Is This Job All That?
We recently received a letter in the comments section asking us not to post the actual content of the thread, but to ask us a number of questions concerning the job.
It seems this person is about to join the force, is slated to enter the Academy shortly, comes from a police family (not CPD) and asks:
It seems this person is about to join the force, is slated to enter the Academy shortly, comes from a police family (not CPD) and asks:
- Is making a career that hard at the CPD?
So we're putting it to you, the readers. Put aside the political BS for a moment and the attacks and the scandals currently rearing their heads. Is it difficult to have a career in the CPD?
We'll say that it's a lot easier to have fun and make it worth your while if you come in without blinders on. Or stars in your eyes. Or expecting anything above a typical civil service job. Some of your best friends and worst enemies can be sitting roll call with you each and every day. You'll meet some of the finest people in the world and few of the worst. Mostly, it's guys and gals trying to make a living and chisel out a little niche for themselves and their families.
What say the readers?
We'll say that it's a lot easier to have fun and make it worth your while if you come in without blinders on. Or stars in your eyes. Or expecting anything above a typical civil service job. Some of your best friends and worst enemies can be sitting roll call with you each and every day. You'll meet some of the finest people in the world and few of the worst. Mostly, it's guys and gals trying to make a living and chisel out a little niche for themselves and their families.
What say the readers?
Labels: open posts
posted by SCC at 12:05 AM
124 Comments:
SCC, I just passed my probation period and I'm uncertain how long I want to stay with the CPD.
I'm constantly weighing the pros & cons of the job. They may differ for everybody but we all know the basics.
And let me tell you, the cons are winning.
I really like the steady check, the pension plan & paid vacation. I didn't have that in my last job. But life isn't about how much money you can make. It may sound gay but I miss weekends & nights with the wife.
Ferris Bueller said it best "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in awhile, you could miss it."
Chik, Chik-a-chik-a...
Join the politically corrupt CPD? Only masochists need apply.
Otherwise...
FOGGEDABOUDIT!
I used to be all about running and gunning.
But with seven years on and the more I see PO's being hung out to dry and charged (not these idiots as of late who deserve it), is it really worth it being an aggressive PO?
After all, the dogass cashes the same check I do and doesn't risk giving up his house or freedom.
TO all the people thinking about CPD:
Go to the suburbs. After all the excitement wears off from working in the ghetto, you are stuck here.
At least in the burbs you can get a nice house, yard, send your kids to public schools, have a dept that backs you, etc.
I am still new on the job with about 2 1/2 years on, and I absolutely love what I do. It matters what district you go to because I have been to two, but really enjoy one better then the other. I look forward to going into work each night, and I couldn't see myself doing anything else.
After this point, DO NOTHING FOR THE NEXT DECADE. Seriously, do nothing. F*ck everyone, F*ck the media, F*ck jessie jackass, F*ck every internet-ordained-M.B.(Make Believe)-minister, F*ck the beat meetings and the bullshit parking complaints because that's what the beat-off meetings are all about. I hope there are 2000 murders this year. 2000 less people feeding off the system. Let this city turn into Detroit. Do you know that houses are selling in Detroit for $5,000-not just the land.
No one will remember that the Chicago PO LICCES killed that a**hole at the Citibank building saving hundreds of lives, just that 7 bungholes f*cked everyone else.
YOUR INVITATION TO ST. JUDE HAS BEEN REVOKED JUST LIKE SOME SH*THEAD’S LICENSE FROM THE WEST- SIDE.
I've always thought that a career law enforcement can be very rewarding...but, given the political nature of Chicago (city government corrupt, exempts and "merit" political appointees), advancement for those who truly deserve and have earned it is tough. I've done my best to steer friends and family away from Chicago, and somewhere else (burbs, out of state, feds, etc.)...
Is it difficult to have a career in the CPD?
Short answer: No.
Long answer: The beauty of our job is this: you can be as active or as lazy as you want to be. If I could give advice to new recruits or anyone considering this job, it would be this:
* use this job to your advantage - go to school, use tuition reimbursement while we have it
* make the job work for you - if you need to be on afternoons or midnights because of your family, find a district/unit that can make this happen
* you will not be on days/2nd watch right out of the academy. accept this. move on. put in your time while still trying to make the job work for you. eventually you will no longer be the last person seniority-wise in the district.
* realize that one person's opinion of a person/boss is not the final and ultimate determination of that person/boss. make as many of those determinations from your own personal experience. let's face it, the boss that i like, you may think is a jagoff. it happens. a lot. with that being said, the expression that that "toes you step on today may be attached to the ass you have to kiss tomorrow" is very true 'round these parts.
Run Forest, run!
Why does this department tow police cars for parking in a handicap parking spot but allow the media to do it? Why does the department blam its officers for something a Judge? Why is this department scared of the media? Don't talk about us badly until you have walked in our shoes!
Can't say that I've carved out much of a career yet with only 2 1/2 years on this job. Still can't afford a house, black leather gloves or hair gel (maybe my next step raise I can get the gel or the gloves), but I've been lucky to have good bosses (on the watch), and I still couldn't picture not doing this. Being one without juice (a copper in 003), I can't say I'm on the fast track, but I've accomplished most of what I've set out to do so far. Much of the department is who you know, not what, but you can still get some good stuff if you put forth the effort. I doubt I'll be the supe, but maybe a sgt or lt eventually, then again maybe not, time will tell. I will say this though, it is important to know for yourself why you do this job, I do it because it is my job and I want to be a good cop. If you're in it for the money/promotions and you don't have some juice, it seems like you best learn to be patient or suck some ass. This job is like any other job with respect to the fact that you won't always love it or hate it, innane shit will come to pass, but only a few of us get to do it. The older coppers got selected out of tens of thousands to do this job.....myself the thousands, no calls, no help, to do this job. It has a lot of bad things to it, CR#'s, possible indictments, possible death or permanent injury, high divorce rates and alcoholism, but it still beats the factories and cubicles I've worked in, hands down. Every job has stupid shit and scrutiny, you just have to be smarter about how you work. Don't know if it helps you, but if you're old enough to test for the job, then you're old enough to make your own decisions.
003RD DISTRICT COPPER (Former Grand Crossing Gunslinger)
FREE RICK KING NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Some of the dumbest people in the city are cops. And they have some of the best jobs also. They have 10 years on the job and can't even run a name to figure out if their tvb is suspended or not. Yet they are assigned to the parks or the caps office.
No.
If you study and are a good test taker, you will get promoted. If you work hard to make your supervisor look good, you will be rewarded. If your supervisor is an idiot, switch sectors, watches, or units. Take advantage of the department's tuition program. Don't eat, drink and breath the job. Try to look for your significant other outside the police department. Don't drink every night. Don't think the world owes you something because you have a star. Put your family first. Follow these simple rules, and you can be one of the lucky few who don't spend their careers demanding things they never earned, complaining about things they were too lazy to change, and cutting their lives short with food, alcohol, steroids, stress etc. It's still a good job-and many of us who post just do so in hopes of making it better.
Its sad to say but with all the nonsense and quality of life issues present on this job....look somewhere else. There are plenty of L.E. angencies out there where you can have fun, make some money and a name for yourself; while still enjoying you life outside work.
