Um, What's This?
Can anyone confirm this?
- I don't know how to reach the folks in charge of this blog, but I have a good topic that will certainly shock most members of the CPD. In a time where manpower is at its lowest, violent crime at its highest and the expectations from the public and politicians of police performance is unrelenting, the repercussions on the police officer's emotional/psychological well-being are detrimental. You see, the ole Employee Assistance Program has succumbed to the ill-practices of HR Director Ladner and others in the Department. Let's start with an Officer seeking psychological help voluntarily and is then placed on medication to help with whatever the issue may be: PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, Anger, Grief, et al. Common sense and a caring Department would say, "Well done officer for being strong enough to seek the help and carry on honorably with your profession". Hell no!! What happens is that the Department's Medical Section will dig in to find out if the Officer is taking what they call "Psychotropic Meds" like Ambien, Effexor, Prozac, and a plethora of other anti-anxiety/anti-depression meds. This dead is done by the MSS's nurses who will, upon receipt of a letter or prescription from a Doctor or Psychiatrist, call the Personnel Concerns folks at HR's new Performance Management Section, who will then sit the Officer down in their office, tell them that they are there to help (While asking the officer for their ID, Badge and Shield), read them some form that in essence sounds like "Miranda Rights", force you on the medical, and escort you in and out of their office with a "visitor's" badge around the officers neck. Really?? This is how the Department is "Helping" its officers in a time of emotional/psychological need?? Hitler treated his troops better than that!! This needs to be put out there for all to see....Fuck Ladner and her anti-police/psychological warfare against our officers. The time to change this shit is NOW. What about all the Officers coming back from the war zones with PTSD who are being treated by the VA?? Guess what, if the Dept's Medical Services Section finds out that they are on medication, they get stripped too. That is a crying shame!!
This would appear to violate a few long standing practices, certain contractual protections, the spirit of the EAP Program and maybe a HIPAA rule or two. We say "appear" since we have no direct knowledge, only this comment. Can anyone provide further info? Has anyone contacted the FOP with this issue?
Labels: rumors
posted by SCC at 12:01 AM
76 Comments:
This is why cops have never trusted seeking help when needed/ and are always sceptical of the system...(cant jeapordize the job) and the end result ends with a BANG way too many times. watch for an increase in suicides over the next few years.
I was diagnosed with major depressive disorder. I met with two sergeants, Saldana and Connelly. Both treated me with respect. Both of them very supportive of my attempt to return to sworn. The department is only stripping if you're hospitalized. Knock Tracy Ladner all you want,I do, but my experience with Personal Concerns was a positive one. EAP WAS EXCELLENT, TOO.
If the department stripped everyone on anti-depressants, you would see a lot more people off this job.
Sorry SCC, but an officer on psychotropic drugs shouldn't be on the streets, shouldn't be carrying a badge & a gun for the CPD. It is what it is. While I'm no Ladner fan, People in a fragile mental state (or even bipolar) don't need to be under the kinds of stresses that the rest of us are dealing with, especially in some
of the heater districts. The City's just protecting itself for liability issues, and I can't blame them for that.
Disarm them, give them something a whole lot less stressful to do while their minds heal up from their issues, and if their doctor deems them whole, I will be more than glad partner up with them on these mean streets.
If you are on the medical. And by that i mean non iod. The department has no access or right to view your own personal Drs notes or treatments. You can be very vague and nondescript when on medical. So dont let them sucker you in to giving them info they are not entitled to.
If true, may Tracy Ladner rot in hell. As well as any other bosses with knowledge of it.
True. They almost stripped me when I was prescribed anti anxiety after pregnancy. The Sgt in counseling section told me "who isn't stressed and anxious after having a baby" & she saved me from being stripped. I think it is bullshit. They want you to find help rather than doing something stupid to yourself or others. Hang in there, get better then worry about this job!
its wrong!
But what if i was going to retire in a year and felt a little depressed and had my wonderful doctor prescribe these medications?
Would i be on the medical for that last year on the cities dime because of TRACIE'S new cluster f@#k.
Learn to adjust in these changing times and think about the kids!
