Fewer Line of Duty Deaths
A national trend that wasn't exactly felt here in Chicago this year:
- Fewer police officers died in the line of duty in 2008 compared to last year, reflecting better training and tactics, two law enforcement support groups reported Sunday.
The findings reversed the trend for 2007 when there was a spike in police deaths, according to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund and another group, Concerns of Police Survivors.
- Gunfire deaths dropped to 41 officers this year, compared to 68 in 2007. The 2008 number represented the lowest total since 1956 — when there were 35 — and was far below the peak of 156 officers killed by gunfire in 1973.
Traffic-related deaths also declined, with 71 officers killed this year, compared to 83 in 2007. It was the 11th consecutive year that more officers were killed in traffic incidents than from any other cause.
Once again, it's the traffic that will kill you more often than an armed assailant.
That doesn't make Chicago's year any less painful, with Officers Francis and Taylor being killed in the Line of Duty, Airhart succumbing to his wounds years later, and the off duty death of Soto. Those wounds will remain raw for years. But it is good to see that number of Line of Duty deaths decline.
That doesn't make Chicago's year any less painful, with Officers Francis and Taylor being killed in the Line of Duty, Airhart succumbing to his wounds years later, and the off duty death of Soto. Those wounds will remain raw for years. But it is good to see that number of Line of Duty deaths decline.
Labels: officer down
posted by SCC at 12:05 AM
44 Comments:
I think one officer killed in the line of duty, is one too many.
i heard something troubling again on the radio yesterday. the w/c gets on the air and tells dispatch to 19p any and all disturbances that came from a cell phone or those that the caller wanted to remain anonymous. the ones that had complainants were given to the sgt to make the call on coding those out without ever responding. this has got to stop. these bosses are idiots. if somebody gets hurt or killed because the police coded the job out without ever going, they are opening themselves up for a real world of hurt. not to mention it's just down and out wrong not giving the caller police service.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2008
Fewer Line of Duty Deaths
A national trend that wasn't exactly felt here in Chicago this year:
Fewer police officers died in the line of duty in 2008 compared to last year, reflecting better training and tactics, two law enforcement support groups reported Sunday.
---
So does it stand to reason then that in a year with more line of duty deaths, such as here in Chicago this year, that this reflected worse training and tactics?
It is simple logic, according to the two law enforcement support groups quoted in the subject line.
You know, like a drop in homicides here some years ago reflects the successful implementation of CAPS, a rise should then reflect the abject failure of CAPS.
Just going with the irrefutable logic as reported.
God bless our fallen heroes.
12/30/2008 12:53:00 AM
This is what happens when you are thousands of officers short and are stealing money for the Olympics. Screw officer safety.
Word is that "de-policing" is a national phenomenon. I have friends is many different agencies and all report what we experience; Shit leadership, political witch hunts, hostile media, depleted ranks, and many sheep, but few sheep dogs in the ranks. When you are not "mixing it up" the risk element goes down.
12:53....Document, document,document.
The notebook is your friend. Remember, its illegal to tape them, but write down any and all questionable things they want you to do and get it time stamped ASAP. You can use it to defend yourself when they claim YOU fucked up. Its also useful in any civil action$ you may choose to initiate.
Mesa Az. might be a good place to retire. A friend of mine is a p/o there, he saw a m/ wearing a black jacket, with southside on the back, "BGN" on one side of it and "S" on the other side, obviously gangster. Stopped him, was told that he had moved here from 87 and Vincennes, and was staying with a cousin. His dept. notified the Az. state police gang task force who will go to the cousins house and interview all members to see if their is a potential problem. This can only be done with the backing of your fellow officers, city and the citizens, less than 4,000 days of work till I move to a better place. Be safe all...
Even one is too many.
"if somebody gets hurt or killed because the police coded the job out without ever going, they are opening themselves up for a real world of hurt. not to mention it's just down and out wrong not giving the caller police service."
The operative word in your rant is Watch Commander. He made that decision, so it's on him. Invariably they'll find some unsuspecting non-clouted P.O. to pin it on if something tunrs to shit. But in the meantime, your up & clear probably a good time to get your self a cup, SO SHUT THE HELL UP!!