I work with a young man who wants to be a Chicago cop. When I asked him why, he said he grew up in the ghetto and is fed up with the gang bangers and crime. He still lives in that area, describing how the people he grew up with are now gangbangers, dealing drugs and in/out of jail. Thta's why he wants to become a cop.
btw: SCC, where is my cyber cake? today is my birthday...
It might depend on what you consider a career.
Law enforcement and the people who work in it, reflect society. As an officer, you'll undoubtly see the good and the bad in our city. You'll be given opportunities such as tuition reimbursement, that many in private industry would appreciate having.
Still, you have to ask yourself what it is about this job or any law enforcement job, that attracts you to a life of civil service. Are you willing to put in the time to successfully pass the physical and educational process? Are you willing to start out at the bottom and do many of the tedious and boring tasks that come with the job, working midnights for a year or two? Are you someone who can take orders?
This job at times can be incredibly stressful, with at least 50% of the stress having a department source. Still, the bad, is outweighed by the good. You will meet some really great people, who are intelligent as well as compassionate.
We aren't all drunks as the media would portray us to be. Most of us don't go straight to the bar after work, but go home to our families and live a normal life. Most of us don't enjoy taking someone's freedom away,but it's part of the job, and we don't pick and choose, the offender(s)made this decision for us. We just uphold their wishes.
99.9% percent of us found it disgusting that someone who took an oath to serve and protect, made a mockery of this oath, and the officers who died upholding it,by getting trashed and beating up a defenseless woman.
So if you choose to have a career in law enforcement, for personal gain, or a belief that you'll be rich, do us all a favor and step away. But if you want a job, that gives you an opportunity to meet some of the best people society has to offer, and a job that gives you a front row seat to the happenings in the world, then come join our ranks.
1st and the 16th.
To murphy40pct:
I agree with you 100%
I'm in my twenty first year on the job and still love going into work every day. The job is what you make of it, once you realize you have no power in decisions that are out of your control.Just like the private sector, the best person doesnt always get the best spot, this is not unique to CPD. Once you realize and accept that, come in to work every day and do the best that YOU can do. I sleep well every night. Good Luck
I worked in a burb first, and for all of you who think it's not political, think again. Try pissing off a boss in a small dept., there is nowhere to hide. How about having to go change a light bulb for a senior. I had to do it among countless other petty non-police related duties. In terms of living in the burbs, remember the shit is everywhere.
Good luck trying to every BUY a house at your rate of pay and with the tax increase. Welcome to the world of renting and bad schools-yes even the private ones.
I am still new on the job with about 2 1/2 years on, and I absolutely love what I do. It matters what district you go to because I have been to two, but really enjoy one better then the other. I look forward to going into work each night, and I couldn't see myself doing anything else.
*********
you must be single and renting.
All stems from the little guy's (Daley)meritiorious/patronage promotion
policy.
M.B never paid his dues and should have never been appointed a Captain.
Fat Phil will retire in shame
just like Matt the Rat.
Fat Phil you should have stepped down months age when you were still fooling everybody (but
the STREET COPS) that you were the greatest thing since white bread.
I am truly disgusted and embarrassed on the non-stop never ending money/drug/gun scandals
from the dirty players on the job including those from SOS,
Narcotic & Tactical/Plainclothes teams.
Join the CPD?
I would have to say NO! I got on in 86, and it was the best blue-collar job you could get.Daley & crew have dismantled this dept. and
ruined it. However every big city PD in this country is f*ked up.
Go get a job where you'll go home happy. Society doesn't want to be
saved.........
If you cannot handle politics, underhanded nonsense, love affairs and clout babies, then for the love of Christ, do not come to 009!
Our current DC has made us all look like pieces of shit. He got caught banging some female pos and now we all gotta suffer?
Fuck Roy Boy!
-009 Days
I got over twenty years now and I still love my job. But like many things, it changes....sometimes for the good, sometimes for the bad.
Merit promotions that are nothing more than clout promotions are one of the bad. A superintendent that has knee jerk reactions (Meeks incident, 025 incident immediately come to mind) are bad.
The job is what you make of it. It can be great, it can suck, but a lot of it depends on you and what you want out of it. For myself, I can't imagine doing anything else in law enforcement. But that's me. I always wanted to be a big city copper and I made it.
Dogasses bring the job down. They make us all look bad, and make our work load heavy. You read some of their comments here on the blogsite. "don't do shit, I'm not doing anything, yada yada yada" they're just dog asses who screw over the public that employs them, and their fellow officers.
Don't let the dogasses bring you down. Do the job right. Be fair to everyone. Don't assume anything. Come clear when you're done, make the arrest, do the report and whatever you do, don't be afraid to make a decision. Sometimes it will be the wrong decision, but make a damn decision.
On a side note, I'd just like to hear the real story from a copper who doesn't talk out of his ass, just what the hell happened in 025 yesterday. If the WC screwed up, don't sugarcoat it. If the media was a bunch of asshats (not unlikely) then spit it out.
Be careful out there.
Making a career is really not that hard, just realize what you are getting into beforehand. If by career you mean getting promoted there is still a slight chance these days of making Det or Sgt even with the merit (CLOUT) and people being given the answers before hand. It is not a bad job, just not the same one I Joined many years ago. My advice, take the job. You can always quit later if you really hate it. Use the tuition reimbursement to your advantage. Get into deferred comp. And Lastly, if you are planing on staying, study your A$$ off for the Detectives test, get made and never take another test on this job again.
There aren't any perks to the job anymore. The brass at 35th/Mich do not have your backs and from what I've seen neither do your co-workers. You are on your own on this decision. All that matters is you STAY OUT OF JAIL!
This is the greatest job in world. I have 5 years on, and I have not had a bad day on this job. It's like any job...it's what you make of it. Yes, I have had dickhead bosses and morons for partners, but that's life in the real world too. Most of the coppers out there want to do a good job, and would not be involved in any scandal.
If your thinking about becoming a Chicago Police Officer, I highly recommend it.
Dont go to the suburbs.Dont fall for the better equipment and training crap,the politics and BS are even worse.
When you work at a typical suburban agency ,lets say 50-100 officers;you have NO WHERE to hide if some golden boy or Boss wants your ass.
You are micro-managed even more in the burbs.There is also no crime in the suburbs,that means your targets of opportunity are soccer moms and the working man(TICKETS QUOTAS)TICKETS TICKETS TICKETS.Your big arrests will be 6-101/6-303 and oooooooohhh a Class C pot pinch.
CPD has many problems(as do most depts,there is NO Shangrila)and it costs more to live here.If I was a single guy,no kids CPD is great and you have plenty of districts to hide in.The age of being a real Cop is over!!
Just sit back,do nothing except answer your calls.Dont be hero.Stay out of the juice babies way,ignore the corruption that will never stop.Just collect that paycheck and pension.STOP CARING!!!
Think about it like this, if you have a college degree why would you waste it?
3/28/2007 12:12:00AM....
If you go to 002 you can work days, and be in plain clothes, all while still being a PPO!
3/27/2007 11:25:00 PM
Agreed! I am a dogass proud of it also! why bust you ass? for what a bullshit meaningless honable mention! do whtever you have to do that is it! Get a job with another dept as this one is steadily taking away benefits the medical is going into the shitter, the days off suck 6 days on blow when your children are young you will not be attending most of their things. every district is short so time due is at a premium we have a fraternal organization not a union! the upside pay is ok, freedom to roam (sorry that is gone thanks to doc bullshit and defined missions and gps)!!
