FOP Speaks
But we aren't sure what they're saying. On one hand, it is reported that they are condemning the rush to judgement (Channel 2 and Channel 7):
- “Because there's such a rush to judgment and because the overplay of something like this actually goes along with the impetus that police officers are guilty until proven innocent,” said Mark Donahue, president of Chicago’s Fraternal Order of Police.
- Donahue says the constant airing of the tape is hurting police morale.
Then on the Tribune website:
- While some rank-and-file officers have objected to Cline's reaction, Donahue sided with the superintendent.
- "The action caught on tape and the action taken by a captain at Area 5 [the Grand Central Area] are indefensible," he said.
Doesn't that seem like a rush to judgement on the Captain? Almost every single instance we've seen typed here says that the media was (A) parking illegally, which we've just received how many hours of roll call remonstrations about and (B) violating the security of the station, which is the Captain's responsibility.
Now we're also hearing that it was the judge who ordered the indicted softball to be shifted out a rear door? Since when has CPD ever run security for the courts? Never in our memory - County is very territorial, as they should be since they bear the ultimate responsibility should someone escape custody from the courts. And why shouldn't CPD control access to it's own parking lots?
More facts please. It seems this decision is going to bite a lot of brass in the ass.
Now we're also hearing that it was the judge who ordered the indicted softball to be shifted out a rear door? Since when has CPD ever run security for the courts? Never in our memory - County is very territorial, as they should be since they bear the ultimate responsibility should someone escape custody from the courts. And why shouldn't CPD control access to it's own parking lots?
More facts please. It seems this decision is going to bite a lot of brass in the ass.
Labels: department issues, scandals
posted by SCC at 12:03 AM
51 Comments:
I watched Donahue on 2; he said that there's been enough play of the bar tape, thats its overplay and that its hurting the street rank & file. Im not a fan of him but thats what he said. He looked like union boss for a change!!!
There's a new general order coming out folks and it ain't good. Here's a small portion of it.
"Each department member will be issued one department authorized "bulls-eye" that will be attached to the back of the members outer garment. Said "target" is to be worn at all times even while off-duty....."
It then goes on to say..."No exempt member shall wear above referenced "target" at any time. Exempt members shall instead be issued one CPD authorized "Alfred E. Newman" pin with the phrase "What, me worry?" in bold type. Said pin will be worn in lieu of any department award...."
Further in the order it gets more technical but in one section entitled "Blame and accountability" it reads...."Exempt members shall be issued ten (10) 8 1/2 x 11 inch placards with phrase "Indict Me!" printed on it in bold lettering. Said "scape goat" cards will be issued by exempt members to any department member below the rank of sergeant who embarrasses the exempt member or the department for any reason... said scape goat card shall be affixed to the affected members outer garment and said member shall immediately report to the State's Attorney's office for prosecution."
The issue isn't whether or not the media parked illegally, but whether or not they were forced into that situation by the police.
Media have a job to do: it isn't to make the police look good, or to make them look bad ... it's to report what is happening for the people. As many journalists believe in that call to arms probably proportionally to that number of police that truly believe they are protecting the defenseless.
What astounds me is the superstition that is common amongst police. The media will protect the police from bad situations, but you have to trust them and be honest. If you try to lie, they're going to know it instantly -- just as when police know a criminal is lieing.
For starters, the Illinois police should drop the entire, "I can't talk about that, you gotta talk to the captain" bull shit because the media knows police can comment --- they aren't drones.
In my daily job, I've found it amazingly easier to deal with the Kentucky police than any police unit in Illinois, be it Chicago, rural community or state police.
Even when I was putting out an Amber Alert I got the run around by police. That's shameful.
11:35 PM
Thank you for sharing, Mark!
Come on...roll over FOP....goooood FOP.
The 25th dist fiasco,was legit. The news media thinks they can park anywhere they please, the tickets issued were legit, vehicles were parked in handicap spaces and vehicles were blocking entrance locations. They have non-suited all the citations issued, this gentlemen will set a very bad precedent. The media can bully the police anytime they want to break the law. By demoting this Capt. every boss in the city will be afraid to confront the media, because the same may happen to them. What has happened to this job? All I can do is pray.
