Quick Hits
Have done this in a while:
- Blackhawks lose a home-in-home series - The Detroit Red Wings took the Winter Classic 6-4 over the Chicago Blackhawks before an enthusiastic outdoor crowd at Wrigley Field. Damn those Redwings anyway. And damn, it was cold out there.
- New taxes in the Chicago worker's paradise! The pocketbooks of Chicago residents, workers and visitors won't be gobbled up by a big, single tax bite at the start of the year, but they could be nibbled to pieces as the year progresses.
Mayor Richard Daley's budget includes dozens of new or higher taxes and fees to raise an extra $53 million. It also has noticeable cuts, including the end of the free trolleys used by hordes of tourists since 2000 and fewer downtown traffic aides. - FOP sued over defense fund allocation - A lawsuit has been filed in federal court demanding that Chicago's police union stop paying legal fees for former Cmdr. Jon Burge.
Burge is accused of lying under oath about torturing black suspects into confession.
On Wednesday, one current and one former Chicago police officer filed the lawsuit against the Fraternal Order of Police for racial discrimination.
So if the other officers are acquitted of the charges, can they apply to the Defense Fund for reimbursement? We understand why Burge was covered, in theory, as he was an FOP member prior to the creation of supervisor unions and such. And we understand the unwillingness of the Defense Fund to cover certain unsavory acts committed outside the scope of duty-related activities. Is every decision made on a case-by-case basis? Or what?
Labels: quick hits
posted by SCC at 12:02 AM
46 Comments:
Anonymous said...
I once asked DETECTIVE MARK DONAHUE who makes the decisions on the legal defense funds and he stated in front of several PO's " I MAKE THE D-E-C-I-S-I-O-N " on who gets a free attorney or not...
12/06/2008 07:55:00 AM
The above comment is from a previous SCC post regarding the FOP decision to pay for the legal defense of Jon Burge.
IF CLEAR CUT GUIDELINES DO NOT EXIST, I'm surprised it has taken this long for an officer, deprived of legal representation, to sue the FOP, and this may be the first of a number more to come.
What did they do that FOP wouldn't represent them?? Off Duty bs, or in the performance of duty???
**********WINTER CLASSIC**********
After its all said and done, the young upstart Blackhawks just got slapped back into place by the class of the NHL, and after their nine game win streak, have now started a two game losing streak!
I needed this win to feel real positive about our guys but I guess SCC was right with their 2008 prediction that they were three years (now two years) away from contention for the Stanley Cup!
I would expect a Stanley Cup in this town before we see another Bears Super Bowl win, but I'm too afraid to talk about winning a World Series!!!
SCC here is your flaw.
"We understand why Burge was covered, in theory, as he was an FOP member prior to the creation of supervisor unions and such."
His current problems with the law have nothing to do when is was a sworn member of the CPD. He is being charged with perjury one statements made I believe in 2003 in a Civil lawsuit.
Do you think someone who was a lonely PO with 30+ years on the jog. This person got called in on a Civil trail while in retirement would be covered by the FOP?????
FUCK NO!!!!!!
It is wrong plan and simple.
...We understand why Burge was covered, in theory, as he was an FOP member prior to the creation of supervisor unions and such...
If that is the case then why does, FOP refuse to defend grievances for acts commited in the line of duty by members, who are later promoted to sergeants.
This happend several times, a P.O. is involved in a C.R. that should be exonerated or unfounded, but is sustained. By the time he or she might finds out about it, they get promoted and FOP says we can't defend you now, you are a sergeant now. But,this happened when I was a patrolman. Yes, but now you are a sergeant and we can't defend you. So why are we committing union money to Burge.
Ive always believed that if you're a cop, politician, or any public servant, you should pay your own way if you are caught up in a criminal act.
Donahue explained that each case like this is decided on a case by case basis though he gave no clear rationale for the Burge decision.
Burge was long retired. Burge was charged with lying to the Fed after being retired for 15+ years,
Why is this subject to legal defense by the FOP????
Why not then is the officer from 019 who got in a car wreck that killed two people and he is now charged with reckless homicide? He seems more eligible for an expensive defense attorney. He is currently a PO. Why Burge and not J.A.? Why Burge and not everyone else? Why lying to the Feds 15+ years into retirement and not active PO's no matter what they have done?