I walked away disgruntled from 15 years of service in the medical field. The insurance companies turned a rewarding profession into a numbers game forcing us to cut back on quality care. I joined the Police dept in 1998 and it was the best job decision I've ever made. This job is what YOU make of it and who you surround yourself with. I wish I felt this rewarded when I was a nurse.
BEING THE POLICE IS A STATE OF MIND NOT A STATE OF BEING. IT IS NOT THE UNIFORM, THE CAR OR THE WEAPONS. IT IS YOUR MIND AND HEART. MOST OF THE PEOPLE WHO ARE THE POLICE NEED TO BE THE POLICE. IT IS A DRIVE TO SEE RIGHT PREVAIL OVER WRONG, TO ALWAYS ROOT FOR THE UNDERDOG, TO GIVE A HELPING HAND WITH NO NEED FOR A THANK YOU.
POLICE WORK LIKE MARRIAGE IS A COMMITTMENT, FEAR AND DOUBT ARE ALWAYS THERE. BUT UNLIKE MARRIAGE, YOU COULD LOVE BEING THE POLICE BUT HATE THE CPD (MANAGEMENT).
IF YOU ARE DOING THIS JOB FOR THE PAY AND BENEFITS,QUIT.
IF YOU ARE DOING THIS JOB BECAUSE YOU FEEL YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE TO SOCIETY AND FEEL PART OF SOMETHING BIGGER,STAY.
AS SOMEONE WITH NO PHONE CALL,A GOOD WORK ETHIC,THE ABILITY TO TAKE ORDERS,COMMON SENSE AND A GOOD SENSE OF HUMOR GOT ME TO BE ASKED(NO TO-FROM) TO BE ON A TACT TEAM.
YOU ARE AT A SPOT RIGHT NOW WHERE YOUR LACK OF EXPERIENCE IS HOLDING YOU BACK FROM FEELING THE WAY YOU THOUGHT YOU SHOULD FEEL ABOUT BEING A COP. GIVE IT TIME,ONE DAY AT A TIME,ONE HEAD AT A TIME.
YOU ARE A CHICAGO POLICE OFFICER.
NO MATTER WHAT IS SAID, THAT TITLE STILL BRINGS INSTANT RESPECT FROM THE LAW ABIDING PEOPLE OF THE WORLD. STICK WITH IT. GOOD LUCK.
its the next best thing since sliced bread.i have been on the cpd for 21 years and its been great.never had a bad day ,made lots of friends,only arrested the guilty.the only reason you see the negativity on the news or in the paper is that our contract negotiations are about to begin and this stuff happens each time,otherwise you'd never hear about it cause it aint no big deal this shit happens everyday, in any bar, anywhere. GOOD LUCK
Anonymous said...
I used to be all about running and gunning.
But with seven years on and the more I see PO's being hung out to dry and charged (not these idiots as of late who deserve it), is it really worth it being an aggressive PO?
After all, the dogass cashes the same check I do and doesn't risk giving up his house or freedom.
3/27/2007 11:25:00 PM
__________________________________
This is a good job, but it comes attached with alot of bullshit. Like the officer who wrote the above statements, the Dept. will leave us out to dry if it has to. Who wants to lose his/her job? One way to avoid getting into this situation is to do the bare minimum. They can't say anything because you're doing what you are suppose to do and your chances of getting into a jam decrease because you're doing nothing more. Its sad because we should probably want to do more, but at what expense? I'm still getting a steady paycheck and the occasional day off with time due. However, morale is low.
Hey, Phat Phil you are quoted in the Sun-times as saying you are "sickened and embarrassed". Don't you think all police officers are embarrassed by your physical presence and how you fulfill a stereotype as a out of shape cop. We're sickened by how you will only take action when the media dictates and will punish a supervisor, who you promoted I might add, for trying to safeguard the station you assigned him to operate.
All is extremely good comments, especially from 12:10 and Murphy40. I am now two years retired and enjoyed the few districts I worked in. Different police dept. than now. You have to undertsand this job is not for real and once you get that... piece of cake. Good salary and benefits, but, not for long if you don't hold the unions feet to the flames. Also,don't over-extend yourself (commen sense) with bills, car payments, etc. Love your family and spend all the quality time you can. It's not all about vacations and having the best car and "stuff". I'm old now, so I guess I'll take my pills, read the paper and take a nap. Remember, it's not all for real.
Face it folks, it's still the greatest show on Earth!
G. LIVERGOOD WISHES HE WAS TALL.
I couldn't have said it better myself 5:02
This is my fifteenth year. Longest job I've ever had. I just got a very nice raise. Last year I took TWO, 21 day furloughs. Sold back 8 days for a check. Got seven extra checks, just for being employed. Worked some special and got even more money. Laughed my ass off for the most part. Some of the things you see, no one would ever believe. As it was summed up best by John Thomas who was a sgt at the time for my psych workshop: you get a front row seat to the greatest show on earth. God bless him. Hold your heads up high, you all still make me proud. (When was the last time you heard a boss say that)?
Everyone see the news w/this suburb
guy that got killed while whale watching?
If he wanted to whale-watch, he could've just stayed home and watched last nites press conference!
SAVE THE WHALES, BUT NOT DINEEN,I MEAN DONAHUE!
If you are politically connected its a great job. If you try to work your way up you will just get shit on by one mistake you make, like locking up Rev kids! Go to suburbs if you are just getting on. When I was in last week of acadamy almost 10 years ago some salty veteran came up to us in hallway and stated "kids morale is at altime low and getting worse remember me saying this" Of course we thought he was full of oldtimer bitter hot air but looking back he was RIGHT! When I saw bosses standing behind Cline I could tell the future is not too bright. When Cline said he wanted coppers involved to be stripped and charged criminally I saw the biggest grin and that piece of shit Chuckie Williams cause he loves fucking coppers, especially m/2 s!!!!! Believe me I know personally.....
Thanks for posting the TRUE (not) story of why the captain was dumped...you're pathetic.
i have worked in the county, a suburb pd and now cpd. cpd by far is better. i know several coppers that use to me suburbs. why is that? cpd pays better than most suburbs, better benifits and more room to do what you want with out juice.i.e:saturation, 06 car, dist tact or gang. i know juice makes it a for sure thing that you will get what you want but if you work you can pave the way for yourself to accomplish things. i will admit that some spots are untouchable without juice but just try to make the best out of it. as far as the residency, where else would you want to live, maywood,bellwood, franklin park, addison, those are no better than 25 or 24. jefferson park, dunning , parts of portage park are better neighbor hoods than most suburbs.
this site is extremely negative. do not bother reading it. most the post are from a bunch of cry babies.
After 24 Yrs. on the job- my advice is stay with it. They promote merit fucks at will-Big headed Malloy making his cousins a Capt. and Cmdr. and merit promoting all his other "boys" to sgt. not to mention Phil's guy be promoted merit(about 1200 on old list) and going to Gang Int? tomorrow. This is after his kid took one of his guns and "accidently" blew his little buddy's head off while mommy ? daddy were who knows where? Yeah-we know!!!!!!!! As phil covers that shit up too-hi bradley!
1 good thang about the motha fuckin poleeeeze beatin peoples at leasst the olympic commitee will see this city is a bunch of thugs run by a lil mayor who be as scandolous as each of these fucks. GO L.A.