Kudos to Donahue, to bad he was a too week late!!!
My morale and the morale of most coppers on the street is already shot. The union needs to step up to the plate or we need a new union leadership. I believe Donahue is truly devoted to helping patrolmen (i.e.lobbying pension issues down in Springfield) but he can't forget about what is happening to the P.O.'s on the street. Coppers are so disgusted about coming to work, it is not enjoyable for anyone anymore. Donahue's administration needs to find a way to help morale and don't look to the department bosses for any help!!!
I have no idea where to start. I am disgusted by every thing that has happened in the last week from that horrid tape that the media will not stop playing to how the brass will solve all the problems by rushing to judgement, and some of the comments on this blog. I want the media and every single person that is not the police that reads this blog site to understand that the REAL POLICE which is 99.9% of us condemn the actions of officers that have no respect for the oath that we took when we became police officers. The only officers that will be hurt by this media witch hunt are the police officers who go out and serve the public everyday. I just think as most police that the brass do not stand up for the rank and file and just say what the media wants. (i.e. 025 dist captian and officers) If you thought the capitan of 025 wanted to protect that jag then you are not the police. That came from somewhere else.
I as most officers have lost friends on this job who died serving this city proudly and sadly we will lose more. It hurts me to think that the actions of the few hurt all of us. This may be a bad time for the police but don't forget we are the ones that keep this city together. How many people's lives did we save tonight and how many people can go to bed knowing we are just a phone call away. This is what the REAL POLICE do, not the brass and the dogs but the 99.9% of us that serve this city proudly.
from now on when ever there is any police action to be taken, call PHIL and ask if it is ok, this way there is only one person to point the finger at when the media blitz starts. MAN LAW
the donahue speech was like watching a shell game "wha did he say" this was the 3rd time since being elected that he has spoken on t.v.
as your newly elected fop pres.and supt. I SAY LETS GO TO THE BAR AND BOOST OUR MORALE.
ok guys here is the scoop. the media hates us for the 68 democratic convention.
The media has a righ to the story, but does that give them the right to do what they want. Maybe we should have cut them a break so they could have gotten it right. Cook county let him slide out, and secondly, stay out of police lots. We need more of that done anyhow, people wandering throughout "secured" facilities.
Donahue looked like a union boss for a change!!!
And what union might that be. FOP IS NOT A UNION!
The union needs to step up to the plate or we need a new union leadership.
We need a Union period. FOP is not a union.
I believe Donahue is truly devoted to helping patrolmen,,LAUGHING MY ASS OFF!!
Donahue's administration needs to find a way to help morale ... yea and he and the other FOP money mongrils can start by getting us a descent contract.
To the Media Guy...........
Your job does not include interfering in Police business.......and by the way most of the public doesn't believe half the shit you write anyway....actually your credibility is far worse than the CPD......don't lie to you??? Yeah okay how about how you twist and cut the facts to suit your take on a situation...there is no unbiasd media...........there is only you assholes chasing the story.............
3/29/2007 12:04:00 AM
For starters, the Illinois police should drop the entire, "I can't talk about that, you gotta talk to the captain" bull shit because the media knows police can comment --- they aren't drones.
__________________________________
Hey goof ball. We have written directives called General Orders that we have to follow or we will get punished. We cannot talk to the media on-duty without permission from our commanding officer. GFY.
Good job Mark! Finally "Mark has spoke in Chicago". Now we are all media targets! Just read todays scum-times article on the second bar incidnet turns out the yuppie assholes that got their asses handed to them were taughting a officer who's father just died calling the officer a "PUSSY" for crying over his Father's death! HMM guess they are no innocent just a bynch of pussies who got a deserved beat down, the coppers fucked up by not arresting all of them then this would of been a non-issue!
Moron said:
Media have a job to do: it isn't to make the police look good, or to make them look bad ...
Well police have a job to do as well. Write parking violators is one of them. Doing what the judge tells them is another. The 25 district Captain was doing his job of maintaining order in his station. Why was this even a story?
Moron also said:
For starters, the Illinois police should drop the entire, "I can't talk about that, you gotta talk to the captain" bull shit because the media knows police can comment --- they aren't drones.