On this note/topic... NOW is the time to give of ones self and consider attending at least one of the memorials to 'honor our own.'
The Washington DC National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, May 13-15, 2009, will again honor all those members in law enforcement throughout the nation that made the Ultimate Sacrifice. Added to the 'Roll Call of Hero's" are three of Chicago's Finest, Rick Francis, Nate Taylor and Joe Airhart. The Daily Bulletin normally will publish the particulars on how to obtain a CPD information packet on DC. Or call Special Activities section and request that a copy be sent to you via dept. mail. Keep in mind the Springfield memorial as well.
If funding is an issue (understood) there's always the CPD Candle Light Vigil and/or the St. Jude Memorial March.
All Gave Some Because Some Gave All
i heard something troubling again on the radio yesterday. the w/c gets on the air and tells dispatch to 19p any and all disturbances that came from a cell phone or those that the caller wanted to remain anonymous. the ones that had complainants were given to the sgt to make the call on coding those out without ever responding. this has got to stop. these bosses are idiots. if somebody gets hurt or killed because the police coded the job out without ever going, they are opening themselves up for a real world of hurt. not to mention it's just down and out wrong not giving the caller police service.
12/30/2008 12:53:00 AM
A police officers peace cannot be breached therefore unless someone wants to make a complaint we have no right going to that call. Thats why we are in a backlog on every zone every day. (plus manpower shortage buts thats another thread).
Dogs barking, kids making noise, children who wont eat their broccali (sp), NOT A POLICE MATTER. You want to free up ALOT of police, have civilians (or light duty officers) respond to traffic accidents and knock out the report. They can go to the hospital if needed which would free up alot of manpower. While we are at it how about have social workers from Human Services respond to domestic disturbances where there is no violence imminent (sp) or where the offender is not on the scene. DOA's can be handled by the ME's office. No need to tie up a car on that either.
Anonymous said...
i heard something troubling again on the radio yesterday. the w/c gets on the air and tells dispatch to 19p any and all disturbances that came from a cell phone or those that the caller wanted to remain anonymous. the ones that had complainants were given to the sgt to make the call on coding those out without ever responding. this has got to stop. these bosses are idiots. if somebody gets hurt or killed because the police coded the job out without ever going, they are opening themselves up for a real world of hurt. not to mention it's just down and out wrong not giving the caller police service.
12/30/2008 12:53:00 AM
If everybody is down on these BS disturbance calls there is nobody to go to the in-progress violent calls that really do need an immediate response. Years ago the dispatchers themselves would weed out the bullshit and not even put it out over the air but that is not permitted anymore.
Check out the U. S. Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries. The ten most dangerous occupations are, in order from most dangerous:
1. Fishing and fishing workers
2. Logging workers
3. Aircraft pilots
4. Structural iron & steel workers
5. Farmers and ranchers
6. Roofers
7. Power line installers, repairers
8. Travelling salesmen & truckers
9. Garbage collectors
10. Police Patrol officers.
Anyone up for quitting the job and
becoming a fisherman? How much does a fisherman make? How many personal days does do they get?
Do their union contracts provide for free seasick pills?
According to the census, their fatality rate is nearly six times as high as a police officer. Maybe the job ain't so bad. At least their's a chance of marrying an alderman's daughter and making captain.
i heard something troubling again on the radio yesterday. the w/c gets on the air and tells dispatch to 19p any and all disturbances that came from a cell phone or those that the caller wanted to remain anonymous. the ones that had complainants were given to the sgt to make the call on coding those out without ever responding. this has got to stop. these bosses are idiots. if somebody gets hurt or killed because the police coded the job out without ever going, they are opening themselves up for a real world of hurt. not to mention it's just down and out wrong not giving the caller police service.
12/30/2008 12:53:00 AM
Just come up on the air and say, "Squad, give me that job; I'll handle it". Problem solved...right? Then take whatever "07B" CAPS car you work off the desk lunch run and roll over to the job. Make sure the food is hot when you get back to the station though; cold food is "just down and out wrong".
