Thursday, March 27, 2008

Uniform Commissary?

Among the more interesting rumors to rear up lately, Uniforms would now be "purchased" through a "Department store" and you would be able to exchange damaged items for replacement articles and everything would be... well... uniform we guess. What nephew or cousin of the mayor gets to run this show?

We would love to see how this works. Who gets what? We know people who like to have six uniforms, one for each day in a row worked. Are they issued six? Some people rotate two and three pairs of boots and gym shoes, especially during the hot months. Are they provided extras?

A sizable sub group of the Department (of which we number ourselves) uses a portion of the uniform check to maintain proficiency with our firearms. We purchase and go through a few hundred rounds each year just because we receive a uniform allowance and don't need a new uniform at the moment. Any chance we're going to see that ammunition at the commissary? We certainly can't see the city letting us bank it.

Everyone better look long and hard at any contract proposal that comes through with a reduction or elimination of the Uniform Allowance in favor of some "commissary" and "chit" system. It sounds like another nickel-and-dime you to death city proposal that enriches the connected and denies us a benefit.

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49 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

The Fire Department has a commissary and gets a uniform allowance......

3/26/2008 11:13:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

THE UNIFORM CRAP IS A SMOKE SCREEN IT MAKE THE FOP GIVE IN ON SOMETHING ELSE.

EG OK NO MORE CASH WE WILL GIVE YOU UNIFORMS!

FOP OK OK HOW ABOUT 50 $ MORE AND WE GOT A DEAL?

CITY SOUND FAIR BUT WE CANT GIVE U 3000$ FOR LIVING IN THE CITY HOW ABOUT WE GIVE THE 100 FTO'S A BUMP 2 D2A PAY GREAT.

BUT WONT THAT MESS MAKE THE DICK AND SGT WANT MORE PAY THEN AND WHAT ABOUT CANINE AND ET'S.

CITY: WILL LET YOU GUYS BUY NEW FLASHLIGHTS

3/26/2008 11:43:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Everyone better look long and hard at any contract proposal that comes through with a reduction or elimination of the Uniform Allowance in favor of some "commissary" and "chit" system. It sounds like another nickel-and-dime you to death city proposal that enriches the connected and denies us a benefit.


+1

3/27/2008 12:04:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Jodi has officially lost it and he's only been in office for a couple months. Slow down Jodi so you beavis head can catch up to itself.

3/27/2008 12:58:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

CFD has a Commissary and they do not pay for anything. They still get the uniform allowance. I can see the Dept opening a Commissary, but still giving us uniform allownace and charging us for what we need. There will still be stores out there with the good "Knock-Offs"

3/27/2008 06:12:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Only the "heroes" get uniform allowance...not the paramedics because the paramedics don't work as hard as the "heroes".

3/27/2008 07:27:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...
CFD has a Commissary and they do not pay for anything. They still get the uniform allowance. I can see the Dept opening a Commissary, but still giving us uniform allownace and charging us for what we need. There will still be stores out there with the good "Knock-Offs"

3/27/2008 06:12:00 AM

True but they can wear the same uniform everyday as they only work 80 days a year and get the same pay as us! talk about bullshit! They all have 2nd and 3rd jobs and are union busting scabs!

3/27/2008 07:36:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Uniform allowance is a waste. How many officers actually spend the money on work related equipment? Something must be done to stop this waste of money.

3/27/2008 09:07:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...
The Fire Department has a commissary and gets a uniform allowance......

3/26/2008 11:13:00 PM



not for long! they went against Daley in this last election also. They will feel the "Me Too" beat down.

3/27/2008 09:19:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Money you spend on Uniforms isn't supposed to be taxed. Since we're taxed on our "uniform allowance" shouldn't it be considered income instead, with which you can do what you like? The real reason the city offered us that money as well as the Duty Availability pay is to allow them to give us a way to claim they're paying us more money, which doesn't have to be increased each time we have a cost of living "raise". Imagine how many millions the city has saved by rewording $5,000 of our income.

3/27/2008 10:25:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

SCC BEWARE OF BILL 2426

State Senator Ira Silverstein has proposed legislation that MAY be a problem for your site, if passed.

It's Senate Bill 2426 "Cyber bullying"

The key part that could affect you is this, "making harassing statements for the purpose of tormenting or terrorizing a person on at least two separate occasions and creating or MAINTAINING an internet web site which CONTAINS such harassing statements"

Although it may not hold up in court, it could give someone a chance to drag you into court. Or at a minimum force google to give the identification of the poster via his IP address.

Of course they would have to get the ip address from google, then go to the provider for the identification.