Welcome to the CPD.I've had to sit in a squad car with murderers,gang bangers,child molesters,whores,thieves,drunks,racists of every fucking color,wife beaters,shakedown artists,conspiracy theorists,chain smoking gay nazis,brutal steroid apes,arrogant clout queens,cowards,latte sipping yuppies.Wait until the dumbest fucker in your home room gets promoted.Wait until the stupid blow job queen makes detective,and pray the dunce never handles a job involving your family.Clueless supervisors rising all the way to exempt.In this toilet of a department you will see plenty.And try not to get shot,sued,indicted,fired,sent to prison or permanently crippled as a result of this job.
You will learn to have fun. Keep your mouth shut and your eyes open. Don't let the circus annoy you; but really enjoy the clowns. Not every day will be stellar. Never get to down on yourself. Remember, you can't save the world. Always think of your family, friends, and future. Go home safe every night.
I grew up in the burbs...far far away burbs, not a boarder town. My advice is this...go to a burb. I knew there was residency, but I had NO idea how much it REALLY costs to live here...figure rising tax, private school being many grand a child, 100 city sticker, and this quickly becomes a sour deal. I had fun for a few years here, sure, but Ive been biding my time till retirement with only around 10 years on...not good. Ive been looking at some burbs...try some larger cities if you want action....Elgin, Aurora etc... This place is corrupt, expensive, and unprofessional.
I can say that I live by the motto, "life is what you make of it". I came on this job with the hopes of a steady job, a good pay check, the opportunity to see and do something different everyday and I can honestly say that I have not been disappointed. I don't go out everyday thinking that I am going to save the world or that I am going to be the supe one day. I go to work everyday with the hopes of doing my job the best that I can, that I'll do the right thing and that I will get home safe every night to my family. I think that if you are realistic coming onto this job and see it for what it is you will have a good career and the job will "be all that".
OFF TOPIC: T-SHIRTS AND HOODED SWEATSHIRTS FOR SALE.
T-SHIRTS $10 SWEATSHIRTS $15
ALL COLORS / SIZES
FRONT READS: WHY DID GOD CREATE FILLMORE RANGERS???
BACK READS: "SO THE REST OF THE COPPERS CAN HAVE SOMEONE TO LOOK UP TO"
It appears that even if you walk the straight and narrow day in and day out, the slightest slip could cause you to tumble down the mountain. Unless you know someone, climbing back up would be next to impossible. I may be a "college-educated-three-year-wonder" but I have enough sense to see when the shit is going to hit the fan. I fear that the slightest accusation of impropriety from a less-than-credible source is going to cause me to loose my job. I'm seriously debating renting a HUGE billboard off the expressway and posting some kind of message to the exempts. Perhaps i'll add a little line about Fred Hampton Jr. Of course i'll do this all by proxy and set up an anonymous paypal donation account. Anyone interested?
3/28/2007 12:12:00 AM
Amen to you sir- great post. You can STILL run and gun- you just have to really know your shit (i.e. laws and general orders) to make it work for you. The only thing I ask of other officers-- lazy or not-- is to make sure to help a fellow officer when needed and-- within reason of course. The above does not apply to Abbate-types and their ilk.
Just go to work, do your jobs, write a few tickets and go home. Leave the job at the station and stay out of taverns. Just have fun with your family. Oh, and stay away from problem or troubled cops at your station. Been doing it for 14 years.
You think CPD is all political B.S.??? Try joining the corporate world! Same shit my friend and you can get let go at a drop of the hat! Where as CPD you have to do something EXTREMELY STUPID to be let go!
Try getting promoted in the suburbs, same political bullshit but less spots and if you piss someone off, you can't just go to another district!
No, the job isn't all that. It is a job, and nothing more. As a P.O. you go out and do your job as best you can while trying to avoid getting hurt, your partner hurt, or jammed up. Still, despite everything, some people still depend on us. We are the cavalry to them. Yes, and some hate us too. Regardless, let us, no matter how the City may hang some of us out to dry, or how some P.O.s may shame us commit to doing our best under these trying times. And if we go down in flames, so be it.
I could write a book in response to those young folks considering a career with the CPD.
Above all, it depends on the (diminished?) expectations of the prospective officer. To this day, I proudly consider police work the very highest of callings--protecting the innocent and putting away the muthafuckers.
I was third-generation CPD. After graduation from college, my late CPD captain father was outraged that I had secretly taken the entrance exam. ("You rotten cocksucker! I sent you away for four years of college--for what? You might be book smart but you're one dumb sonofabitch! Didn't you ever hear of computers or plastics?")
So after participating in civil rights marches while at school, my first three years on the job was a baptism under fire--a beat car in of all places, Fillmo', during the most tumultuous times in CPD history. A genuine mind-fuck for this once liberal college boy.
While I rarely wrote parking tickets and never made bullshit arrests just for weed, etc., I had an affinity and passion for constantly locking up Part I felons, often in "on view" encounters. Then and later in the Detective Division, I found locking up the bad guys as a distant second to great sex. Clearing an unsolved "mystery" homicide was the ultimate.
The mere notion of having to work in a slow district, even inside a fast house, let alone the suburbs, would bore me to tears. I thrived on the non-stop action in the hellholes of the big city. While always cautious, I craved the adrenalin rush of being "the REAL PO-leese" (that expression started in 011 in the violent, riot-torn '60's). I'll never forget the camaraderie and support of my brother coppers and bosses while working 011.
Even if I were independently wealthy, I so loved the job and the personal satisfaction it gave me, I'd do it gratis. If society is divided into "sheep, wolves and sheepdogs", I was born to be the latter. I would have joyfully spent the remainder of my thirty year career in the Detective Division. The challenges and going to work were actually fun.
I've been blessed in that while always a street copper and despite several close-calls, I never was forced to shoot anyone (a partner did; he saved our lives). Yet, on most streetstops in 011, my weapon was visibly drawn at my side in contrast to my smiling, respectful demeanor with potential cop-killers and bad guys. The tacit message was clear. If everything checked out, I would not hesitate to apologize for inconveniencing the occupants before cutting them loose.
Contrast my experiences with a lone sergeant who rationally perceived a threat and drew his weapon, only to be excoriated by command because the asshole turned out to be one James Meeks. Then again, this officer actually had the temerity to emphasize to the occupants to "stay in the fuckin' car" as he awaited back-up. A reprimand, my ass! Keep it real, you empty-holstered, desk jockeys!
Don't even get me started on the "politically correct" cowards of the media. Even Pravda was more forthcoming.
I was further blessed to have some of the sharpest, street-wise partners, most with only a high school diploma.
Now more on the downside:
While clout was always there in the CPD to some degree, I foolishly believed that my job performance spoke for itself in terms of assignments and advancement. I eschewed any demeaning notion of becoming a suckhole. It just wasn't in me. I still regard "police" sycophants with utter contempt.
Take this to the bank, kid. If you think this job is on the legit, you are an imbecile. It's ALL insurmountable POLITICS, intRAdepartmental, intERdepartmental or both. Most brass never "paid their dues" and couldn't make a patch on a REAL copper's ass.
Even the few bosses that I truly respected had to "play the clout game" to a certain extent.
In hindsight, Dad may well have had sound advice. It's been a great ride despite all this insufferable "merit", Kool-Aid guzzling bullshit and the occasional sociopathic bosses. Regardless of ethnicity or gender, the politically-connected can be shamelessly appointed to top jobs while they have no business even being an entry-level police officer.
