neighborhood’s annual celebration. The Committee will work to create a series of alternate events that will return us to what the parade’s founders had in mind – a neighborhood-friendly celebration of Irish heritage. Please look for news of our plans later this year.

Thank you for your support,

The South Side Irish St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee

Common sense has finally prevailed. A commenter on the previous post had a hard time with those who felt the need to rid the south side of this parade. He referred to an opposing commenter as a "pud" and anyone who didn't want to attend as one less asswipe that he had to worry about. According to your logic the whole committee must all be puds and we as a community have several thousand asswipes we don't have to worry about anymore.

IN LAST PLACE?

Chicago Olympic Bid Slips To Last Place

CHICAGO (CBS) ― Hopes and preparations for the 2016 Olympics have been dominating public discourse and city planning for more than two years, but now, the latest ranking of the four finalist cities for the games shows Chicago has now slipped into last place.

And then this...

Tokyo Continues to Lead Tight Race: GamesBids.com's BidIndex
Chicago recorded the only BidIndex decline since the last update in November allowing Madrid to leapfrog ahead into third. Both are very close to the leaders and remain important factors in the race. Madrid scored 58.73 (up 0.10) while Chicago tallied 58.37 (down 0.41).

“This is an exceptional race. For 2016, BidIndex hasn’t revealed any clear division between the candidates. It seems that all four bids are equally qualified to come in first – as well as last place in the voting”, explained GamesBids.com Producer Robert Livingstone.

For the previous 2012 Summer Games bid, BidIndex scores clearly illustrated a division between the frontrunners London and Paris (London beat Paris on the final ballot) and also-rans New York and Moscow (both eliminated on early ballots) – reflecting reality.


While hundreds of factors are combined to determine a city’s BidIndex, Chicago’s recent decline could be blamed in part on record-high estimates for sponsorships, especially during the current economic crisis when sports sponsorships are on the decline. This combined with the fact that Chicago is the only candidate without 100% public government guarantees, might make the city a tough choice for the cautious.



Additionally, the recent reshuffling of United States Olympic Committee leadership might leave an IOC member or two feeling alienated in a campaign where personal relationships are extremely powerful. It’s likely that ballots will be won or lost on margins of just one or two votes.

FOP PRESS RELEASE

Read Mark Donahue's press release concerning "No Confidence" vote on Jody Weis. FOP PDF

SOUTHSIDE IRISH PARADE

A heads up from a reader for those who intend on attending this years parade.

Sunday is the Southside Irish Parade. Oak Lawn and the Ill State Police will have a DUI checkpoint on 111th st between Pulaski and Cicero. The surrounding Suburbs (Evergreen Park, Alsip, Blue Island, and Oak Lawn will have will have approximately 50 to 70 Ill State Police working DUI enforcement in the area. I can not give exact numbers because I don't want this coming back to me. As we know many Officers and their families go to this event and indulge in a "POP" or two. People need to keep in mind that with the new changes in DUI laws, a refusal to blow is an automatic one year suspension. For the Police that means no-pay status for that year. This info is not being given out to help anyone who decides to drink and drive avoid a DUI, but rather to hopefully avoid a big mess for themselves, their family and the department. Please leave the car at home and avoid being headline news monday.

I have no way of confirming this but if the end results are less drunk drivers then BRAVO!

Last year I made it no secret that I have finally had enough of seeing drunks pissing on lawns, girls squatting in alleys and 16 year olds toting coolers of beer as if this was "their" right of passage. Granted the east side of Western is suppose to be for families, however the sights and smells of the west side of Western can still overwhelm. This parade was created years ago by local kids riding their bikes through the neighborhood and over the years it has degenerated to a public display of bad drunken behavior. 20 years ago this didn't bother me but then again I didn't have small children. No, this Irishmen and his children will not be partaking in this years festivities along Western Avenue.

I hope that all of you that do attend have a wonderful time and please be responsible.

BUSINESS AS USUAL

Mayor Richard Daley and his wife went to Singapore in 2006 on a private jet furnished by a student loan charity that provided funding for Maggie Daley's employer at the time.