3/27/2008 10:36:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

The firefighters have a commisary system. It's a great idea on paper only if they can stock the items you need. It's common to have basic items like shoes and shirts not in stock. This calls for a second or even third trip to the fire commisary on your own time and dime. And never forget that the city holds the purse strings so even under the best case scenario the taxpayer will be stuck with the corruption tax. Don't do it.

3/27/2008 10:47:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I just heard that at the rear of walsh construction they have built a window for cpd drive up service... seems they won the no bid contract to provide our uniform commissary service..... as a bonus to them, if they give you your stuff ahead of schedule, the city has to pay a huge bonus, Dan Ryan style!

3/27/2008 11:28:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Easy guys, its just the city throwing B.S. into the game to have another bargaining chip. Uniform allowance is pennies for the city. Approximately 16 Million a year. It cost over 4 Million to pay cops salaries every day. Its the city stirring the pot. The bigger thing to watch. No 5 or 6 year contract w/o large increase of pay. Want a long contract, make the city pay for it. Dont want the contract back-loaded, give us a decent increase from the start (1.1% KMA mayor). Discipline: Take a hard stand w/ the contract... F**K J-Fed, he's going to be gone before most of us will. J-Fed will be gone and his stupid ass rules will be here. He doesn't give a rats ass about what it means to be a cop in this city and never will. He is not the "Police" and doesn't deserve to where the uniform. These we can not give up on any more. Salary, Job Security (Discipline), Health Care & Length of Contract. The politicians, newspapers and idiotic preachers keep saying we need to get closer with the community. All we hear is how to make our jobs tougher, take our jobs away, criticize how we do a job that most people don't want. It is us against them! For those of you on the job who dont see that, your idiots. Take your paycheck and shut the f**k up. This is our time to make a stand... Let the Olympics come to Chicago. Make the City pay. Got money for that, then pay us accordingly. Does anyone of those politicians feel sorry that we are held hostage with residency and our county and city taxes keep going up. WE HAVE 8 YEARS UNTIL THE OLYMPICS GET HERE! THAT IS TWO CONTRACTS! WE CAN NOT LET THIS GET AWAY FROM US. ITS OUR BARGAINING CHIP. NO 5 OR 6 YEAR CONTRACT, 4 AND 4. THE MAYOR KNOWS THIS, AND WILL TRY TO THROW ALL KINDS OF SHIT INTO THE GAME. Remember those four things we cant give up.

3/27/2008 12:04:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

OK folks, lets do the math again.
Talked to a new recruit and he said he is out about 7G's for all uniform stuff. At 1800 a year it will take him 3.8 years to break even.

Now, if you make 72000 a year like I do, your 1800 uniform allowance is 2.5 % of your salary. So, if they take that away, and give you a salary increase of 4% a year, thats really a 1.5% raise a year.
How much is the sale tax going up?

3/27/2008 12:16:00 PM  
Blogger Emergency Medical Conservative said...

Im glad im not CPD. I love my gun as much as my fiancee (maybe even a little more sometimes)

3/27/2008 01:19:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

It kind of sounds like the old Pulman era or old coal mine towns. You will always be in debt to the company store.
We'll all be working longer to become deeper in debt.

3/27/2008 01:29:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Holy cow batman! Sounds like someone is trying to run this department like my beloved Marine Corps. First, he is proposing a MANDATORY annual physical exam. Sounds like a PFT to me, not a POWER test. Second, he is proposing a set of core values, POLICE: professionalism, obligation, leadership, integrity, courage and excellence. Yup, sounds like the Marines' core values honor, courage and commitment or leadership traits JJ DID TIE BUCKLE. Third, a uniform commissary. Question: will we be able to purchase our camouflage police uniform there?

Matt Tobias, do you have a hand in this?

As a former Marine, I can assure you that these proposals/changes are of little effect. It begins at home. The values that your family inculcates in you is where it's at. POLICE acronym...hah...what a joke!

I exercise because I care about my health and know that one day my life may depend on it. Not because my boss says I should. Regardless of what job I work, I will exercise to the point that my weight is in accordance with my height. Do not do away with the PT check. I use that money to pay for my gym membership. An average gym membership costs $400 in Chicago nowadays. I do not have space in my home for a gym. I can't always make it to the academy to workout. The district gyms lack sufficient equipment. Therefore, I need a gym membership.

Give us our uniform check and keep the cargo pants! A uniform should be more about function than appearance. Us working types can testify to that. Tell us what is prescribed and allow us to spend our hard earned money wherever we please.