Police can comment, if they want to get fired. That is why we have "spokespeople". We isnt smart like them. So call them for comments.
to 12:04-
how can you be forced into a situation by the police to park illegally? every time i go downtown, i am "forced" into a situation that i have to park illegally by the thousands of cars that are already parked in all the legal spots. thanks to the story in the sun times, i now get tickets for that kind of thing! the bosses say we have to park legal, even if it means walking a few extra blocks.
also, get a copy of the general orders. there's one in there that states that we are not authorized to speak to the media. anything we say has to be cleared by above. maybe it's different in kentucky, but that's the way it is here...
Im am a retired PO, I have a severe handicap, if I saw a news truck, or any vehicle in a handicap spot, there would be hell to pay, as bad as I ever was, I never took a handicap spot, I try not to do it now, if I feel I can make it to where I want to go.
Nothing bad on Donahue, but he is starting to resemble a Saint Benard, talk about hangdog. When I got sick, going down fast, I called FOP in regards to my opt
ions, I was expected to die, FLOP did zip for me, zero, cero, nada, dont get me going on FOP. I saw the St. Benard at a fundraiser and I was going to unload, but I opted to be respectful, which is more consideration than I was shown.
Look at the good things guys, swim out of this, for us its all we got and it can only sink so low. One more thing, yesterday I saw a know thief stalking the neighborhood. I called 022 and talked to a young tact copper, he was a great guy, took detailed info, and from that he knew who I was talking about. Kudos to that young man, you sir are a pro and im glad your here. God bless you all
To: 12:04 AM
"The issue isn't whether or not the media parked illegally, but whether or not they were forced into that situation by the police"
Wasn't this at the court branch in Area 5 at Grand and Central. They could have parked across the street at one of the very large parking lots in Hannsen Park.
But they are so special, one of the crew would have had to walk a little bit more. That's also where many of the defendents park.
What happened to the tickets they were issued and was there an apology for parking in a handicapped space?
Strange but true...I have been on many scene where the media have shown up. At the scenes which many times has shown the Police in a very positive or heroic light, those same media vehicles where parked all over the place, mostly illegally or in some violation of some posted signs. If the police are able to over look the issue of illegally parked vehicles when the media is giving them an atta boy, it on fair that if the media is biting off a piece of the Police collective asses, the same negligence to duty should be expected or is it they only get a pass when we look good.
Hell between Anna nicole smith and the Police beating tapes being run ever half hour on the hour, the beating became a breath of fresh air. Ain't it funny how so many coppers get all weepy eyed and multi cultural when their peers and theirselves are held up to a unrelenting media. Usally they get on blogs similars to this one and paint an entire group from a minority as animals, beasts and what ever the monthly key word of identification might be. Now that they are being painted with that same broad paint brush,that they themselves use so well, we get all of this righteous indignation
i'm surprise greg bella doesn't have something to say. he's a good guy and actually was the police.
My story some years back M.B was a street Lt. in 25. At the time I received a CR# from a Lt. who was a W/C south side dist. his daughter had been parking her vehicle every day in a handicap spot that belonged to a family that had a severely handicap 14 year old who weighted 110 pounds and had to be carried to and from the veh. I had given his daughter numerous chances. such as knocking on her door, running out of tickets etc you get the picture. enough already after the 4th call I wrote the vehicle.The next day I got a CR# From the LT, W/C However Lt M.B from 25 told me when you write the to from report make that White shirt look like an ass and I will sign it. (I did my best) first time and last time I have had a white shirt do the right thing. M.B From 25 a good guy
The issue isn't whether or not the media parked illegally, but whether or not they were forced into that situation by the police.
Media have a job to do: it isn't to make the police look good, or to make them look bad ... it's to report what is happening for the people. As many journalists believe in that call to arms probably proportionally to that number of police that truly believe they are protecting the defenseless.
What astounds me is the superstition that is common amongst police. The media will protect the police from bad situations, but you have to trust them and be honest. If you try to lie, they're going to know it instantly -- just as when police know a criminal is lieing.
For starters, the Illinois police should drop the entire, "I can't talk about that, you gotta talk to the captain" bull shit because the media knows police can comment --- they aren't drones.