According to CBS News, the Daleys were frequent passengers aboard the jet that belonged to EduCap, a Washington-based, not-for-profit loan group.

Federal tax records show that EduCap donates millions of dollars a year to the Academy of Achievement, a non-profit group that paid Maggie Daley $100,000 in 2006 and $50,000 in 2007. Tribune

That reminds me, I just received my Board Of Ethics 2009 Statement Of Financial Interest form in the mail. Go figure.

IPRA WEBSITE TO POST SHOOTINGS

Posting shooting investigation results moves the agency's actions even further into the public view, especially because cases that are not sustained against officers will be included, IPRA officials said. The reports also will be more detailed, including a summary of the incident, evidence and witnesses accounts.

Names will be withheld.

The first postings are expected to go up on IPRA's website as early as Thursday, IPRA officials said.

Sun-Times

US MILITARY IS NOT THE CAUSE OF AMMO SHORTAGE

An increase in the use of “patrol carbines” in law enforcement

Some agencies prefer to call them “patrol carbines”; others refer to them as “tactical rifles.” But whatever you call them, rifles based upon the AR-15 are becoming increasingly common as a weapon deployed to police officers outside of SWAT units, for some very logical reasons. AR-type rifles extend the range at which patrol officers can engage armed criminals, and because rifles have more practical accuracy than pistols, they can potentially reduce the number of shots fired to neutralize a suspect. Paired with the right kind of ammunition, the .223 Remington/5.56mm caliber rifle also has surprisingly less over-penetration, theoretically reducing threats to civilians who might be downrange. Each of these weapons will also require officers carrying them to fire hundreds of rounds in training each year, and in a city that rotates rifles from one shift to another among their patrol units, this can necessitate tens of thousands of rounds of training ammunition.
The whole article via Pajamas Media............

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.

CONTRACT UPDATE VIA CPSA

Contract 2007-2011 Update: 15 December 2008

Over the past several weeks we have met with our attorneys and have drafted a counter proposal to address issues the City wants to incorporate into our next contract. Listed below are the major changes the City has proposed.

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 have presented our counter proposal to the City’s negotiating team. Our next scheduled contract negotiation session with the City is 18 December 2008.

It had been my hope to be able to present a contract to our membership for their review by the end of 2008; obviously this is not going to be the case in light of the City’s current position. While we have made substantial progress on reaching tentative agreements on several issues, especially maintaining the structure of our current health insurance benefit, we still need to resolve the above captioned issues before we can bring a contract back to our members for their consideration.

Sincerely,

John Pallohusky


President
Chicago Police Sergeants Associations

Food for thought from our friend John Kass.

Will 'feditis' spread to Obama and Daley?
John Kass
December 14, 2008

But just imagine if Dead Meat talks to the feds, or stands up on his hind legs to fight back if fellow Democrats impeach him in the Illinois legislature. The governor might actually mention a few of the legislators' deals. Ouch.

The whole thing....

QUESTIONS

Chicago Police Department to launch second mobile unit


December 12, 2008

BY ANNIE SWEENEY Crime Reporter
With murders up 16 percent, Chicago Police officials today announced they are launching a second Mobile Strike Force unit to work in high-crime neighborhoods.
more....

Mobile Strike Force starts its new company of hard chargers today. This blog takes no interest in belittling the officers of TRU or MSF. However, questions do remain.
I know supervisors in both units and I ask them why are there two units that have virtually the same mission. Nobody really has a definitive answer but one thing seems to be certain, MSF works west (areas 4 & 5) and TRU works south (areas 1 & 2).
Word out there is that TRU will eventually be absorbed into MSF.
The manpower problem isn't due to units, all large departments have them, it is the attrition rate versus hiring rate. The department has only recently admitted to manpower shortages due to attrition and a slowdown in hiring but the problem is older than they care to admit.

OFFICER SHOT

At about 2:00am this Friday morning a police officer was shot while responding to a shots fired call. The attempt murder of this officer occur ed at 18th & Washtenaw. According to early reports, the officers partner drove him to Mt.Sinai Hospital where he was being treated for a gunshot wound to the shoulder.