I will be there for an appointment Friday I havent seen that but I will let you know
im not to sure about this one. have been using antidepressants and sleep medication for years under a doctors care. have been pissed tested a couple of times since. there is really no way for them to to find out and i believe it violates hippa laws to have your doctor tell anybody. thats just my own personal experience though. would hate to see a city policy get in the way of people seeking help for any illness, be it physical or mental, so they can continue to do their jobs and more importantly, function in everyday life for themselves and their families
Sounds like a HIPPA issue and perhaps a discrimination issue. You can't discriminate because of an illness, be it physical or mental. Get a good lawyer on this issue and throw a lawsuit at them.
Gee, being forced on the medical? I know a few officers who, while working the midnight shift, took one of those drugs to help them sleep during the day, especially after a long, busy night, possibly court in the morning, and all caffeined up to try to drive home without falling asleep, just to get home and can't sleep. I suppose there might be a few officers out there who are unhappy on the midnight shift, especially ones who have a winter furlo ( you know who you are- 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B ). They come back off furlo, work another period or two, then go see the doctor, who may prescribe one of those medications to help them sleep. It is now perhaps, the 5th period.... I guess being forced on the medical for the 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th periods might not be such a bad thing. They are released and are clean of their former prescription drug, and come back to work the 10th 11th 12th and 13th period. They pick watches and furlos for the next year. Maybe their seniority is better... , but maybe, they are now experiencing Seasonal Affective Disorder.... they can't sleep during the day; they work the midnite shift; the cycle starts again. They are not a danger to themselves or to society, they are just fighting nature, and fighting a department that doesn't have the brains to blow themselves up. Be careful, Madame Ladner... you may be taking a long walk on a short plank.
Great to know that you may lose your job if you decide to get any type of real help! Or at the very least, be fucked with. Then again, that's nothing new in this ass-backwards department. I desperately need to find something new outside if the IL criminal empire before I hit 10 years.
I certainly hope this is not true but nothing surprises me anymore. We need to take care of each and if your partner is having a bad day look out for him/her. the reality is the that all we have is each other. Nobody gives a shit about us especially the city and im cool with that but we need to take care of each other.
Looks like Tracy is about to cost the taxpayers millions. But she's a lawyer and knows better than the rest of us...oh um...there's just that little thing called 'past practice' to get around. Maybe a lick or two of punitive damages will set her right. When she looks in the mirror does she see the city hall flunky that she is? Marv Shear should talk to her!
Bill Powers is spinning out of his grave.
It's a catch-22. The deal breaker is that you carry a gun and have the power to take away ones freedom. Too much liability for the department and officer, (let's pretend they care enough to protect the officer) to allow the officer to continue, as sworn. And as an officer, do you want to work with someone sick, emotionally or physically? The answer is no.
The solution. That's what the medical is for. When you are sick. Or seek your help outside department channels. You have insurance and a vast medical community the can help you without Ladner finding out the details. But if you are impaired by illness or medication, you should not be carrying a gun or cuffs. Period.
One of the sorriest mistakes I made in my career was going through an EAP sponsored by my union. This was when I was working for private industry before my city job. My confidentiality was breached and it took me nearly 15 years to undo the damage.
Just don't do it.
As soon as someone heavy is on those drugs it'll ll go away...
In the meantime despite the department treats their officers like shit, officers will still get out there and bring in arrests, movers, parking tickets, impounds, etc... So in the end who do we have to blame?
the guys coming back from any of the numerous wars we are engaged in overseas are made to sign a form of some sort saying they may in the future have ptsd or something like that...this form effectively wakes it impossible for any veteran who has signed this to obtain a firearm in the future for reasons of psychological problems
while the way it is being reported it sounds worse than it probably is meant to be, it is a very reasonable thing to do to put cops on medical leave who are using drugs that will impair their judgement.
I wouldn't put it past them..HR people can be ruthless. I guess I'm fucked, I have been prescribed Ambian as a sleep aid.
complete bullshit.
No, Hitler DID NOT treat his troops better than that!!
Sounds OK. Would you really want folks with mental disorders carrying firearms?
"them that they are there to help (While asking the officer for their ID, Badge and Shield), read them some form that in essence sounds like "Miranda..."