Knowing what I now know and the currently tragic state of the CPD, I'd strongly recommend you look elsewhere. Then again, if it's a toss-up between being a bored common laborer with no other career options, look into it.
A true story for another time: Knowledgeable local media and Peter Karl's ilk know how corrupt and dysfunctional the clout-infested CPD is. Yet, for various reasons, they choose to ignore it. Integrity, actual outstanding police work, motivation and professionalism are now virtually meaningless. CPD morale, pride and cameraderie are now non-existent.
My heart goes out to the unappreciated fine young men and women who still give it their all. Bail out from this thankless job if you still can. A City Hall without scruples and its exempt toadies will leave you to twist slowly in the wind if political exigencies dictate.
Ultimately, the public will get the police force they deserve.
Life is too short. Look elsewhere, kid!
coppers will continue to drink excessively as long as this dept continues to make us WOLF PACK.
we look like fucking goofs. it's really embarrasing!
When I saw today's Slum-Times headline: 'Sickened And Embarrassed', I thought Phil was commenting on his feelings on his own personal appearance.
You have to be willing to live your life as the CPD defines it.
They tell you how to conduct yourself both on the job and off. You have no say so when your days off are canceled or when you need a day off. You work 6 days a week and the other day is probably spent in court. The job itself is fun, but the Department sucks.
If you're willing to do that, you won't mind the job.
Here's my story. I passed up the State poice to become CPD and passed up DEA to stay CPD (FOOLISH, hah?) I've been doin' police work for 11-12 years now working in high crime districts my entire career lockin' up dope dealers and gangbangers. I hoped to one day expand on my skills and experiences and apply them in OCD. I was involved in five police shootings in five years and watched my partner get shot. I even got a call from Phil after shooting a bad guy, promising that if I ever needed anything to just call. So I did and here's what I got. I got abandoned in the 008th district after Housing South was disbanded and I was again denied entry into a unit - TRU. I was left both vulnerable and compromised working with different partners everyday. I then was stripped of my police powers after a videotape surfaced showing " misconduct" by one of those partners. The dept. was considering making me a separation case for failing to report police misconduct, but evidently reconsidered after figuring it wouldn't look right having a stripped officer walk up on stage to accept his Award of Valor. Instead they put me back full duty and are throwing 45 days at me. So is the job all that? What do you think? My FTO's words haunt me. After hearing that I pased up the State Police to take this job, his reply, "Kid you errored, did you ever error." Yeah, Jimmy V. (010) I did, yes I did.
In regards to the sgt in the hospital who has the police guard, everyone relax, I have an explanation.
The Superintendents office announced last week that they are eliminating merit promotions to exempt positions, IF the potential exempt member undergoes an EXEMPTECTOMY.
This is a surgical procedure in where both of your balls are removed, in one swift operation, and thus allows the rapid promotion from sgt to exempt rank without having first being made a lt or capt.
The police guards are only there to insure that the sgt does not regrow some balls, thus, making him an anomaly in the department, a boss with balls.
Carry on.
Do it! If you don't, you'll always question..."what if"I can't speak for anyone but myself, but I love this job. This job has been great to me. I came on as an outsider, no family, no clout. I made twice what I did in the private sector, and I will never complain about my pay. It may not be great for others, but I embrace a modest lifestyle. I love this job for two reasons- one, I wanted (selfishly)to leave a mark here, on earth. I wanted to make a difference, and I think I have in my 24 years. Twice a victim has approached me years later and thanked me for helping them turn their life around. It vindicated all the crap I ever had to put up with. I refuse to be a sheep and let life trickle away without experiencing it.I'd rather be the sheep-dog. Two, I wanted to test myself. Can I handle it? Try to think of a more challenging job -the public may claim to hate you, but they are secretly jealous of you. Who sits in a cubicle all day and dreams of being a computer geek or a middle management drone for Megacorp? Half the damn TV shows revolve around the police. They all want to hear YOUR stories, not the one about their drone job/life. Do you have what it takes when an armed robbery goes down? Do you have what it takes to talk down a suicide? Handle a dead body? Interview a grandma, rape victim, lost kid? You wear many hats on this job - how many do you want to try? I wanted to be a Great cop, not just average. I wanted to see if I could do it, better than the fat-ass thugs I saw in my neighborhood. I think I've done pretty well. If you want to be the police, be the Real Police. Work with us, we know how to have fun at work. We bicker and whine, but we've got your back. The lilly white suburbs ain't the gravy. You think we got problems? They wish they were us - had the manpower, the toys, the elite units, the promotions - think our Mayor runs this department? Try some tiny town where the mayor is the chief. And there are only three other cops. What are your chances to test yourself there? At least here there are 25 different districts and numerous other units. Some one once said their star was an "E Ticket" ride. Damn straight. This job is evolving, no doubt. Us dinosaurs are having a rough time adapting. But you will be new, and the job will be too. Take the plunge. Educate yourself and if a better opportunity comes up, you'll be ready. You'll have some experience and a degree.
And if you are motivated and opomistic, you'll have 29 years of vaudville and a pension. ANd one other thing - management beefs and scandals - always been there, always will. Just do your job and the screw will turn.
GOod Luck!
forget about the political BS? In this job? How does anyone employed by CPD forget about political BS unless you have the clout? You can ONLY have a career in CPD with political BS clout or be prepared to work 25 years on the outside looking in. You need political BS for a lot of promotions, units, and the "sweet gigs". You can have a career but you need that political BS you want to forget about in order to make it all it can be.
this job is like any job if you let the political b.s or the ass kissers that were this uniform or the lame fucks you serve and protect and don't appreciate the work you do on an everyday basis get to you you will have a decent career just answer your calls on the beat dont head hunt and be caught up in the numbers game,do eight and hit the gate and make sure your check is right on the 1st and the 16th and you will be alright remeber your life is outside of work not in it good luck.
I have recently retired and I am a second generation police officer.
It is really sad to see that in over 30 years what this job has become. You come on wanting to help people because that's what the Catholic schools taught you. You wanted the security of a home and a regular paycheck because that's what your Depression Era parents taught you. You wanted some excitement and adventure because that's what the movies and TV taught you.
So thirty years ago, after multiple tests, backgound checks, and quotas, you come on this job and get to help people, good pay and benefits and some excitment and adventure.
Thirty years later and this job has turned mostly to shit for the working street cop. You still try to help people but all media plays are Rodney King and Abbate videos.
Your security, good pay and benefits have disapeared thanks to Richie Daley.
The excitement and adventure have been replaced by boredom, spineless micromanagement, DOCs, seat belt missions and idiot meetings thanks to political correctness, Charlie Williams and company.
It is really depressing what this job was and what it has become.
Would I tell my kid(s) or anyone else to become a Chicago Police Officer, something I am very proud to have been for thirty years. No, not as it stands now and in to forseeable future. You can do much better, but do the homework. Check out federal, state and suburban departments, ask about pay, benefits, department backing and morale.
I have been on for 15 years and this is the first time in my career when people ask me what I do, I would rather lie then tell them I am a Chicago Police Officer. Its not because of all the negative publicity we have recieved recently (there has been worse), but how our departmet command and this city has failed its officers. Instead of using these incidents to strengthen the department department command hangs its officers out to dry. Apply at a different department, this is the worst managed department in the country!!!