Best wishes to the officer and his partner.
Early readers of this site have already sent in their well wishes

COMPLAINTS

USDOJ

YOUR 6:00am WAKE UP CALL

The FBI called Blogo this morning to inform him that they had a warrant for his arrest and that agents were placed outside his door to take him into custody.

Blagojevich and Harris were arrested simultaneously at their homes at about 6:15 a.m., according to Frank Bochte of the FBI. Both were transported to FBI headquarters in Chicago.

Good morning Mr. Blogojevich!
Read it all in the Tribune

EXCUSE ME, PLEASE

It appears that someone is unhappy with the product I supply here. I don't post enough for his or her liking. Well to bad asshole! Stop visiting I don't need your support. Create your own site if you think this is so easy.

To those of you who visit on a regular basis, I apologise for the slow postings. Lately I have lacked the enthusiasm it takes to run a good daily blog. I hope that eventaully I will get back into a groove and produce some decent rants and some timely information.

Thanks
SCS

PARDON ME!

Governor Rob Blagovjevich and Senator Dick Durbin think Former Governor George Ryan should have his sentence commuted to time served.

Citing the frail health of Ryan's wife, Lura Lynn, and the 74-year-old former governor's health concerns, Blagojevich said a commutation by Bush would be a "fine decision."

Blagojevich becomes the second high-profile Democrat in the state to support efforts to have the outgoing Republican president free the former GOP governor from prison.

Earlier this week, U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, the No. 2 Democrat in the chamber, said he was considering asking Bush to commute Ryan's sentence.
Tribune

These two political hacks have no credibility in my book. I am amazed at the quality of elected officials that the people of the state of Illinois continue to put in office.


An impassioned plea by US Congressmen Ted Poe of Texas for the pardons of or commuted sentences of US Border Patrol Agents Campion and Ramos.

Mr. Speaker, at this time of the year, it is common for whatever President is in power to review requests for pardons and for commutations of sentence. And yesterday, the President exercised his constitutional authority and pardoned numerous individuals, at least 29 of them, and I have all of their names here. I count seven drug dealers that were pardoned, one individual for receiving kickbacks in defense procurements contracts, and he commuted one sentence of an individual that was aiding and abetting the distribution of cocaine.

I want to make it clear; the President has the absolute power under the Constitution to pardon anybody he wishes or commute the sentence. And I want to read part of the Constitution, a pocketbook Constitution that many of us here carry that says, "The President shall have the power to grant reprieves and pardons for offenses against the United States."

You notice, Mr. Speaker, it doesn't give any conditions, except he can't pardon someone who has been impeached. It doesn't require that a committee decide who is to be pardoned. It doesn't require that the Justice Department do anything or be even involved in the process. It gives the power of pardon and commutation to the President; and he has that right to pardon anyone he wishes, and I uphold his right to do so.

But in jail today in the Federal penitentiary somewhere across our United States are two individuals who I think should be pardoned, or at least their sentences should be commuted. And numerous people on the House, on both sides, have asked the President to look at these cases and pardon these two individuals, especially in light of their appellate court hearing that took place just a few weeks ago in the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans, Louisiana. Of course, those two people are Border Agents Ramos and Campion, who I feel like were unjustly convicted by an overzealous prosecution, a comment that was made by one of the Federal judges on appeal, "overzealous prosecution."

But be that as it may, and it seems to me that they have been imprisoned a year now, most of that time they have been serving solitary confinement. For what crime? Well, because they supposedly violated the civil rights of a drug smuggler bringing drugs in from Mexico worth about $1 million. And the United States Government, rather than prosecute the drug dealer, prosecuted the Border Agents because they didn't follow policy, protocol, filling out appropriate forms after this shooting took place. But they go make a deal with the drug dealer. They make a deal with the devil, and they get testimony from the drug dealer in their trial. Talking about the Federal prosecution made a deal with him.

But, you see, that whole case kind of has some bad things that happened. We had learned, several of us, that while the drug dealer, granted immunity, that means they are not going to prosecute him, to testify, and before the trial took place, he brought in another load of drugs from Mexico to the United States worth about $700,000.