In my daily job, I've found it amazingly easier to deal with the Kentucky police than any police unit in Illinois, be it Chicago, rural community or state police.
Even when I was putting out an Amber Alert I got the run around by police. That's shameful.
3/29/2007 12:04:00 AM
Look dummy, until you at least understand what your talking about shut the fuck up.
The CPD didn't force the media to park illegally. The lots in the stations are for POLICE ONLY. There are signs on every CPD lot representing this. If you enter that lot, you have just trespassed.
Also the back entrance, which the media would have used, into said stations are also for POLICE only. Enter through this doorway, and you
have trespassed. That being said parking is available on every street. If your precious self decides to violate the law as the media did, you pay the price, just like Abbate.
CPD members, per general orders, cannot comment on any issue in an official capacity unless authorized to do so.
You seem to be ignorant to the fact that the media thrives on scandal, it sells. The very same reason you have become so enraged and chosen to thump your bird chest and sound off on internet sites. The media will hangs the police out to dry every time. By the nature of their profession sensationalism is their job, not facts, it is what gets YOUR ATTENTION. You are a drone, you accept what is given to you by a scandal seeking media, and accept it as fact.
Oh, I forgot you know about being the police because you issue AMBER alerts. Walk a step in our shoes and you'll realize what a fool you are.
Just a little of advice, pull your head out of you ass. Look around,
it's a lot brighter out here, and it smells better.
To 3/29/07 3:52 AM, I agree 100%. That was one of the most articulate and thoughtful posts I've read.
As for our union, sadly disappointed. They are either doing a very poor job or not at all -- take your pick. Issues continue to build and none of them are being resolved. Residency, wages, social security (for those who held previous jobs) comp time, manpower, officer safety....the list goes on. I propose we dissolve this union and do what corporations do, retain independant lawyers to represent us. What do you think?
LET ME GET THIS STRAIGHT....WE GOT TAKEN TO THE SHED AND GOT REEMED OVER ILLEGAL PARKING AND YOUR SQUAD CAR TOWED AND OD COPPERS PARKING IN HADICAPPED SPACES, ETC... BUT NOW IT'S OK FOR THE MEDIA TO PARK IN HANDICAPPED SPACES OR IN TOW ZONES THEN HAVE THEIR TICKETS NON SUITED....WHAT'S WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE? NEXT TIME THE W/C ASKS ABOUT YOUR PARKERS ACTIVITY, TELL HIM THEY WERE ALL MEDIA VIOLATORS!!!
Will Donahue survive the next FOP election?
I can't wait to vote that asshole Dohnague(sp) out along with everyone else in FLOP!!!!!
thanks FOP you did us a big favor (Sigh)
For starters, the Illinois police should drop the entire, "I can't talk about that, you gotta talk to the captain" bull shit because the media knows police can comment --- they aren't drones.
********
We have General Orders on speaking with the media. You cannot speak to them without consent of a higher up. You need permission!
As far as speaking to them regarding an open investigation or revealing info on that investigation, not possible. We will be disciplined/fired for that.
For starters, the Illinois police should drop the entire, "I can't talk about that, you gotta talk to the captain" bull shit because the media knows police can comment --- they aren't drones.
--
YA RIGHT! Try explaining to the Captain why you are so important and knowledgable.
The one thing that the media and citz in general do not understand is that the police has a quazi-military structure.
We have boesses and they can give orders that we have to obey. They can also make our lives very difficult.
Understand?
For starters, the Illinois police should drop the entire, "I can't talk about that, you gotta talk to the captain" bull shit because the media knows police can comment --- they aren't drones.
In my daily job, I've found it amazingly easier to deal with the Kentucky police than any police unit in Illinois, be it Chicago, rural community or state police.
Even when I was putting out an Amber Alert I got the run around by police. That's shameful.
3/29/2007 12:04:00 AM
hmmmm, here's a thought maybe if you didn't slander us at every opportunity you get your hands on and report some positive things about the police once in a while the reactions of police officers might be different. YOU THINK?? Also, I have a few buddy's of mine that work for Louisville Metro in KY and guess what???? Their local news channel are very PRO POLICE. Last time I watched the news or picked up the Tribpuke or Scumtimes was years ago for that reason.