"...i heard something troubling again on the radio yesterday. the w/c gets on the air and tells dispatch to 19p any and all disturbances that came from a cell phone or those that the caller wanted to remain anonymous. the ones that had complainants were given to the sgt to make the call on coding those out without ever responding. this has got to stop. these bosses are idiots. if somebody gets hurt or killed because the police coded the job out without ever going, they are opening themselves up for a real world of hurt. not to mention it's just down and out wrong not giving the caller police service...."
What? That's something that we should be doing every day in every district. Single, anonymous calls about bullshit disturbances should be coded and rarely ever dispatched. 20 years ago in the old radio room (called C.O.S. back then) every 911 job was hand-written on a card by a calltaker and given to the dispatcher. On many a summer night there were stacks of cards an inch tall just waiting to be dispatched on the busier zones like 6, 10 and 12. You have no idea how many of those cards were gone through and thrown in the trash by the 3 police officers working the zone. They knew what calls required service and those were given the priority. The B/S calls were eliminated. And while it still didn't stop all the backlogs, it sure helped to ease them. The COS supervisors also tacitly approved of this practice.
Now with the civilianized OEMC, they seem to only hire call takers for their typing skills instead of knowledge of what actually requires police service. And with everything electronic like it is, there is no more filing and trashing the garbage calls. It has to be up to the individual call taker to tell these people that no, we're not sending the police because your grandson won't listen to you. No, we're not sending the police because a group of 9yr olds are playing street hockey or kickball in the alley. No, we're not going to dispatch a car because you found 14 parking violations while walking your dog at 6am or your neighbor's sprinkler is spraying over onto your lawn.
These and many type of anonymous, non-criminal calls should never have been taken in the first place and should be coded out by a watch commander or field supervisor if they make it to a calltaker with no common sense. The less calls a beat car has to answer to means the less hectic their day is. Isn't that what it's all about? Let's all go home safe and in a good mood.
I agree its great to see line of duty deaths across the nation, lets hope and pray 2009 is a safe year for all of us! Now OT, I always see many coppers here whining about 022. Well I want to comment on something. I live in 022. I had to call the police for some punk ass kids throwing shit at passing cars the other day. Try to stop but they run off just as they do in the ghetto, NO DIFFERENT! About 40 minutes later I see a beat car talking to them and has a few in the backseat. I know a guy in 022 so i call him to find out whats up and he tells me that he heard at least 4-5 different calls on these punks and that many times when they are caught or taken home, the parents are city workers or always turn around and complain about the police fucking with their kids when there are bigger problems in the area. NO, THESE KIDS ARE A HUGE PROBLEM! They run through yards at 1 am, throw shit at cars, harass people walking in the area, etc. Dont tell me its kids shit, because i didnt throw shit at peoples cars or randomly attack people for fun when I was in grade school and HS! Now the copper i know goes on to say that this particular beat car that was handling this has a male and female on the car. He says the female is good and knows her shit and doesnt take these kids bullshit and is wiling to lock them up if necessary, but the male is a bit soft and afraid of his own shadow and afraid of possibly fucking with what could potentially be a bosses kid! I just have to say that to all these coppers here whining about the neighborhood, maybe you should look in the mirror and make sure YOUR OWN KIDS arent running wild through the neighborhood! We talk about the ghetto rats and how they destroy their own neighborhoods but we want to look the other way and blame someone else when its our own? Why are fucking kids out at 1 am anyways? Maybe because mommy and daddy would rather be partying with friends and drinking in the basement or at local bars instead of worrying about their fucking kids! If you want shit to get better in the area then make your own fucking houses better first. Im tired of the BS and if i catch your kid fucking up i dont give a fuck if your jody weis, he or she is getting NO preferential treatment! The days of taking a kid home and expecting the parent to beat his ass are over, now the parent sides with little joey or booboo and gets acomplaint on the copper! Well if you want to get a complaint on me my star # will be on the arrest report, just like i tell the rats in the ghetto. And if you want shit done differently then YOU FIX IT!
also...we are coming out better when confronting armed individuals....