The U.S. Attorney's Office, in a carefully worded propaganda piece, denied that that ever occurred. But since we saw, and I have seen the DEA report, we knew a second drug deal took place. And now, finally, after this took place and many of us knew about it, the Federal Government has decided to prosecute the drug dealer on that second case; conspiracy to import drugs into the United States, and charging a new indictment with three offenses, conspiracy to commit crimes against the United States.

So the Federal Government makes a deal with the drug dealer. He brings in drugs after the deal is made. Now he is in jail. And it seems to me, justice would demand that these two Border Agents be released at least until this appeal is over with. But I think they should have their sentences commuted or even they should be pardoned by the President.

But I say all that to say the bureaucrats say, Oh, these two Border Agents haven't followed protocol. They haven't applied the right way, they haven't filled out the right forms for a pardon and a commutation of sentence. Well, the Constitution that I just read doesn't require forms to be filled out for people in prison to get a pardon. I don't remember Mr. Scooter Libby filling out some kind of form to get a pardon. He didn't even ever go to jail. He just got a Get Out of Jail Free card. He was pardoned. The President had the absolute right to do that. I don't quarrel with that. President Nixon got an absolute pardon by President Ford. He didn't fill out any forms to get that pardon.

So, Mr. Speaker, I recommend and urge the President to commute the sentences of these two Border Agents. And he can do it on his own. He doesn't need permission from some bureaucracy, and I hope he does so and does so quickly.

And that's just the way it is.

Thanks Congressmen

CHANGES

The department saw many command changes today. The biggest change would have to be Deputy Superintendent Mike Sheilds being demoted to Lt. Following list via comment section on SCC

Assistant Superintendent –
Law Enforcement Operations: James Jackson

Assistant Superintendent – Administration: Beatrice Cuello



Bureau of Patrol

Deputy Superintendent: Daniel Dugan, Jr.

Chief, Areas 1, 2, and 4:
Eugene Williams

Chief, Areas 3, 5, Central Control Group and Special Functions Group:
Michael McCotter

Deputy Chief, Area 2 Dana Alexander

Deputy Chief, Special Functions Group: Patrick McNulty

Commander, Targeted Response Unit: Kevin Ryan

Commander, 001st District: Chris Kennedy

Commander, 004th District: Eric Carter

Commander, 024th District: Dave Sobczyk

Commander, 025th District: Robert Lopez



Bureau of Investigative Services

Chief, Organized Crime Division: Ernest Brown

Deputy Chief, Organized Crime Division: Nicholas Roti

Deputy Chief, Field Group B: Constantine Andrews

Commander, Gang Enforcement Unit: Leo Schmitz

Commander, Gang Investigations Section: Joseph Gorman

Commander, Deployment Operations Center : Steve Caluris

OVER-RIDE

From the Chicago Police Lieutenants Association website

A GOOD CASE TO KNOW ABOUT
By Lt. John Garrido

On 2 Nov 08, 25th District officers arrested 2 offenders for drinking on the public way. A custodial search incident to the arrest revealed the offenders to be in possession of fictitious SS cards and fictitious green cards. When Detective Sofrenovic sought the appropriate felony charge, ASA Essig rejected charges, citing "Prosecutorial Discretion"
and "4th Amendment issues" in regard to the arrest.

Being the W/C that day, I contacted her supervisor, ASA Grawth. Aside from the b.s. discretion nonsense, I was more concerned about the 4th Amendment argument. He alleged that when officers make a physical arrest for a charge that is less than a misdemeanor (like drinking on the public way or a traffic citation) and it leads to another charge due to the search, they are actually violating the offender's constitutional rights under the 4th amendment. Believing he was wrong, I went for the over-ride; thank you Commander Welch.

I did a little research and confirmed that not only is he wrong, but there is a recent United States Supreme Court case to support the argument that there is no 4th Amendment Violation; the case couldn't be more on point and it was decided on April 23, 2008. FINDLAW.Com

Thanks Lt.