Hang in there kid. Take the job and make it work for you as much as you work for it.
Don't be fooled kid, this job is all about CLOUT. If anyone tells you otherwise they are naive. Nobody can deny that the bosses and politicos kids come first. If you still want in you can advance and have fun but it has to be on your own terms. Be aggressive but follow the rules and law, stay out of trouble and study very hard so you dont' have to depend on kissing some stank ass (merit promo). FYI many and I mean many excellent coppers are stuck in patrol with no chances of making a specialized unit because of the above. good luck.
To 3/28 5:02am
Well said. Any job is what you make it and attitude is everything.
3:16.
You so crazy! What you discribe is an exemptectomy, not an exemptotomy.
Post about the EXEMPTECTOMY.
That is fuckin' hilarious! Nice job.
i was prompted to write after reading the post by the guy from 008 who passed up the state police and then dea and went on to become a truly heroic member of cpd only to be hung out when the actions of another were considered inappropriate. (the ford city shoplifter incident) i too had similiar experiences and was also the reciepient handed to me personally by phil in his office with the platitude this job owes you one if you ever need anything let me know. well you can imagine how that worked out. after being the go-to guy for 25 yrs. by various bosses because they knew the job would get done and done right it occurred to me that all the promotions and good spots always go-to those who not only have never done anything but never even thought of doing anything except self promotion. i'm another one who years ago upon hearing some old croaker sack cop declaring "this job ain't for real kid" and dismissing him as disgruntled now know exactly how true those words were.
i have worked in the county, a suburb pd and now cpd. cpd by far is better. i know several coppers that use to me suburbs. why is that? cpd pays better than most suburbs, better benifits and more room to do what you want with out juice.i.e:saturation, 06 car, dist tact or gang. i know juice makes it a for sure thing that you will get what you want but if you work you can pave the way for yourself to accomplish things. i will admit that some spots are untouchable without juice but just try to make the best out of it. as far as the residency, where else would you want to live, maywood,bellwood, franklin park, addison, those are no better than 25 or 24. jefferson park, dunning , parts of portage park are better neighbor hoods than most suburbs.
3/28/2007 11:08:00 AM
The suburban depts I know about make 20k more than I do. When I am ready to retire in 8 more years I will make as much as a 4 year PO on most suburburban departments. Nice huh? All because I get to be the real police. Also lets not forget this, the best school in Chicago for my kids is still just mediocre compared to suburban schools. So, to answer the original question NO this job is not all that.
This job is all that if you are a single guy that is ok making a moderate income and never has children and maybe has a house willed to him somehow in a nice neighborhood.
I don’t think the public’s perception of us has EVER been this bad before and the department is being run worse than it ever has. It’s a real mess… And I am still fuckin’ PROUD TO SERVE! All the shit I’ve been in and jobs well done got me a bunch of medals but no promotion. Doesn‘t matter. I get to hit the street every day, have a blast, help someone who needs it or put away some jag off. Nothing else like it. Served my country and was treated like shit. Serve my city and get treated like shit. I don’t give a flying fuck! Laugh insanely and carry on smartly! Be a shepherd (nice words Northside).
…But we in it shall be remember'd;
We few, we happy few, we band of brothers; …
CPD: The worst damn department in the world… with the best Coppers you‘ll ever meet.
Do it! If you don't, you'll always question..."what if"I can't speak for anyone but myself, but I love this job. This job has been great to me. I came on as an outsider, no family, no clout. I made twice what I did in the private sector, and I will never complain about my pay. It may not be great for others, but I embrace a modest lifestyle. I love this job for two reasons- one, I wanted (selfishly)to leave a mark here, on earth. I wanted to make a difference, and I think I have in my 24 years. Twice a victim has approached me years later and thanked me for helping them turn their life around. It vindicated all the crap I ever had to put up with. I refuse to be a sheep and let life trickle away without experiencing it.I'd rather be the sheep-dog. Two, I wanted to test myself. Can I handle it? Try to think of a more challenging job -the public may claim to hate you, but they are secretly jealous of you. Who sits in a cubicle all day and dreams of being a computer geek or a middle management drone for Megacorp? Half the damn TV shows revolve around the police. They all want to hear YOUR stories, not the one about their drone job/life. Do you have what it takes when an armed robbery goes down? Do you have what it takes to talk down a suicide? Handle a dead body? Interview a grandma, rape victim, lost kid? You wear many hats on this job - how many do you want to try? I wanted to be a Great cop, not just average. I wanted to see if I could do it, better than the fat-ass thugs I saw in my neighborhood. I think I've done pretty well. If you want to be the police, be the Real Police. Work with us, we know how to have fun at work. We bicker and whine, but we've got your back. The lilly white suburbs ain't the gravy. You think we got problems? They wish they were us - had the manpower, the toys, the elite units, the promotions - think our Mayor runs this department? Try some tiny town where the mayor is the chief. And there are only three other cops. What are your chances to test yourself there? At least here there are 25 different districts and numerous other units. Some one once said their star was an "E Ticket" ride. Damn straight. This job is evolving, no doubt. Us dinosaurs are having a rough time adapting. But you will be new, and the job will be too. Take the plunge. Educate yourself and if a better opportunity comes up, you'll be ready. You'll have some experience and a degree.
And if you are motivated and opomistic, you'll have 29 years of vaudville and a pension. ANd one other thing - management beefs and scandals - always been there, always will. Just do your job and the screw will turn.
Above all, it depends on the (diminished?) expectations of the prospective officer. To this day, I proudly consider police work the very highest of callings--protecting the innocent and putting away the muthafuckers.
----------------------
Thanks to all
Hey 2:39, 5 shootings in 5 years, no wonder they wont put you in a unit. Something aint right.
As others have said, the job is what you make of it.
You CAN make it to Lt. on
the legit, but the competition is rough with a lot of obstacles to overcome.
Remember, don't fall in to the whiner trap. There are people that bitch about what you have or get, even if they don't want it.
Keep your mouth shut and ears open. If you do the job reasonably well doors will open. (without kissing but) With all of the politics the bosses still need people that can do the job for them.
Finally, you can always leave if it is not what you expect.
Good luck!
If you want to do it ,do it. I have over 10 years on now and I still like the job,but I pretty much do what I want to do and I am a worker.I also take alot of pride in what I do so that helps alot.I don't play politics and am not related to anyone and I don't owe anyone anything.I don't want anything from anyone either.When I'm done with my shift,I go home or wherever I want but I don't go to any bars and I don't associate with cops that aren't my own friends that I grew up with.I don't want a thing to do with this city either,they have educated me well enough to know that I should stay away from everything and or anyone connected to any city agency.Yes I'm pretty bitter about alot of things but it really doesn't matter because it's their game,not mine.I get what I want out of it and thats all I ask.
#1 problem with this JOB: Residdency Rule. As a newer guy, I make good money but its not worth anything if I cannot AFFORD a house for my family. Sure, I could BUY a $450,000 ranch on the NW side that has not been updated in 30 years, but I will not be able to AFFORD to keep it for long.
#2 problem: underfunded pensions. Goddamnit if I have to put up with all this bvllsh!t for 20 years just to find that there is no pot of gold at the end of the rainbow!