So does it stand to reason then that in a year with more line of duty deaths, such as here in Chicago this year, that this reflected worse training and tactics?
It is simple logic, according to the two law enforcement support groups quoted in the subject line.
You know, like a drop in homicides here some years ago reflects the successful implementation of CAPS, a rise should then reflect the abject failure of CAPS.
Just going with the irrefutable logic as reported.
12/30/2008 06:43:00 AM
Training must be pretty good because coppers have been slaying these beasts for the past few years.
The problem is these dogs think we're scared of them so they think that upping a pistol at the PO-PO will spook us away.
Let them keep thinking that.
to mention it's just down and out wrong not giving the caller police service.
12/30/2008 12:53:00 AM
.................................................no duche-bag he is trying to screen calls that 911 dosn't have balls to screen. The garbage calls so that a beat car dosn't have to waist time going to. So the beat car can handlethe call with the real emergency/potential of someong getting hurt or killed at.
Don't try to apply logic to the Chicago way of doing things, it will never work. The powers to be will just twist it around and distort it to make everything they do look like it is great. Shitcago is the Worlds Greatest Smoke and Mirrors show. Thank Heaven that we still have so many great police officers and firefighters who don't succomb to the constant barrage of underhanded games played here.
Why is it that if a Supervisor codes jobs out against Orders it's O.K; but if a P.O. does it they could get suspended or fired? What about all the lieing "Victims" discovered via investigations? Are they ever locked up for wasting everyones time and our Tax-Dollars?
i heard something troubling again on the radio yesterday. the w/c gets on the air and tells dispatch to 19p any and all disturbances that came from a cell phone or those that the caller wanted to remain anonymous. the ones that had complainants were given to the sgt to make the call on coding those out without ever responding. this has got to stop. these bosses are idiots. if somebody gets hurt or killed because the police coded the job out without ever going, they are opening themselves up for a real world of hurt. not to mention it's just down and out wrong not giving the caller police service.
12/30/2008 12:53:00 AM
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Get a life and concern yourself with something a little more important than a supervisor coding out jobs. You're probably one of the guys bashing supervisors for doing nothing. When I was a P.O. in a beat car in the 80's, your supervisors were NEVER seen or heard from. EVERYONE liked it that way! Now the 5 year wonders can't wipe their ass with asking their Sgt for advice on how to do it. On New Years eve, you can bet I'll be coding out "shots fired" calls from a safe distance so none of the troops have to drive into the ghetto and risk getting hit.
BE SAFE ALL!!!
I think one officer killed in the line of duty, is one too many.
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I agree. But people die of work related incidents pretty regularly. Best you can do it act as safely as you can.
i heard something troubling again on the radio yesterday.
------------------
The radio in your cubicle?
TO 12:53 RE:19-P
Ummmm,,, this has been going on for years 2yr wonder and the districts this happens frequently in are the busier ones, and most of those callers not getting police service don't deserve it to begin with..... go back inside
Line of duty deaths are probably the worst deaths for most of us to deal with. However, in addition to duty deaths, suicide is also difficult to deal with. Not sure on the numbers this year, but there were a couple last year.
The next worst enemy has to be the low morale that many CPD officers feel. I don't blame JFED for much. He was brought in to fight police corruption, not street crime. Crime rose because his staff was concerned police misbehavior not combatting street crime. I blame the mayor, city council, OPS/IRPA, IAD, and scumbag lawyers looking to make a buck off of joe shithead at the expense of the officer's physical/mental well-being. Other big bosses are to blame as well because they lost the pulse and feelings of their officers. A bad system and now finally broken.
BETTER LUCK IN 2009!
Anonymous said...
i heard something troubling again on the radio yesterday. the w/c gets on the air and tells dispatch to 19p any and all disturbances that came from a cell phone or those that the caller wanted to remain anonymous. the ones that had complainants were given to the sgt to make the call on coding those out without ever responding. this has got to stop. these bosses are idiots. if somebody gets hurt or killed because the police coded the job out without ever going, they are opening themselves up for a real world of hurt. not to mention it's just down and out wrong not giving the caller police service.