It seems the FOP is tossing around our dues money in ways that need some explaining to the membership.
The Blackhawks lose the Winter Classic!! Does this surprise you? They played hockey where the Cubs play. Of course they were going to lose!! I gave up on the Cubs years ago, now the Blackhawks are going to lose me.
The FOP lawsuit discussion deserves its' own posting topic
Clearly Officers are outraged at this outlandish decision made by the FOP to represent Burge. It appears that working coppers don't seem too pleased about surrending our hard earned defense dollar to Burge who stepped on his own sword during a deposition, which he could have simply invoked his right to shut the f*** up. But foolishly chose to lie in the deposition. His fault, not our.
Burge was a Lt. and a Commander at the time in question. We all must stipulate to this. Although there was not a union established yet for Lt.'s at that time, he still should not qualify. What else will this open the door to? Do we now have to represent Mike Acosta or any other exempt?
Our union will now be faced with more lawsuits from coppers that we should not be representing.
This was a decision made by Greg Bella to appeal to the retirees for next election- THAT IS THE REASON, NONE OTHER! Shame on those guys up there. What's in it for Mark D?
Our SHIT mAYOR told Mark to have FOP pay for Burges defense. Thats why it's being done. Burge might have some dirt on the little shit.
Burge was accused, never convicted, of actions while he was an active paying F.O.P. member. That is why he is covered. This witch hunt has gone on for years and cost taxpayers millions. It has dragged on for years because it sold newspapers and airtime, and furthered polical careers.
I believe the actions of the Finnegan crew and the plaintiffs in the current lawsuit preclude them from being covered.
On Wednesday, one current and one former Chicago police officer filed the lawsuit against the Fraternal Order of Police for racial discrimination.
--------------
WOW! Bucking for a promotion are we??
They said on TV that Wrigley Field sold out of Winter Classic tickets less than an hour after they went on sale.
Too bad Detroit won.
Anonymous said...
Ive always believed that if you're a cop, politician, or any public servant, you should pay your own way if you are caught up in a criminal act.
___________________________________
So Comrade, we are guilty 'till proven innocent? I've always believed that you're an asshat.
**********WINTER CLASSIC********
What do you expect, they played at Wrigley!!! That Shithole is bad news
Anonymous said...
Ive always believed that if you're a cop, politician, or any public servant, you should pay your own way if you are caught up in a criminal act.
1/02/2009 05:53:00 AM
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Non-officers are sooooo easy to spot on here! But relax, I'll be gentle...
Of the people you mention, cops, polititions and the rest of public servants lumped together, pretty much only cops can perform their jobs precisely as they should, and yet still be sued and be investigated as a result of complaints filed against them by the public.
Why you ask? Because in every contact that the police have with the public, (ie. traffic or crowd control, arrests etc.), the public THINKS they know exactly what our procedures are or should be. These ideas are usually based on some preconceived notion OR their vast knowledge of the dozens of TV cop shows out there,(You can't do that; I know my rights!). So of course, we aren't doing our job correctly when we don't respond exactly as the TV cops do! WRONG!!!
Conflict resolution; The police are called to the scene of a dispute and they resolve it based on their knowledge of the law, dept rules and regulations or parties are referred to other agencies for resolution. Invariably, one or both of the people involved feel they were wronged by the police, and file complaints.
Criminal arrests; In my entire career, I have never seen an arrestee write a letter to the police dept applauding an officers' outstanding actions or investigation that resulted in their arrest. In fact, many defense attorney's believe that an arrestee should ALWAYS file complaints or suits against the police as a matter of routine, so that when they eventually go to trial, they can show a jury how outraged they were at the officers' conduct.
Encouragement from the city government; The City of Chicago has developed a legal stance that actually encourages lawsuits against the police dept. and the city. As the Corporation Council (the city's legal arm) evaluates the city's liability on lawsuits filed, they also estimate the cost to the city to hire an outside lawfirm to fight the suit. Routinely, the city makes monetary offers to 'settle' these suits out of court at a lesser amount of money than they estimate the legal costs to be. This is all done regardless of whether or not the officer was right in the first place so payouts can be made even when cops did nothing wrong!!!
So, you see, WHILE YOU'VE ALWAYS BELIEVED life is black & white, reality shows a lot of gray!