#3 problem: Corrupted promotional processes. If your daddy wasn't a boss or you can't get into a secret study group ran by a boss, YOU WILL NOT GET PROMOTED. Well, maybe there is a 2% chance. Good luck, study smarter, keep trying, etc etc (hahahahahah).
#4 problem: lack of professional satisfaction. I don't think I need to explain this one, do I??
Fix those four problems and maybe just maybe this will be a good CARRER again.
How many posting the negatives about the Tribune are going to take a FREE paper from a crazed driver who speeds, runs lights and stop signs. Over all reckless driving just to get their pro police message out there. Don't sell your self out for a free paper. The pen is mighter then then the sword when used with your mover book.
Anonymous said...
Don't be fooled kid, this job is all about CLOUT. If anyone tells you otherwise they are naive. Nobody can deny that the bosses and politicos kids come first. If you still want in you can advance and have fun but it has to be on your own terms. Be aggressive but follow the rules and law, stay out of trouble and study very hard so you dont' have to depend on kissing some stank ass (merit promo). FYI many and I mean many excellent coppers are stuck in patrol with no chances of making a specialized unit because of the above. good luck.
3/28/2007 04:46:00 P
----------------------------------
perfect example----killackey's kid formerly of 011. need i say more. anyone care to comment? nah dont bother. if you know him then you understand how 'it' works on cpd
what cpd is now lacking is crimedawg
When I saw today's Slum-Times headline: 'Sickened And Embarrassed', I thought Phil was commenting on his feelings on his own personal appearance.
I was barely able to contain my laughter long enough to post this "thanks" for making my day. Good stuff my friend!
This job-being the police-is your chance to solidify your position in Heaven, next to the Big Guy. Everyone can pull their numbers and show proof they are making arrests and producing. How many coppers can show the statistics of crimes they've prevented through simple proximity? NONE!
Just being the police, being visible, being vigilant, being selfless and being true is your ticket to Heaven. We are the shepards of the clueless flock. Is it always (ever), appreciated? If you're here for at-a-boys and accolades join the peace corps. Be proud of your status and accept the awesome priviledge of being the police.
In response to 3/28/07 4:46pm
Nothing could be closer to the truth. This job is all about CLOUT. Just look at Devalle who got "in bed" with Al Sanchez. Devalle is related to the District secretary of 009 (Genie boy) and grandma is a community activist in 012.
Hey, guys
If Northside and you are right about the stranglehold the politicians have on the morale of this dept., why doesn't the media do something? It's common knowledge. The Tribune visits this site a lot.
Like FOP, does the media sleep with the enemy?
3/28/2007 08:55:00 PM
and uncle is new chicago city clerk!
I have five years invested in this job, however as of lately I am keeping my eyes open for a better opportunity. Just keep in mind that the mayor is Anti-Police and will cower to anyone beefing about any action taken by the police, the superintendent is afraid to stand up for his officers and stand up to the mayor, and not many bosses out there anymore that are going to back you up. If you don't mind just driving around, answering a couple jobs, and waiting for payday to roll around.....you may do O.K. This is not a horrible job by any means, but there are better departments, agencies, companies to work for.
Ya can't advise anyone to take or not take this job. You all give advice from your own experiences be them good or bad. We make our own the bad one's are usually made unintentionally, and seem to multiply as time goes by. If you can get on the job then do it, if you don't like it, get off. Northside I like reading your comments, don't alway's agree with them but they make me laugh once in a while. By the way you are one long winded son-of-a-gun!!
I am personally "sickened and embarassed" that Cline skated on the whole Medzianowski fiasco and became Superintendent. Then again, it's the CPD, screw up and get promoted. They should make Abatte a Sgt.
I wouldn't be too quick to condemn Phil Cline. He works for the mayor and he's the mayor's mouthpiece. Like any decent military man, he does what he's told to do. If the truth was known some of the crap he does makes him just as sick as it does us.
Strangely daley is out of the country! the abbate shit, and his bestest friend hdo chief al sanchez got indicted oh where oh where can our mayor be? he does'nt know nothin! here is the bet huberman will back at the helm of cpd soon take it to the bank and he will bring his crew of henchmen! be careful CYA always we are targets not just of the media but the public and now our top (Clouted) brass!
We were talking about the "good old days" and Chicago Icons. Does anyone know what happened to Mailbox Mary?
I Google "Mailbox Mary" and found this:
Mailbox Mary
Job: regular employment
Career: the course of a profession
Vocation: a calling
Those who have a vocation for police work generally have rewarding careers, as long as they set their course straight and stay on it. It is what you make of it.
That does not guarantee advancement, but virtue is its own reward. There is no X-mas bonus.
Of those who just come for the job, it's like any job. There's the Good the Bad & the Ugly.
This applies to both the employees and to the situations they encounter.
Good officers like the job & tend to do well at it. Some go on to have very successful careers.
Bad officers end up on worldwide video doing very bad things or in criminal court facing charges, or both.
The Ugly officers do little or nothing and also tend to have a very high tolerance for the Bad ones. Some morph into Bad ones.
Neither the Ugly nor the Bad are ever seen to morph into the Good.
Neither are at all professional.
The pay, benefits and pension are there for all who last long enough.
Promotions come to some. Many of these are undeserved.
The only true rewards are these:
Your self respect; The respect of your fellow officers; the knowledge that you have done right, for right's sake; and often the gratitude of those citizens you are able to help along the way.
If you are looking for other rewards, go elsewhere.
You reap what you sow. Hire the ones who have the calling for this work and you can hardly go wrong.
Hire just anyone who wants a job &
here we are.
Go Johnny Northside! EK
Kid [no offense]
Show up in Washington DC, May 13-15 for the National Police Memorial events.
You'll walk away with a newfound respect for law enforcement and officers everywhere.
That Thin Blue Line!
impress your friends with this bit of trivia. mailbox mary got that monicker because before she lost her mind she was a northside prostitute who was tired of being robbed by pimps and old time coppers. so after every date she turned she would place the proceeds into a self addressed envelope and hit the nearest mailbox.
LOOK TO ARIZONA!!
They are taking latteral, out of state hires.
Same money as CPD, better equipment, MUCH better housing, better schools, and weather.
If you do not like the heat too much, and it does get hot there, the locals treat it like our winters here. They just stay in more with the A/C, or they stay in the pool (almost every home has one).
And the best thing, FULL 80% pension, after 20 years.
No age limit too - you old dogs have a chance still and quite possibly, a better pension.
"After all, the dogass cashes the same check I do and doesn't risk giving up his house or freedom."
3/27/2007 11:25:00 PM
The derisive term dogass started 10 years ago when they brought the CAPS clowns into the Academy to preach the lies. There was acrimony with the current Staff who saw them as the phoneys they were& still are. The reality is the CAPS strokes were cowards who only wanted to keep their inside cushspot. Hence the product being pu tout today.Welcome to the CPD of the 21st Century,HeavenHep U s all...
"Experience is a thing you don't have until just after you need it."
3/28
10:37pm
Was standing in line at Walgreens, Devon and Milwaukee some years back and I detected this terrible odor. Turned around and in line behind me there she was wearing her old dirty winter coat in the middle of summer. She looked at me and even though I was in shorts and a t-shirt she says," What are you lookin at you fuckin copper." I guess after all those years she could pick us out. Anyway I laughed and remembered the St Jude marches with her standing there swearing at us as we passed by flashing her tits. She was living during the summer by Whalen pool back then I imagine now she is probably dead and gone. Job seemed much better back those many years ago when she would yell at us. Job seems to have gone to shit now (thanks for nothing Phil) and all the old characters are long gone, makes you feel old and tired thank God for the pension. Do yourself a favor kid get a better job this one has changed so much it sucks now and by the time you get your twenty in it will really suck.