12/30/2008 12:53:00 AM
I absolutely agree. Some people no longer have land lines only cell phones.
On a similar issue; 820 is coding out jobs that should have a police response.
These are ALL calls for service. Even if it is from an anonymous caller; there had to be a reason for someone to take the time to call 911.
Please, OEMC: Don't allow these blanket dispositions to prevail. It is wrong!
Speaking of line of duty deaths, on 09 Jan 09, it will be 10 years since John Knight of 022 was killed. A gathering is being planned on that night to celebrate the life of a great human being taken away from us way too early. Keep the night open, and pay attention for more details. Plans are being finalized as we speak.
John had many friends citywide. All are invited, without question, to share your stories about good times with him.
To the poster at 12:53...You are a MORON!
Chicago and Philadelphia are seriously skewing these statistics.
You'd never know the numbers of "line of duty" deaths went down from here. Stay safe all this New Year's Eve!
OT-- Dude is huffin' in 025. Those little empty butane cartridges laying around in the alleys. (Like bugs -- if you see one there must be hundreds.) Look just like the dark-green CO2 cartridges for a BB gun except they're bright silver. Same cartridge in bright blue is nitrous oxide, "laughing gas."
Fill a balloon, rot your brain, party time.
Weis says that there's going to be public hearings on whether or not to deploy carbines. Is he nuts?
"According to the census, their fatality rate is nearly six times as high as a police officer. Maybe the job ain't so bad. At least their's a chance of marrying an alderman's daughter and making captain.
12/30/2008 11:28:00 AM"
Does somebody wake up with the intent of Murdering a Fisherman? Does a fisherman wear a Kevlar Safety Vest to work, are they asaulted by Charlie the Tuna?
Run your line of bullshit to the families of slain Police Officers & while your @ it, GO FUCK YOURSELF!!
to 12/30 @ 12:53 am; YOU HAVE TO BE HEARING THINGS!!! Even this dept. cannot be that ignorant or malicious...we do have a JOB to do....if true, someone must snatch up the radio tape (usually not destroyed for 3 days) ; time for the w/c to get a new job (and a beating!!) have seen lots of b.s. but this beats all....carry on, that is all
Speaking of officer safety. First off I don't have hardly a week on the job compared to most. I only have three years. However, since I have been on the only training I have gotten from the department is TERA and whatever streaming videos they show. Good thing the PO in some small suburb of population 500 and where the average household income is around 100k is riding around with a shotgun along with an m4 and all we have is our side arms and two mags. Yet the copper of that suburb goes to maybe one man with a gun call a year when some of us go to maybe 5 a night. That's not to mention some of the training those guys get compared to us. At least they get more class room and hands on scenarios a year where we get hey watch this 5 min and now your certified.
"According to the census, their fatality rate is nearly six times as high as a police officer. Maybe the job ain't so bad. At least their's a chance of marrying an alderman's daughter and making captain.
12/30/2008 11:28:00 AM"
Does somebody wake up with the intent of Murdering a Fisherman? Does a fisherman wear a Kevlar Safety Vest to work, are they asaulted by Charlie the Tuna?
Run your line of bullshit to the families of slain Police Officers & while your @ it, GO FUCK YOURSELF!!
12/30/2008 11:05:00 PM
Always nice to read a thoughtful, well reasoned response to one of my comments. Too bad yours isn't one of them. There are a lot of people who have dangerous jobs, many with less pay and benefits than a police officer. Their families feel just as bad as an officers family when something awful happens to them.
Last time I looked, no one was forced to be a cop. If you feel so put upon, I'm sure the CPD would survive if you chose to seek employment elsewhere. You might, however, find the civilian job market for crybabies limited.
crybabies
Don't forget Mike Robbins who died from his wounds after being ambushed in 1993.
RIP Mike from a fellow member of 86-5F
Hey Rev. Al.
I have thought this reply out. So did the other guy. Perhaps you yourself could try some thought on this....
Yes, there are more dangreous jobs.