This department can never and will never be like the Marine Corps. CPD training sucks in contrast to the military's. Train us better. I can go on and on how this department differs so much from the Marine Corps but I shall spare you the ear bruising. However, I will say that the problem I see with this department is the lack of leadership. Many are incompetent clout babies and others are simply unprofessional do-as-I-say-not-as-I-do doers who apply the rules only when it favors them. They seek rank only for the pay but not the responsibilities that come with the position.

This department is all f****d up. I agree that the aforementioned proposals are a smoke screen. If you want to change this department let's get to the heart of the matter. Let there be transparency. Overhaul the way in which officers are promoted. Let the most qualified rise to the top. Quit dilly dallying with issues of insignificant importance.

3/27/2008 01:29:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

We already have a Uniform Cafeteria! Usually everything a cop ate that day is found on his uniform shirt!

3/27/2008 02:17:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

If the city takes away out uniform allowance I will just wear the same shit everyday until they are RAGS!

3/27/2008 03:53:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I AM WITH CFD AND CAN ONLY ATTEST TO MY EXPERIENCE WITH THE COMMISSARY.
I was with CPD 8 years and am now CFD 2 years. Yes the Uniform is free, yes I still pay for T- shirts with my Uniform Check. I will say this, some of the items we get for free are SHIT. Case in point our BUNKER BOOTS. I know of 2 FF opening a roof who fell to the ground. 1 guy is 55 and fell 17 feet on the Northside 1 month ago because he slipped due to the SHIT boots we got now, he probably will not come back and only has 16years. I personally fucked up my leg and down at medical, 3 guys fell because of these boots. So now the CITy is "THINKING" of changing these boots someday? 2 -4 years maybe? I can't wear other boots or modify these "technically". So I think a commissary works somewhat but now I dont have another choice for boots.. Also our uniform allowance is less then CPD. I have no complaints with the Commissary or overall with the quality of uniforms given to me, just this boot issue has hurt a lot of guys and we can only wear that. Besides if CPD gets a commissary KALE will probably run it anyways and you will have many approved boots etc.; but, you can bet the allowance may be reduced or totally eliminated. If CPD loses this money CFD probably will too. Pros and Cons to everything but new CPD recruits spend $5,000 buying shit they may never use but are required to have. CFD recruits spend $0.

3/27/2008 04:18:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Can I buy on-duty booze at the commissary? My 'entertainment detail' sgt. wants to know...

3/27/2008 05:46:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Don't anyone forget the reason we have a uniform allowance like we do is to pay us more money without raising our hourly rate. Same with duty availability....more money but the hourly rate for overtime remains the same.

These monies were given to us during collective bargaining. To take them away is in effect to rescind a raise in pay.

Union people, don't let them get away with it.

3/27/2008 07:28:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

"I was with CPD 8 years and am now CFD 2 years. Yes the Uniform is free, yes I still pay for T- shirts with my Uniform Check. I will say this, some of the items we get for free are SHIT. Case in point our BUNKER BOOTS. I know of 2 FF opening a roof who fell to the ground. 1 guy is 55 and fell 17 feet on the Northside 1 month ago because he slipped due to the SHIT boots we got now,"

BOO HOO CRY ME A RIVER, YOU GO TO MAYBE 2 FIRES A YEAR TOPS. THE REST OF YOUR TIME IS SPENT HOLDING PARAMEDICS HANDS @ ASSIST CALLS. THE REST OF YOUR TIME IS SPENT GRAB ASSING& SLEEPING. YOU WORK 86 DAYS A YEAR EVERY 5TH DAY YOU ARE OFF. 51DAYS OF FURLO, MAKE ON AVERAGE 56K A YEAR. NOT BAD FOR A PART TIME GIG.

TAKE YOUR MOANING& GROANING ELSEWHERE, IT'S FALLING ON DEAF EARS!!

3/27/2008 09:28:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

How about badges that don't fall apart?

3/27/2008 09:31:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I understand what it is be a uniform supplier. There is a proposal that police will have to account for what they buy with the uniform allowance. A supply source must stock items of every size for every gender. The supplier must carry a long list of items at all times. Think about all that you bought as a recruit. The uniform supplier has to stock all of those items all of the time. Now, if that item costs $1 and it doesn't sell for a year, the supplier loses interest, say 7 percent. Another year, another, say, 7 perecent. So there is a cost of doing business,especially inventorying a large number of items that may not sell quickly. You may wear a 17 in. neck, 33 length shirt. Hundreds others do to. No problem. But what about the officer that wears a 14 in. neck or has 36 in. length arms? These items don't sell. We may even lose money on them. I am explaining this because some of you have asked why some items, like a three seasons jacket costs so much more than what is comparable quality at, say a Sport Mart or Land's End. Sport Mart doesn't stock and serve everyone as we must. This is why we charge what we do. It is the cost of money, net present value of future cash flows, etc. Stores don't go out of business because they have no customers. It is because they get crushed on interest and cash flow.