SCC is my news channel!
Just a little of advice, pull your head out of you ass. Look around,
it's a lot brighter out here, and it smells better.
3/29/2007 01:42:00 PM
-----------------------------------
LOL!!! U are funny.
Would any of you vote for a patrol guy with no degree running for fop president? I mean look at Donohue, all of the credentials but none of the FEELING of being the middle class working man. For all of you thinking of telling me you knew when you signed up for the job blah blah blah...let me tell you this. When I signed on there was no college requirement. I was told I had a change for promotion. Then it all changed AFTER I was on the job for a few years. There are other things that changed as well. Many of the bosses have no degree so I think it is time for change. Someone, not me needs to run against Donahue. Don't be afraid just because you don't have all of the great credentials, what good has it done you so far that he has them? It's time for the working man to take over. Someone please do it and when they do, please vote for him based on the enthusiasm and desire to help YOU and not help THEMSELVES and the machine.
Look at the good things guys, swim out of this, for us its all we got and it can only sink so low. One more thing, yesterday I saw a know thief stalking the neighborhood. I called 022 and talked to a young tact copper, he was a great guy, took detailed info, and from that he knew who I was talking about. Kudos to that young man, you sir are a pro and im glad your here. God bless you all
3/29/2007 10:27:00 AM
You forgot to mention the Kid is the son of a policemen recently released from jail
whether or not they were forced into that situation by the police. Media have a job to do: it isn't to make the police look good, or to make them look bad ... it's to report what is happening for the people.
********************************
Then why on a police shooting do they grab the most ignorant s.o.b. out of the crowd knowing that most likely they werent even there when it occurred? They then lead the news with biased headlines like police shoot and kill a southside teenager. But yea, you want to be our friends...lol.
And as far as being forced to park illegally, give me a break you bunch of hypoctrites. I hear different excuses everyday about why someone has to park illegally and they are all b.s.. Park and walk like everyone else is supposed to do, like you now expect us to do when responding to calls after your big expose' about one idiot copper parking in a handicapped spot. And some are complaining about not getting tickets when they are covering pro-police stories as opposed to their usual anti-police rhetoric? You are a bunch of fools. Ok then, I will ticket you when you are doing those too. But as that is a rare occasion you dont have to worry about that too much.
A Captain, known to be a loose cannon, and often feared to be certain to hurt an innocent someone, sooner or later, has acomplished the extremely rare feat of hurting his innocent self.
My empathy is somewhat diminished by first hand knowledge of history.
Saw Donahue on T.V. he looks like one of the "Beavis & Butthead" characters!
ftobob025 for fop president. Couldn't ask for a better choice, hey Bobby put your hat in the ring and bring about change. I know you'll surround yourself with the right people, and I don't see you selling out. Your old carpool leech.
TELL FOP-NO CONFIDENCE VOTE FOR CLINE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
First of all anyone voted to represent us in FOP should not get paid more. They should keep the same salary they would be as a P.O. Why because they should be proud that their fellow officers had enough faith to vote them into office. They should want to represent their fellow officers with pride to promote our interest without political agenda or bias.
Most people earn their pay....how bout it FOP clowns!
i'm surprise greg bella doesn't have something to say. he's a good guy and actually was the police.
3/29/2007 12:19:00 PM
The key word is WAS. He is now a good little circus dog who will not make waves. Guy is nothing but a has been drunk just like the rest of the FOP. Guy couldn't help himself, let alone anyone else.
Donohue is a tool of Dept. Brass and City Hall. He doesn't do ANYTHING pro-working P.O's unless he gets so much heat that he absolutelt has to. Lets get a real Union, NOW!
don't let this go away we did nothing wrong in 025... the media is wrong
ftobob025 for fop president?????
He can't stop talking about himself how is he going to help others. If he was 1/2 as good as he thinks he is, he would be supt. by now. Believe me, lets not start feeding bob some more ego juice.
Hopefully the officers in 025 show up to the next union meeting. Voice your concerns. Bella came from 025. He should be officers from 025 advocate for FOP. Speak out Greg! Don't be Donahue's lackey.
Get your camcorders boys and girls, lets' start filming the media breaking the law...shit talks when it's on film or photo.
<< Home