Just so you don't think I missed your point, IF a copper is caught up in a CRIMINAL ACT, F*CK HIM. MY POINT is that determining an officers' implication in a criminal act can be very difficult to determine in reality. We deserve the benefit of the doubt and a defense fund to prove we are not always guilty of accusations of criminality.
Is this Wayne Harje again...
"We understand why Burge was covered, in theory, as he was an FOP member prior to the creation of supervisor unions and such."
His current problems with the law have nothing to do when is was a sworn member of the CPD. He is being charged with perjury one statements made I believe in 2003 in a Civil lawsuit.
Burge's current problems are a direct result from being a sworn member of the CPD. The statements he gave were in reference to CPD arrests and subsequent investigations by the Detectives.
So, you think that when one retires, he/she is now a free target for anyone who chooses to sue him/her regarding actions while CPD. And we should say, "Too bad, he's retired. Let them pay for their own defense."
The union, which was the FOP at the time of the arrests, should represent you for any action against you as a direct result of your official conduct while CPD.
1/02/2009 02:14:00 AM
hope donuhue is not to surpised when all the special is only given to d-1 patrolmen,like it should be! hey mark dumbass!
I beleieve I read that the 2 officers are suing the FOP citing racism. I bet there are tons of non black officers who have been denied legal representation paid by the FOP.To all the people who keep using that bull$hit excuse of racism in everything in life to get ahead.. GFY. I have heard of countless highly qualified non-black officers who were supposed to and deserved spots in tact teams, elite units, and even merit promotions, but didn't get it because they were told flat out that a black person (who doesn't have near the qualifications) was needed to fill the spot. The main racism problem today is by minorities who only use that excuse to get ahead, that alone creates negative feelings by people who become deprived of what they deserve and can't stand this BS anymore. Man the f$*k up, grow up, and do something to earn it if you feel you deserve it. Black, white, brown, yellow, green, it doesn't matter anymore. Everyone has the same opportunities to better themselves in life. Jobs are available to the point in the U.S. That illegals come here for work. Its out there, so don't give that oppression BS, or that reparations BS. Whites don't have the NAAWP, you don't see any pro white affililiations that find jobs for just whites, college tuitions to just whites, any of that. Because if there were any , they would be deemed racist. But its ok for others? There's a newly elected (so-called) black president , people can't use that excuse anymore. Slavery was generations ago, and let me remind you that it was the slaves own people who sold them in the first place. Stop using the color of your skin as a reason to feel you deserve anything, the only people who deserve anything are the people who work for it, period, regardless of race. For the record , I am a minority, have minority friends, and am not racist. I have been told that I should join the minority associations to help me advance. I haven't and won't. I work my ass off and anything I get, I deserve.
John FARRELL and David "Second Deputy" SNETHEN:
As you well know, I'm politically heavier than whale shit with da Mare and J-Fed. Using Jody's "think tank" as liaison, I presented what I believed to be a compelling argument to have both of you elevated to the very highest echelon of the CPD clusterfuck forthwith.
While you may be downright reluctant to accept such "promotions", I was only thinking that with your impressive credentials, you might actually resurrect the nonexistent morale of the CPD.
This morning I received a response from our "leader".
Sadly, the powers-that-be regard both of you as abysmal failures. You have far too much experience as "da REAL PO-leese". As honorable men with integrity, courage and outstanding leadership qualities, you were ultimately doomed to rejection.
And Capt. Farrell, the fact that you could easily qualify for Mensa membership is a distinct disadvantage. Supt. Weis has made it his top priority to surround himself with a command staff comprised of sycophantic dumbfucks.
Sorry, guys. I gave it my best shot. I guess I've lost my clout.
I would rather lose as a Blackhawks fan then win a a Wings fan.
They might have won the game but they still live the cesspool they call Detroit!!!
Anonymous said...
Burge was accused, never convicted, of actions while he was an active paying F.O.P. member. That is why he is covered. ...
1/02/2009 10:26:00 AM
So were the officers who were refused, active dues paying members. and Burge was 15 years retired when he is alleged to have lied to the Feds. That is not an active member.
I agree, the mayor gave Donahue an order. Pay for Burge.
Ive always believed that if you're a cop, politician, or any public servant, you should pay your own way if you are caught up in a criminal act.