GARRITY

Via FOP Lodge 7

BREATHALYZER AND GARRITY UPDATE 11/18/08

On Monday, November 11, 2008, the appellate court ruled that prosecutors can use, in criminal proceedings, the results of a police officer’s breathalyzer test that were obtained administratively (by IAD). The court reasoned that such results are non-testimonial; therefore breathalyzer results are not covered under the Fifth Amendment and are not protected under Garrity. This ruling in no way impacts statements made pursuant to an administrative investigation. Since Garrity was decided, the law prohibiting the use of administrative evidence has been watered down very much, especially in Illinois. Garrity only applies to testimonial evidence. Therefore, only statements made by an officer in an administrative investigation will be suppressed at any subsequent criminal proceedings (with rare exception); however all non-testimonial evidence is clearly admissible at criminal proceedings. (i.e. breath/blood test; identifications at line-ups, contraband found in PO’s locker, etc.).

The case at issue involved an off-duty police officer who was involved in a traffic altercation which included a high speed chase and allegations that the officer threatened the individual with his weapon. The officer was placed under arrest on the scene for aggravated assault and driving under the influence. The officer was brought to the 14th District and the arresting officers asked him if he was willing to submit to a breathalyzer test. The off-duty officer refused and accordingly was processed as a “refusal” per the statute. At that point a sergeant from IAD arrived, identified himself and presented the off-duty officer with the standard administrative proceedings rights and notification of charges. As you are aware, included in those rights is the language, “any admission or statement made by you…and the fruits thereof cannot be used against you in a subsequent proceeding.” We are familiar with this as the Garrity rule.

Pursuant to Illinois law, an individual charged with DUI clearly has the right to refuse to submit to a breathalyzer exam, although that right appears to be in jeopardy as other states have legislated away the right to refuse. Regardless of an Illinois driver’s right to refuse, since the Jones case was decided in 2005, the law is clear that when a driver’s blood or breath is taken, despite their refusal, it is admissible in a criminal proceeding. The courts do not allow the police the authority to use physical force to obtain a result, however results obtained any other way are fair game at criminal cases. (i.e. coercion, blood draws at hospitals and administrative searches).

The Lodge is contemplating whether to petition the Illinois Supreme Court to rule on this issue. The decision will be made in the coming weeks.

Military Deployment Award

86 members of the Chicago Police Department were honored today for their military service during a time of war. Most are Guardsmen/Reservist who have served in either Iraq or Afghanistan and others were active duty troops. Some have served in the Gulf War and Kosovo and a few served in Viet Nam.

It's no surprise to Kurth that so many Chicago police are also military men and women. Soldiers and officers have common goals: to serve and protect.

"It's what's inside of you," he said Monday. "You're willing to help. You're willing to join in. You're looking for the bigger, common goal."

more....Tribune
Thank You from a prior service Vet

SHE HAS EVERY RIGHT

Today the Tribune ran a story on Maria Ramirez. Maria Ramirez is the mother of Mathew Ramirez who was gunned down in February 2006 by Christopher Sodaro.

For more than two years, Maria Ramirez had attended every hearing of the suspect, Christopher Sodaro. Matthew Ramirez died at age 16, walking home from a friend's house on a cold February night in 2006, shot because Sodaro mistakenly thought he was in a gang, authorities said.

Police never found a weapon, Sodaro never admitted guilt and the state's best witness was another gang member. And so in July a judge released Sodaro, now 17, saying there wasn't enough evidence to convict him.

The justice system was unable to provide any closure for Mrs. Ramirez but the thug life that Sodaro led certainly did.

Then on an October night, she got the news. The teen accused of killing her son was dead. Sodaro had gotten into a fight with rival gang members, and he was dragged by a car to his death. Nobody has been charged.

Mrs. Ramirez summed up her feelings on Sodaro's death.

"I'm extremely happy. This kid, this guy was a hard-core gang banger," she said recently. "At least now he's not out on the street, able to do what was done to me to another mother. At least he can't kill another now."

She knows some might disapprove of her honesty. She doesn't care.

Unfortunately the trade off was hardly fair. A good kid's life traded for a thug's life. No Mrs. Ramirez, I don't disapprove of your honesty, you have every right to feel that way.