If the uniform allowance is spent exclusively at the designated supplier, it will add predictability, solve a lot of the cash flow concerns, and eliminate uncertainty to the uniform supplier's business, true. But you will look better, have better quality equipment, a wider choice of uniform items, and, because the supplier will be operating more efficiently, you will get more for your money. Leave your needs to the professionals. It is Win-Win for all of us.

3/27/2008 09:46:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

These monies were given to us during collective bargaining. To take them away is in effect to rescind a raise in pay.

Union people, don't let them get away with it.

3/27/2008 07:28:00 PM

Uniform money not spent on uniforms. We need another plan to help officers buy updated equipment and clean uniforms. Checks are abused. Trust J-FED.

3/27/2008 10:14:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

The commissary system for the CFD is a total joke. You go there and wait, and wait then you find out they do not have the item in stock. Can you see the CPD allowing us travel time and pay to do this when we are thousands on men short on the street?
Also, the "contract" always goes to a friends of Richie and the quality is usually not the best. Many suburban firemen laugh at the CFD equipment, and with good reason.
If this is done thru a city hall contract (clout), you will get poor quality rags, not proper, 1st rate stuff that you deserve.

3/27/2008 11:53:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...
***BEWARE*** SCC TROLLS Looking for information regarding Rule 14** Probably News Media.....If you are a "Real" police officer ...you would know what a Rule 14 violation is...PLEASE DO NOT provede any information on this site for the TROLLS!!! **BEWARE** We will be in next week's copy of the Scum Times with more false/inaccurate writing by Frank "Nitwit" Main...this guy prints so much false rumor bullshit...it's a wonder he has a job...along with his sidekick Fran Spugeman...Don't give them anything...in the first 15 posts there are at least 4 generic inquiries as to what a rule 14 violation is....

3/27/2008 10:50:00 AM

The airport scandal is going to do more than embarrass the mayor.

3/28/2008 12:39:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

sounds like that little shrimp over on Roosevelt and Jefferson, talking about uniforms, how much money hes gonna make, once the union sells us out! Yeah I almost got screwed over there 70.00 for a pair of pants, give me a break! I found them for 53.00 each on the southside. Shop downtown and pay about 12 percent in taxes ontop of already high prices!

3/28/2008 12:41:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I think the point that is being missed is this. There are certain officers who do not spend any part of that check on uniforms, although everyone knows they should be. Lets see some enforcement of the dress and appearance standards and those officers will have to get their uniforms in order.

3/28/2008 12:50:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

" RULE 14 STATES" IF EATTING AT ANY ESTABLISHMENT IN THE 1ST OR 18TH DIST. YOU MUST EACH LEAVE A NICE TIP FOR THE WAITRESSES.

3/28/2008 07:41:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I CAN NO LONGER WEAR LONG SLEEVED SHIRTS DUE TO NO MORE DRINKING ALCOHOL AND ALL THAT TIME IN THE GYM (GETTING HUGE BY THE WAY) SO THEREFORE PROBABLY MOST OF US WONT NEED THE UNIFORM STORES TO STOCK LONG SLEEVED SHIRTS. SIGNED JODY'S MINI-ME

3/28/2008 07:47:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Certain officers have found that when your pants get holes in them just wear black underware, it hides the holes.

3/28/2008 08:33:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

3/27/2008 09:46:00 PM

Fuck You. Your uniform store is a fucking scam. I would have more respect for you if you just admitted you're a greedy cock sucker. Show me why the fuck I have pay $70.00 for a pair of cargo pants. I mean I wouldn't mind if the crotch would last more than a year, and wouldn't shrink up to my knee caps after the first wash. What is your excuse for the price of work boots? What about name tags I paid $36.00 for 4 name tags a few months ago.

The thing that really gets to me is that you have the fucking nerve you have. Do you really think your post is going to do anything but make people detest your carp-like existence. You are arrogant enough to think that we will believe giving you 1500 a piece will enable you to set a reasonable price for your products and that giving you said money is really good for us?

EARTH TO ASSHOLE: Your products suck, every PO thinks your scam artists and hates your guts. We don't like paying these bullshit prices for dog shit cloths/equipment. The day we can buy our uniforms elsewhere will be a day of joy. For that day your business will be worth shit and fold like the napkin full of bloody boogers. You will no longer to make your money of the backs of generations of police.