Sounds suspect to me, we have STARS not badges.
It's a total and complete shame. But I hate to say this... we don't stick together and they keep on screwing us more! When is enough enough?
HIPPA rights protection has done the opposite. It's legal bullxxxx and has given organizations and insurance companies the legal right to delve into our present and past medical conditions.
stripping someone based soley on medication would be a change in long standing practice-hopefully there is more to this story---which perhaps the member forgot to mention(an on or offduty "incident"-significant change in behavior or personality- pattern of medical roll use....)
Yes. It's absolutely true. If they find out you're on certain prescription drugs, a sgt. comes and gets you from the medical section at your next appt., and you are stripped. Period. They explain it's not punitive, but it is very unsettling, to say the least, to have to hand over your star. Can't remember if they took my i.d. This was about 6 years ago, so this is nothing new.
BTW, they don't test for most of the substances, and if you are on, let's say, Adderall, the legal doses don't show up. That's just what I heard, so don't take it for gospel.
Also, you have to take the psyche test and meet with a city psychologist to come back. Based on your test results and this 'interview', it is decided when you come back.
Now, if I get the baby blues or whatever and am prescribed something, I don't say a word.
It's really a pathetic system. I felt like a criminal.
I was diagnosed with major depressive disorder. I met with two sergeants, Saldana and Connelly. Both treated me with respect. Both of them very supportive of my attempt to return to sworn. The department is only stripping if you're hospitalized. Knock Tracy Ladner all you want,I do, but my experience with Personal Concerns was a positive one. EAP WAS EXCELLENT, TOO.
If the department stripped everyone on anti-depressants, you would see a lot more people off this job.
10/11/2012 12:13:00 AM
I agree, Saldana was a prince. But it's bullshit that you're only stripped if you're hospitalized. I wasn't hospitalized, and I was stripped, not for doing ANYTHING wrong, just for taking dr. prescribed meds after some hard family events.
Anonymous said...
Sorry SCC, but an officer on psychotropic drugs shouldn't be on the streets, shouldn't be carrying a badge & a gun for the CPD. It is what it is. While I'm no Ladner fan, People in a fragile mental state (or even bipolar) don't need to be under the kinds of stresses that the rest of us are dealing with, especially in some
of the heater districts. The City's just protecting itself for liability issues, and I can't blame them for that.
Disarm them, give them something a whole lot less stressful to do while their minds heal up from their issues, and if their doctor deems them whole, I will be more than glad partner up with them on these mean streets.
10/11/2012 12:13:00 AM
And I'll bet you'd be the first one screaming MEDICAL ABUSER!!!!! FAKER!!!! CHICKEN SHIT!!!! CLOUTED!!!! DESK DOLLY! (or boy)!!!
Anonymous said...
its wrong!
But what if i was going to retire in a year and felt a little depressed and had my wonderful doctor prescribe these medications?
Would i be on the medical for that last year on the cities dime because of TRACIE'S new cluster f@#k.
Learn to adjust in these changing times and think about the kids!
10/11/2012 12:20:00 AM
I'm probably on some drugs that would get me stripped--for sleeping and anxiety.
I have about a year to go.....so if I end up forced on the medical, I will look like a dog.
You're damned if you do, and you're damned if you don't.
But you're right, if you want to be forced on the medical, at full pay, for whatever medical time you have, taking those drugs would do it.
Hopefully every case is handled on it's own merit, but unfortunately some coppers have a way of gaming, abusing, and destroying the system to the detriment of the rest of those who might genuinely need it some day. That being said, I had a tremendously positive experience with EAP and the office of Sgt. (now LT.) Saldana. In my case, the program worked.
Retired & Loving It says:
With this new "Health Program" or whatever they call it, don't they want you to list all your prescriptions?
If you're on head meds you're out. If you don't list the drugs, it's a false report = your out.
This Dept has become more devious than the KBG.
Good luck.
psychotropic drugs are used for many things besides mental health issues. The uninformed seem to think anyone taking them is a mental. Not so. The scenario described above happened to my sister years ago. Only after getting a lawyer and threatening to sue was she returned to full duty. Her doctor even attended a meeting where he explained that the prescription was for medical reasons and not mental health issues. The officer who was treated fairly should count his blessings because there are countless more who have been subjected to what amounts to punishment for seeking and obtaining medical help.