However, Think on this:
1) No one on that list -- other than the police officer -- is in a calling. Good cops are not doing a job, they are working professionals in a profession.
2) No one on that list -- other than the police officer -- is performing tasks "In the name of and by the authority of the people..." In other words, they are charged under oath to perform their tasks. No roofer has taken an oath, that I know of. Still cops continue to serve.
3) No one on that list -- other than the police officer -- is never really off duty. Never seen a steel worker with an off duty hammer. Still cops continue to serve.
4) While we are on the topic: No one on that list -- other than the police officer -- is subject to stricter rules of conduct off the job. Our civil rights are diminished. The public expects more. If you think not, read the comments by police bashers over even minor infractions. "Should have known better...", "held to a higher standard" and "serves them right, because they are all dirty" are the least of the judgmental statements. I have never heard a news story lead off by the words "An off duty traveling salesman was..." Still cops continue to serve.
5) 2) No one on that list -- other than the police officer -- would (or should) be consistently be portrayed in TV's, movies, and the alleged news media as either an ignoramus or a badge heavy criminal, who is usually a closet drunk and abuser. Still cops continue to serve.
OK, Lumberjacks do have Monty Python, but they're OK.
6) And finally: No one on that list -- other than the police officer -- has as an occupational danger that is a thinking, cunning and often totally committed to the injury or death of an individual because of what they do for a living.
Does an electrical linesman have that wire plotting his doom? Has he seen training films of electrical lines in a yard somewhere training to counter his safety measures?
Does electricity have the ear of the media? Does a tearful Oprah interview a transformer about how a lineman was mean to him?
Still cops continue to serve, and as you pointed out: NO ONE FORCES THEM TO DO SO. Amazing.
So, Rev. Al; since your comparison is groundless, you ridicule the benefits given to cops -- benefits many workers enjoy but are relatively new to the police. So what? Are we to keep quiet because the ranchers have no union?
I seem to recall that there are indeed memorials to the fatalities in some of the other jobs. Our honored fallen fell in service to their fellow citizens. Are we to cut them loose? Not honor their sacrifice because the truckers do not honor dead truckers?
OK, then. That is my reasoned reply.
Now, you may take the advice already given to you about your comments. Please, do not let me keep you from you going somewhere else, and then fucking yourself.
Happy New Year.
Good for you 12:44 pm. I policed my kids. Everyone should police there own.
Hon. John J. LePetimaine said...
Hey Rev. Al.
I have thought this reply out. So did the other guy. Perhaps you yourself could try some thought on this....
And, basically, he went on to say go fuck yourself. Just what I'd expect from an anonymous post who attempted to think the thing out but came up with nothing.
His supposedly sensible reply was prompted by a comment I made ponting out that there are a lot of jobs more dangerous than police officer. Some even require some hard work in addition to being dangerous, and most are not awfully well paid.
The Hon. John J. seems to live in Batman's world, where diabolical super criminals like the Penguin devote their lives to killing police officers.
Real cops know that most police deaths result from being in the wrong plce at the wrong time, like
stopping a car for traffic whose driver is armed and running from something serious. Or strolling into a store in uniform that is, unknown to the copper, being robbed. Or encountering a nut at a domestic who wrestles your gun away. Or getting hit by a car writing a ticket. Even 9-11 wasn't the work of some criminal mastermind, but 19 jerks with box cutters who got (from their point of view anyway) lucky.
Please, spare me the melodramatic drivel about the heroic dedicated professionals laying it all on the line for nothing but love of the job and dedication to the public.
I was one for too long to buy that crap. Save it for contract negotiations.
Cops have problems with their employers, with their working conditions, with their equipment. Welcome to the club, who doesn't?
Cops are mostly decent people, some hard-working, some not, doing a necessary job as well as circumstances allow. Isn't that good enough? Why pile on the self pity, the hollywood glamor, the
stuff we all know to be b.s.? It's one thing to try and fool the public. It's quite another to fool yourself.
Nicely said 5:24pm
"It's quite another to fool yourself.
1/01/2009 09:01:00 AM"
Yes, yes it is.
Some are more adept at it then others.
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