11 - 11 - 11

Thank you to all who have served

DETECTIVE JOE AIRHART

Tribune

CONGRATS TO PRESIDENT PALLOHUSKY

Congratulations to President Pallohusky on a resounding victory for election to another term as President. 677 ballots were sent in, 7 were spoiled as either not signed or from retirees, etc. Leaving 670 (out of 1306 members) valid ballots cast. 17 Sgts did not vote in the Presidential election, leaving a total of 653 valid votes for President (exactly 50% turnout).

Results:

John Pallohusky: 473
Gerry Majerczyk: 180

Good luck to John and the old/new board in contract negotiations. I really have to start studying for that 2010/2011 Lts. test now (and take a handful of ibuprofen for that ass-kicking I just received).

Congratulations again to John.

--Gerry Majerczyk

SO LONG JOE

Detective Joe Airhart died yesterday November 4th as a result of gunshot wounds he suffered in 2001. Leave a reflection at Officer Down Memorial Page.

UPDATE:

Visitation:
Sunday, November 9th; 1500 – 2100 hours

Cage Funeral Home
7651 S. Jeffrey

St. Jude Service at 1900 Hours

Funeral Services:

Monday, November 10th; 0900 to 1100 hours – Final Visitation

Rockefeller Chapel, University of Chicago
5850 South Woodlawn

Mass begins at 1100 hours

Interment at Beverly Cemetery
120th & Kedzie

JOE THE VET

This American Hero, Sgt Joe Cook, is from the Chicago area. The video wasn't produced by a slick advertising firm or funded by any political action committee. No, it was made by a guy who felt it was important to get his message out about the war and the service and sacrifice of our troops.
Thanks Joe

ITS THAT IMPORTANT

Food for thought.

Union News

Via CPSA.PB&PA web site

Contract 2007-2011 Update: 22 October 2008

The last contract negotiation session with the City was on 11 September 08.
At that time the City rejected our latest proposal, which addressed bid positions and
economic issues. The City stood on their previous position citing the current economic
dilemma. The City has proposed the below captioned changes to our contract.

5 year contract
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 continue to meet with our attorneys and advisors in an effort to develop a
proposal that will result in a document that will address the City's concerns, while at the
same time protecting the interests of our members. In addition, we feel that the current
economic proposals by the City are short of being acceptable to our membership.

John Pallohusky
President
Chicago Police Sergeants Association

ELECTION RESULTS

Congrats go out to Retirement Board winners

P.O. Mike Shields

Sgt. Mike Lazarro

Lt. James Maloney

ELECTIONS

A sergeant member will be selected this Thursday, October 23 for the Police Retirement Board. Ballots should have already been returned. Any ballot received after 9:00 am on the 23rd will not be accepted.

Good Luck to candidates Lazzaro and Voight.

We also received ballots for the 2008 elections for the 2009-2011 term CPSA, PB&PA.
The candidates for president are the incumbent, John Pallohusky and challenger Gerry Majerczyk.

Five candidates are vying for the four positions for Director-At-Large.
Debra DeYoung
Nancy Higgins
Michael Lazzaro
Michael Burke
Thomas Motzny

Ballots must be received by 8 November.

PROTEST AGAINST BETTER ARMED POLICE

A couple of media outlets have covered the "outcry" by a small group of teenages over the departments plan to train and qualify officers to carry the M4 Carbine.
ABC7 uses an AP source on its web site.

Young people opposed to arming Chicago police officers with military assault rifles rallied at Chicago Police headquarters.

A group called the 'Live in Peace Campaign' says they delivered to Weis 5,000 signatures opposing the idea

The Chi-Town Daily News contributes this gem.

A group of about 40 protestors from the Southwest Youth Collaborative chanted slogans like “Stop the war on the poor, no more M4s” outside of Chicago Police headquarters before the meeting, holding up signs as they paced in a large circle.

So that's what this is all about, "a war on the poor". Give me an f-ing break! You blame us for not preventing the innocent from being victims. You second guess us when we come across an armed offender who intends to do us harm and we stop him. Now you want to hamstring our abilities to defend ourselves and the citizens of this city against an ever increasing violent criminal element that is motivated by the drug trade. Why aren't you protesting the GDs, Stones, 4 Corner Hustlers, CVLs, SGDs, Dragons and Kings?