At the rate this department is going, everyone that pushes a beat car will end up on some kind of anti-depressant medication just to make it through the day. Time away from this job is what gives you back your sanity, and that is being taken from us. Compensatory time use has been strictly curtailed and people are being denied time, and they restrict furlough extensions. Never considered myself a candidate for depression but with each day that passes my conviction and motivation for this job is chipped away by another ill conceived policy, another comment/lecture from a merit hack supervisor, another bs excuse from our lackluster department management, and another failure from our union. Just a matter of time before I start reaching for those happy pills myself.
Well if your on any type of meds u should be on the medical. If u get into a shooting and your all doped up too much can go wrong. I know I would want my partner not on prescriptions if the shit hits the fan.. In my mind this is a non story. If your sick and have to result to taking meds then fk this job.. Use the medical time and get your head straight..
A year ago a bunch of po's who had mental issues and I'm sure were prescribed anti depressents and actually went into a inpatient facility were called in and lost their FOID card. At that point they were forced to use all unsued PD and BFD, CU and furlo and then placed on unpaid leave until they could get their FOID card back
I'd rather work with a partner who is on psychotropic meds than a partner who should be on psychotropic meds.
Sorry SCC, but an officer on psychotropic drugs shouldn't be on the streets, shouldn't be carrying a badge & a gun for the CPD. It is what it is. While I'm no Ladner fan, People in a fragile mental state (or even bipolar) don't need to be under the kinds of stresses that the rest of us are dealing with, especially in some
of the heater districts. The City's just protecting itself for liability issues, and I can't blame them for that.
Disarm them, give them something a whole lot less stressful to do while their minds heal up from their issues, and if their doctor deems them whole, I will be more than glad partner up with them on these mean streets.
10/11/2012 12:13:00 AM
You'd be amazed at how many of your co-workers are on one. The reason you'd be amazed is because the drug is doing its job and they are fine, BECAUSE of the meds.
'These mean streets'? God, what a drama queen.
Very sad. Depression is the common cold of mental illness.
Get the help you need. This is a health issue and not the department' business. None of the medications that your M.D prescribes will cause you to test positive during random testing. Do not take more then your M.D. prescribes, then it might cause a red flag. A.D', for most part, are not a substance that are abused.
Anxiety med', will only show if they are abused.
Get help officers, this illness gets worse if not treated, you will get better !
Studies show 20 percent of Americans suffer from some sort of mental illness, that does not include people who are not treated.
With the season changing and less sun, depression does peak.
Bottom line, see a M.D and get well and you see and feel like a new person.
Bless you all.
In general -- the whole health care industry has ballooned like the real estate bubble. It is really crazy -- all the "commentators" are affirming that it is "one of the only growth sectors in the economy."
Places are closing emergency rooms and spending zillions building the most fantastic high-end cancer treatment centers; they are fighting with each other, advertising on TV constantly.
I saw a truck on the street the other night, another one delivering "home health care products." I mentioned it to someone 1000 miles away, and the next day they saw one too! Looked it up and it is suddenly "the largest provider in the country" that you never saw or heard of before.
I swear -- I looked up from noting down that truck, and I saw all lit up a brand new storefront, "Medical Billing Services!" They are scraping the bottom, hiring anyone who can breathe as "coders" to f__k up in one minute what it wll take you three months on the phone to straighten out.
This and the new "pharmacy aides," anyone can get behind that counter now. They caught one out by Volo, Young Hisp. female, worked for one of the big chains, smoking pot in car, marijuana and stolen controlled substances in psgr. compartment, shotgun in trunk.
CPD officer who was shot through knee -- "not life threatening injuries," the Tribune said -- subsequently had TEN SURGERIES. The pic showed him being released after "EXTENDED HOSPITAL STAY OF ONE MONTH!"
They are hustling people out of hospitals so fast now that there is starting to be a huge backwash of re-admissions, person still having problems. Surprise. It's so bad that Medicare is going to start fining them in some cases.