3/28/2008 08:44:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Commissary= CALL FIRST, THEN PICKUP YOUR SHIT, NO WAITING, NO LINES.

3/28/2008 10:35:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

RULE #14 SIMPLY MEANS, CLEAN YOUR VEST BUY A NEW SHIRT AND DONT LOOK LIKE A SOUP SANDWICH.

3/28/2008 10:37:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I think the point that is being missed is this. There are certain officers who do not spend any part of that check on uniforms, although everyone knows they should be. Lets see some enforcement of the dress and appearance standards and those officers will have to get their uniforms in order.

Stop crying you rat.

3/28/2008 01:37:00 PM  
Blogger fillmoreranger said...

Maybe they should locate it in Pullman where the idea was used so succesfully before

3/28/2008 05:46:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I totally agree with 1250am. Amen. Does your appearance command respect?

3/28/2008 06:29:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...
sounds like that little shrimp over on Roosevelt and Jefferson, talking about uniforms, how much money hes gonna make, once the union sells us out! Yeah I almost got screwed over there 70.00 for a pair of pants, give me a break! I found them for 53.00 each on the southside. Shop downtown and pay about 12 percent in taxes ontop of already high prices!
3/28/2008 12:41:00 AM
######################################################################
Check out EBay. I got two pairs (brand new)for $5.00 each.

3/28/2008 08:06:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

OK folks, lets do the math again.
Talked to a new recruit and he said he is out about 7G's for all uniform stuff. At 1800 a year it will take him 3.8 years to break even.
Now, if you make 72000 a year like I do, your 1800 uniform allowance is 2.5 % of your salary. So, if they take that away, and give you a salary increase of 4% a year, thats really a 1.5% raise a year.
How much is the sale tax going up?
3/27/2008 12:16:00 PM

##################################
Yeah, do the math again.
And now take back that 1.5% raise cause that's the cost of your health insurance = NO RAISE!

3/28/2008 08:10:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

"I was with CPD 8 years and am now CFD 2 years. Yes the Uniform is free, yes I still pay for T- shirts with my Uniform Check. I will say this, some of the items we get for free are SHIT. Case in point our BUNKER BOOTS. I know of 2 FF opening a roof who fell to the ground. 1 guy is 55 and fell 17 feet on the Northside 1 month ago because he slipped due to the SHIT boots we got now,"

--------------------------

I NEVER FELL, SLIPPED or went through a fuckin' roof in my entire career as a policemen.

Kisssssssssssssssss my lazy fat police-ass ! !

3/28/2008 10:26:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I was charged over 100 dollars for a sweater on Roosevelt rd and Jefferson. For a fucken sweater! Damn Thieves!

3/29/2008 08:22:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I NEVER FELL, SLIPPED or went through a fuckin' roof in my entire career as a policemen.

Kisssssssssssssssss my lazy fat police-ass ! !

3/28/2008 10:26:00 PM

Who gives a fuck?????????????

3/29/2008 02:39:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

That store on Roosevelt Is a Total rip off! They wanted 97.00 for a sweater before tax! For a freakin sweater! I asked them if they just wanted to bend me over the counter for old times sake! Maybe throw a suit in or something.

3/30/2008 12:21:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

"Talked to a new recruit and he said he is out about 7G's for all uniform stuff. At 1800 a year it will take him 3.8 years to break even."
Jeez...WTF did that kid BUY? When I made Sgt. several years ago, I had to go out and replace EVERYTHING (except the Reefer). I spent a little over $1300. With all the people retiring, you'd think that people leaving the job would go over to the Academy and just give the stuff to recruits. I'm sure a lot of the retiree's stuff is salvagable, Reefers and blouses that haven't been worn in years. Maybe some 100% wool pants too. The day I retire, anything my kids don't want will be dropped off at 1300 W. Jackson.

3/30/2008 06:09:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

What airport scandal? Bigger then the water dept scandal? The mayor's son's sewer sancal? Scandal's don't last long in this city.

3/30/2008 09:23:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hey numbnuts, CFD doesnt get every fith day off...they get way more than that..24 on 48 off...then after 5 24hr shifts they get a Daley day (in honor of richie the first) LOL. which gives them 5 days in a row off after only five shifts....and free uniforms,,quit cryin cfd...you get paid to eat and sleep...and hes right about fires...very few..mostly ambulance assists...bullshit!!!!!

3/31/2008 08:41:00 AM  

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