And here comes the best of all.

David Stout, 19, who lives in Lincoln Park, came to the meeting with a group of friends all concerned about police having M4s in their arsenal.
“It would generate such an atmosphere of fear that safety would be unattainable in the city,” Stout says.

Would you be afraid up in Lincoln Park David? You keep fighting for that "social justice" David. Why don't you and your friends take a walk along Chicago Ave between Pulaski and Cicero or on Roosevelt between Kedzie and Pulaski or Ashland from 51st to 87th. I'm sure you and your do-good friends would feel right at home. Actually, you would probably welcome the sight of a policemen or at least wished you had your own M4.

RETIREE HANDGUN NEWS

From the update web page at FOP Lodge 7

Retired police officers were given the right to carry concealed weapons by virtue of Federal legislation commonly referred to as H.R. 218. The City of Chicago initially denied this right to retired officers who wanted to purchase new weapons or to those officers who moved into the City as their weapons could not be registered in the City.

On Wednesday, October 8th, the City Council did the right thing and enacted an ordinance that ensures that retired officers have the ability to enjoy the rights given to them by H.R. 218. Please view the newly enacted ordinance MCC 8-20-050.

With or without this ordinance retirees had every right to be in possession of a handgun as granted by Public Law 108-277 (Law Enforcement Safety Act of 2004).

MIKE IS FINALLY FREE

The Iowa AG took a pass on appealing the Appellate Courts ruling finding in favor of Mike Mette. Read More.

WELCOME HOME MIKE

Chicago cop's acquittal in Iowa fight is long overdue, but appreciated
John Kass
11:42 AM CDT, October 1, 2008

Great news from baseball-loving Iowa:

Chicago Police Officer Michael Mette, wrongly convicted and railroaded into five years in prison for the crime of self defense, will be getting out of prison soon.

The Iowa Court of Appeals, in its ruling posted early Wednesday, reversed Mette's conviction and ordered sentencing Judge Monica Ackley to acquit him.

The appeals panel said the court had no business discounting the self-defense argument. Mike threw just one punch in self defense after he'd been repeatedly attacked by an angry drunk with a blood-alcohol content of 0.27 percent.

Continued

Police Officer Nathaniel Taylor, Jr., Star #7322

2 to 9 p.m. Thursday at Blake-Lamb Funeral Home, 4727 W. 103rd St. in Oak Lawn.

St. Jude at 7 p.m.

The funeral will be 10 a.m. Friday at St. Bede the Venerable Roman Catholic Church, 8300 S. Kostner.

Rest In Peace Friend.

CENTRAL DIVISION CHAMPS

102 years since these two were in the post season at the same time.

OFFICER DOWN

Chicago, IL. --
A Chicago Police officer remained in “very critical” condition Sunday afternoon after being shot by a convicted felon as police attempted to execute a search warrant on the Southeast Side. The suspect was also critically wounded in the shooting.

thoughts and prayers

Update: Officer Nathaniel Taylor Jr. was pronounced dead at Advocate Christ Hospital at 6:02 p.m. Sunday.

THATS NOT THE HALF OF IT!

FOP FOR McCAIN

This from the FOP Grand Lodge website

FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE ENDORSES MCCAIN!!!
Nominee has the “full support” of the nation’s largest police labor organization

“Senator John McCain is a proven leader with a clear record of support for the men and women who put their lives on the line–just as he did–to defend our communities and our nation,” Canterbury said. “I am proud to offer the Senator our endorsement today and I look forward to working with the McCain Administration over the next four years.”

THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS

My thoughts and prayers are with those innocent children.

Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act of 2004

On 22 July 2004, President George W. Bush signed H.R. 218, the "Law Enforcement Officers' Safety Act," into law. The Act, now Public Law 108-277, went into effect immediately.
The bill exempts qualified active and retired law enforcement officers from local and State prohibitions on the carrying of concealed firearms.