...so instead of paying one MD, they will hire all these "wellness girls" off the street; one person I know has FIVE AT ONCE coming to her home, they are so afraid of "liability." All I can say is "watch your purse."
WHAT a scam!
...and other places are trying to replace physical "wellness girls" with a telephone service," "Cognitive Intuitive Diagnostics" or something, i.e., another minimum-wage ghettoite will magically decide over the telephone whether you are bleeding out or not.
...and they bill, and bill, and bill...and you will fight ALL OF THEM PUT TOGETHER to get one baby aspirin.
I gotta go download the new smartphone app that tells you if you are "under stress from too many high-tech gadgets."
Talk about something disappearing up its own behind...
Sorry SCC, but an officer on psychotropic drugs shouldn't be on the streets, shouldn't be carrying a badge & a gun for the CPD. It is what it is. While I'm no Ladner fan, People in a fragile mental state (or even bipolar) don't need to be under the kinds of stresses that the rest of us are dealing with, especially in some
of the heater districts. The City's just protecting itself for liability issues, and I can't blame them for that.
Disarm them, give them something a whole lot less stressful to do while their minds heal up from their issues, and if their doctor deems
------
There is a good chance that 2/3 of your watch is on an anti-depressant. And if they aren't, they probably should be. You obviously have no idea what the fuck you are talking about. Hard to believe, a copper with all the answers....
Cant the "nurses" at the medical section over look a note or two? Maybe they do for their friends? I can see if you are a mess of a case BUT come on now! WTF isnt a little tired & depressed from time to time? Who doesnt needs something to help sleep now & then? Im sure those PO's working at the medical section can do what they want when it fits the case. REMEMBER...what comes around, goes around ladies!! How many PO's are on the medical on a daily basis? 500? 600? Who can keep up with them all? The medical section Dr? I doubt it!!! Give as little info to them as possible, just like in court..you can add info BUT you cant take it away once its out there.
"One of the sorriest mistakes I made in my career was going through an EAP sponsored by my union. This was when I was working for private industry before my city job. My confidentiality was breached and it took me nearly 15 years to undo the damage."
--10/11/2012 05:30:00 AM
...and no matter what anyone says you know perfectly well they still have a copy.
This HIPAA seems to mean that any baby-talking "Patient Service Representative" who knows your DOB can pull down your whole life from absolutely everywhere, while your "electronic chart" is altered and backdated and erased with no record of the changes, which now occur as "providers" feel the need to cover their ass.
"Referrals" that were never made, your blood pressure being repeatedly faked out 40 points below where it really is, you answer something "Yes" and they chart "No." There, it's cured.
Your Chart Says So.
The whole ginned-up halfwit mess is referred to in awed tones, as though it were an oracle.
Medical providers too maintain "street files," "red flags" of their own that never show up on the copy of the records "you are entitled to." Good nurses have repeatedly told me this.
This is just a snowball rolling downhill, power gathering power and money gathering money.
"Vague promises of savings from cutting waste, enhancing prevention and wellness, installing electronic medical records and improving quality are merely 'lipstick' cost control, more for show and public relations than for true change."
-- Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel
Anonymous said...
Sorry SCC, but an officer on psychotropic drugs shouldn't be on the streets, shouldn't be carrying a badge & a gun for the CPD. It is what it is. While I'm no Ladner fan, People in a fragile mental state (or even bipolar) don't need to be under the kinds of stresses that the rest of us are dealing with, especially in some
of the heater districts. The City's just protecting itself for liability issues, and I can't blame them for that.
Disarm them, give them something a whole lot less stressful to do while their minds heal up from their issues, and if their doctor deems them whole, I will be more than glad partner up with them on these mean streets.
You're an idiot. Get you're facts straight about mental health before you enlighten us with you're expertise.
This is pure BS, lets not get carried away by saying some of these po's are nuts. There are drugs like Ambien a sleep aid not a narcotic and even some milder sleep aids, or antidepressents that doctors, airline pilots, etc take with a prescription and they all function It would be a shame if the CPD wanted to terminate you for a sleep aid or mild antidepressant, alot of women need them after childbirth
There has to be more to this story. Depression comes in many forms and is treatable with meds. Some people dont know they even have it. I would be more afraid of a copper with severe depression not on meds than one on them.