What this Dept. needs right now is prayer, Ask Jesus to come into your heart,and enjoy love and strength that he will bring you.Pray for the CPD.
9:52 PM
Dave,
We'll have to discuss this over a couple of cold 40-ouncers. I'll meet you at 15th & Millard at 0330 hrs.
I'll be the dude with the fedora, chartreuse FUBU sweatshirt and the cocobolo walking stick standing outside my new black Escalade with 24" Dub spinners.
Happy retirement, my brother!
10:37 PM
"Mailbox Marilyn" was crouched down on her haunches outside the CVS at Clark and Division on Tuesday afternoon. As warm weather approaches, you'll see her on Rush St. in search of alms. She appears to be partially decomposed.
11:05 PM
Alright, my curiousity is killing me. Identify yourself via eMail at: CPDfop7@yahoo.com
The suburban depts I know about make 20k more than I do. When I am ready to retire in 8 more years I will make as much as a 4 year PO on most suburburban departments. Nice huh? All because I get to be the real police. Also lets not forget this, the best school in Chicago for my kids is still just mediocre compared to suburban schools. So, to answer the original question NO this job is not all that.
What? the schools nwest are the highest rated in the state, yes higher than any suburb, and the best in the city. I have a sibling in the suburbs with the same time as me and I make more, and the politics are worse in the suburb she works in. The grass is not always greener, if you are happy somewhere God bless, if not go somewhere else, but we have it good in the city, barring the idiots of course.
this site is extremely negative. do not bother reading it. most the post are from a bunch of cry babies.
3/28/2007 11:09:00 AM
Hey, that sounds kinda negative! Cry baby!
Anonymous said...
In regards to the sgt in the hospital who has the police guard, everyone relax, I have an explanation.
The Superintendents office announced last week that they are eliminating merit promotions to exempt positions, IF the potential exempt member undergoes an EXEMPTECTOMY.
This is a surgical procedure in where both of your balls are removed, in one swift operation, and thus allows the rapid promotion from sgt to exempt rank without having first being made a lt or capt.
The police guards are only there to insure that the sgt does not regrow some balls, thus, making him an anomaly in the department, a boss with balls.
Carry on.
3/28/2007 03:16:00 PM
HOLY COW!! SCC, can we get this printed up as a bumper sticker, or perhaps a t-shirt or something, or maybe ----- **start a top 10 quote list or something? It would be great to log on and see a top 10 right off the bat!!! Jeez, this one is so awesome....hate to think someone will miss it....
Anonymous said...
Hey 2:39, 5 shootings in 5 years, no wonder they wont put you in a unit. Something aint right.
3/28/2007 06:50:00 PM
Hey NIMROD, the guy said he came from housing south. But then I keep forgetting, you two-year super cops would have NO IDEA what that was like. And 02:39, hang in there, retirement will be sweet, we can collect what's left of the pension funds and let super cop worry what he's gonna do in 20 yrs.
To 2/21/2007 11:39P/M.
The term "dogass" has been around a lot longer than 10 years.
"After all, the dogass cashes the same check I do and doesn't risk giving up his house or freedom."
3/27/2007 11:25:00 PM
" Hey I resemble that remark", proud member od DAA DOG ASSES OF AMERICA! I am going to retire happy, this job is second to everything else I do! It has changed for the worse thanks to daley and his corruption from the top down, and his flock of 50! He is a poor shepard who thinks in his small mind that is "Smart". with all the men falling on swords to protect him why? Why go to prison for daley as a matter of fact for anyone else? ADVICE: Collect a check work special for extra $$$$$ enjoy your family,stay out of bars, take your time, keep blue lights OFF, show up to work on time! Listen but don't take to heart bosses that talk shit! Eat good, get coffee, get a paper, relax and watch the show unfold in front of you! Don't ever run walk!
8:20
I disagree. The 9th District is an excellent place to work. The bosses seem to care about their people and the backup is there when you need it.
The district has a variety of different races and cultures, so you will have your share of different situations to handle.
Come to 009 and see for yourself.
Not sure why you are so bitter against Roy, but from what I've observed he is a decent boss.
Northside,
I fully appreciated the response you gave the future recruit. A lot of what you told him is exactly how I feel towards CPD. I, too, am third generation CPD. My grandfather, my father and now myself have proudly carried the title Chicago police officer. Although I am younger than you, I have experienced many of the things you shared. I also believe that this profession is a "calling" and you either have that inner voice telling you to be in law enforcement or you do not. My voice came about while I was spinning metals on the graveyard shift in a Central Illinois factory while working on my undergraduate degree. Shortly thereafter, I became an IDOC correctional officer. We can lie to other people, but we cannot lie to ourselves. The future recruit already knows whether or not the "call" will be answered. If the heart is in the right place, then it is imperative that the "calling" aforementioned is answered.
I never thanked you for defending me back in the summer of 2006 and quite a few times since then, but believe me, your responses were not forgotten. You were there when annoymous officers in 009 were attempting to "villify" me. What meant most was that you don't even know me and yet you saw through the smoke and chose to write on my behalf. Thank you.
Thank you for watching my back Northside.
-MT in 009
lots and I mean lots of whining. but it beats a real job by a mile.
and yes i contribute to the whining.
this scandal will be replaced by other scandal and so on and so on.
Most guys in the district are not as miserable as this site leads you to believe. So go work in a place like 007 and dance with MR. its fun and she will love you for it. I miss you MR, I cant come back though. I get lost south of Division.
John,
There isn't a tavern at 15th and Millard.
Name one suburb that pays better...and I dont mean before the 5 or even 10 year step raises...AND..find out what the property taxes are in DuPage Will and Lake counties before you start making the negative comparisons....try $12,000 a year in tax for a $300K house in Will county. Then you will discover that "free" public schools are not so free after all. YOU BETTER RECOGNIZE THAT REE LOW RUNS IT NOW!
HELP!
Mr. Patrick Fitzgerald, the news media and the public in general.
Your police department is totally corrupt POLITICALLY! The CPD use of the word "merit" is anything but merit--it's CLOUT, plain and simple. The mayor not only condones it, he orchestrates it and denies that it even exists.
For the love of God, PLEASE demand a fair and transparent promotional process in the CPD! Compel the city to unequivocally define "merit" in writing with built-in safeguards. The definition of "merit" must be specific and consistent with its definition in the dictionary. Unless and until this is done, no "merit" promotions whatsoever.
As long as the City's defintion of so-called merit is based on clout, nepotism and fraud, your police department will remain the most demoralized big-city law enforcement agency in the nation.
MAYDAY!!! SOS!!! 10-1 10-13
Enough is enough. We're desperate for outside help against "da Chicago Way".
listen chik! if your uncertain about staying on this job then i think you better quit. when you took the test and went through the testing it was the time to question it. now either you want the job or you dont is not to be thought of cause you are one of us no return. ONCE YOUR A COP THATS IT NO TURNING BACK. i would like to know how many coppers can just quit this job and become a normal citizen? be honest guys and gals!!!! we would all like to but!!!!!!!!!!!!
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