This story from the Salt Lake Tribune, Salt Lake City, Utah

Off-duty Chicago cop shoots 'random' attacker in Orem

An off-duty Chicago police officer shot a suspect who stabbed a man, apparently at random, outside an Orem restaurant, police say.
Both the stabbing victim and the suspect were in stable condition at separate hospitals as of late Saturday morning. They're names have not been disclosed.
About 8 a.m. Saturday, a Boise man and his girlfriend were leaving the International House of Pancakes at 850 W. 1250 South. In the parking lot, Orem police said, a 33-year-old man approached the couple and somehow startled them. The man apologized, then began attacking the Boise man with a pair of scissors, police said.
An off-duty police officer saw the attack and went to help. The officer drew his gun and ordered the suspect to drop the weapon, police said. But when the suspect made another move to stab the victim, police said, the officer fired.
The shot wounded the suspect but he tried to run away, Orem police said. The off-duty officer apprehended him. The stabbing victim suffered wounds to his head, neck and arm, police said.
Police said the suspect was a stranger to the couple and may suffer from psychological ailments.
The off-duty officer was in Utah to provide instruction, Orem police said.

Great job officer! A common sense law that saved a life.
Also watch the video from KSL TV News.

WEST SIDE THUGS

It appears that some in our ranks would rather give the benifit of doubt to a felon charged with a double murder than to our own detectives.

Looks like proud Fillmo Trooper was right after all. Looks like we have to get back to work and do the investigation correctly. Maybe its time for A4VC to step aside and let the Federal Bureau of Investigation handle the case. Our CPD officers are starting to lose a lot of credibility with this years multiple arrests of coppers.It seems like this year a majority of the coppers that have been arrested were M/2s. When I see a M2 Police Officer coming my way I am afraid. Whats up with that?

F1 SGT 006 District

Wed Sep 10, 11:48:00 AM

Really sarge? You ought to ashamed of yourself! Was it bad detective work or just a case of west side thugs getting away with murder due of witness intimidation?

Two teenage girls have been charged with beating a female witness in the murder case of a Chicago Police officer and a social worker, authorities said Thursday.

The witness was beaten at least twice on the West Side, and police said they are now keeping a close watch on her, sources said.

Sources told the newspaper witnesses began recanting their accounts, fearing retaliation. Austin’s attorney David Wiener also pointed out that Austin’s maroon Buick Regal — the vehicle allegedly used in the shooting — was in a repair shop a day before shooting and was still there several hours after the crime.

And sarge don't think for a minute I'm going to give you a platform to spew your bullshit. If you want a forum for that then create your own blog. By the way more than a few commenter's put a name to your comments. I choose to delete them because the name may be wrong but either way I'm protecting your anonymity

NEVER FORGET

DNA

From the FOP Lodge 7 website:

NEW DNA POLICY 09/04/08

The department has a form that they will want you to sign so that they can buccal swab you for a DNA sample. We have been negotiating over this issue with IPRA and the City attorney for the past six months. Our concerns are many, including but not limited to, whether or not your DNA samples will be put into CODIS? Will DNA be taken only when police are involved in a shooting, or will it be used whenever the department feels like using it? If you do not touch an offender’s weapon will the department still take your DNA? The department form states “I understand that these samples will be presented to the Illinois State Police Forensic Center, or other appropriate laboratories for analysis.” We don’t even know where your DNA sample will be sent. There are many other questions which need to be answered, but the department apparently does not want to provide any answers.

There are two very important points:

1. We have been in talks with the City and their attorney and we have never agreed to anything related to DNA testing with respect to our officers. Now the department backdoors the union and hopes to trick you into signing a form voluntarily.

2. If the department wants a DNA sample from an offender they have to go to court and get a court order for that sample to be taken. They must prove to the Judge that there is a need for that sample. This department will not give us the same rights that an offender has?

Do not voluntarily give up your rights, DO NOT SIGN THE FORM. Buccal Swab Consent Form If there is a request for your DNA, call the union immediately. We are on call twenty- four hours a day, seven days a week. We will send you an attorney so that your rights are protected. For the department to circumvent the union and the negotiating process, and ask you to voluntarily sign a form and allow the illegal intrusion, is just another attempt at union busting.

Nothing on our site(PB&PA) concerning this matter.