1/02/2009 05:53:00 AM
OK POLICE GET BLAMED FOR ALL KINDS OF SHIT!!!!! AND 99.99% IS COMPLETELY UNTRUE. THATS WHY WE HAVE A UNION TO PROTECT US FROM ASS-HOLES LIKE YOU YOU FUCKING MUSH
"It is wrong plan and simple.
1/02/2009 03:35:00 AM"
here is your flaw:
the allegations relate directly to alleged conduct on the job.
alleged conduct not related to duty, whether criminal or civil in nature, is not covered.
how is the sgt from 004th district doing found severely beaten in the 22nd district from new year y2k9 celebration-moral of the story-
damm if your caught....damm if your caught with/out your gun...however, you feel about this-its better to be safe than 2 get your ass kick without your gun!
your confused gel boy/girl special is assigned by seniority! wait your turn!
Before you open your big mouths, think about this. On duty-covered. Off duty-not covered. PERIOD. Case closed. Our fee's are paying for this. It's very simple. We may not like the players, but we made the rules.
All I want to know is;
Does Burge still pay his FOP dues as a retiree?
And did he already get his "ORANGE FOP BOOK"?
"Than you. Come Again"
The union, which was the FOP at the time of the arrests, should represent you for any action against you as a direct result of your official conduct while CPD.
1/02/2009 01:31:00 PM
You are right on the money, my friend. I guess that the whiners on here are forgetting that one day they will be retirees; and that ghosts of the past, can befall them at anytime.
The Burge Case is setting a dangerous precedent for all of us. Wether he made the right choice or not by testifying, is NOT the issue.
The issue is, having to defend oneself legally based upon a police action.
I fault the FOP for many things but this is NOT one of them.
His current problems with the law have nothing to do when is was a sworn member of the CPD. He is being charged with perjury one statements made I believe in 2003 in a Civil lawsuit.
---------
Yes, a civil lawsuit STEMMING FROM HIS EMPLOYMENT WITH THE CPD!!!
ROFLMAO. Damn you, Northside. Another beer soaked keyboard. Please write a book.
You are off base, Northside. They want to makes bosses with "the right stuff". Like ME!
Missy (parking ticket guru)
So were the officers who were refused, active dues paying members. and Burge was 15 years retired when he is alleged to have lied to the Feds. That is not an active member.
1/02/2009 06:01:00 PM
Read it again, slowly this time. He was in the F.O.P.. He was paying dues. This stems from his job at the time and has continued on. There are lots of retired guys still involved in civil matters long into retirement and they should be covered.
Well John, I really appreciate the vote of confidence but I refuse to work for Jody, not because he has never been the police. The reason I wouldn't work for him is because he is PLAYING the police. O.W. Wilson NEVER wore our uniform and in the end he was a good thing for the job. Jody doesn't understand that if you don't ask a patrolman what is wrong, then your not going to know what is wrong.
John, you're killing me. All the best in 2009!
Snethen, he doesn't ask because he would never stoop so low to ask bottom-feeder's like patrol officer's what they thought of policing Chicago's streets. Better that civilians and police alike get shot right out of their shoes, while he figures this one out.
John, you are too damn funny!
If you only knew what the two PO's filing the lawsuit are GUILTY of, none of you sorry ass, uninformed bastards would argue.
wondering: FOP, BURGE, DALEY.
could shortshanks be paying the bill for Burge through the FOP? FOP & Burge are within range of coverage. But who may be the biggest loser here? Daley was State's Attorney at the time. May Burge have a thing or two on Daley?
with this job you always have to look.........
be safe
Here's one more bottom line, they did it.
"If you only knew what the two PO's filing the lawsuit are GUILTY of, none of you sorry ass, uninformed bastards would argue.
1/03/2009 09:39:00 PM"
So, post it.
Anonymous said...
"If you only knew what the two PO's filing the lawsuit are GUILTY of, none of you sorry ass, uninformed bastards would argue.
1/03/2009 09:39:00 PM"
So, post it.
1/04/2009 02:47:00 AM
It's none of your concern but it is public record. look it up yourself
"It's none of your concern but it is public record. look it up yourself
1/04/2009 01:09:00 PM"
Better yet, wait for the civil suit to go to trial, it'll all come out when the defense makes it's case.
By "they", I meant the guys Burge is accused of assaulting. Who, by the way, never should have made it into the station anyway.
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