For those of you worried you are working with an unstable person because they are taking drugs that are prescribed for mental issues chill out. Many of these drugs are also used for other issues. Also sometimes somebody just needs medication as a little tweak to keep things right. The last 25 years I was on this job I was taking what is considered a psych drug for a physical issue, nobody knew and I pretty much got along with everybody and did not step in any serious shit. Best to go to your own doctor and keep your mouth shut.
Trust no one! Not even the guy sitting next to you. They will all throw you under the bus. This is not your fathers police department anymore. Its the fuck the guy next to you dept. There is no more we are in this together. There is no more police family. There is no more looking out for your partner like he/she is family. You will get thrown under the bus. Avoid all confrontation, avoid all situations that involve being the police. Avoid any verbal or physical contact with the citizens as much as possible. You cannot take any police action anymore. The city will let you do their dirty work and won't back you for doing your job. If you have the time, leave now, don't wait. One incident that don't go smoothly, you're stripped, you're fired, you're sued, you're imprisoned. The public is overwhelmingly anti-police, and have no respect for you or authority. The next time some liar tells you they respect what you do, tell them to go fuck themselves they are liars! They would love to see you broke, homeless, killed, or imprisoned. All disheartening facts, since most police officers are good people with the best of intentions. I refuse to be judged by the public scum, the only one who can judge me is God. Thanks and fuck you CPD and the city of chicago. I'm walking and getting my life back.
Anonymous said...
Sounds OK. Would you really want folks with mental disorders carrying firearms?
It's better if they stick to running this department right?
Sorry SCC, but an officer on psychotropic drugs shouldn't be on the streets, shouldn't be carrying a badge & a gun for the CPD. It is what it is. While I'm no Ladner fan, People in a fragile mental state (or even bipolar) don't need to be under the kinds of stresses that the rest of us are dealing with, especially in some
of the heater districts. The City's just protecting itself for liability issues, and I can't blame them for that.
Disarm them, give them something a whole lot less stressful to do while their minds heal up from their issues, and if their doctor deems them whole, I will be more than glad partner up with them on these mean streets.
10/11/2012 12:13:00 AM
(This guys cannot be the police)
Recent GO/So refers to physical type of examination / review if you are diagnoses with certain types of problems not necessarily mental. This order was released not too long ago. Its based on your diagnosis. It slipped by very quietly. No muss no fuss.
New order is in the pipeline regarding medication you currently may be taking and yes psychotropics are on the list. Also several opiad (sic) type medications. Use of these medications no matter the reason, (Most of these drugs are used for ALL kinds of things) not just because your having a nervous break down dork. Anti smoking medication is a psychotropic. (That was for the moron who said we should be stripped and strapped in a white suit with buckles). Xanics (Sic), Valium, these are also used for muscle spasms (retard). also psychotropic. Hope your not taking an anti seizure medication!!! even if your not taking it for seizures.
And then the kid said to DISARM them? You got to be fucking joking. Disarm my ass. Yeah, come disarm me mutherfucker. These are MY weapons not the City of Fuckn Chicago's. You think they should come and take ALL of my guns? My rifles, shotguns, handguns, my kids guns? Which by the way its HUNTING season...;) You must be some liberal left, tree hugging nut job democrat. Take my guns. You son are a fool.
Remember the U.S. Constitution? Might want to look up the 2nd amendment. You think working for this City gives them the right to come into your home and remove your constitutional right because you are taking medication for a problem they have no business knowing about? Let alone even know what it is. Just because they pay your medical bills does not give them the right to know what is wrong with you. Do they know? Absolutely. Do they act on it, Absolutely not. Not yet... We still have HIPA to a certain degree. Not like the normal people have HIPA. Maybe someone can do the research on that. Or I am sure a lawyer or two tread the waters here.
If the City want's to send me home that's one thing because I am taking a type of medication they don't like, but take my weapons away?
NO FUKN WAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sorry guys, I needed to vent on that one.
Love ya SCC...
Stay safe boys.
I have been on said prescribed meds after a traumatic loss. I also sought counseling from the EAP.
My experience was a positive one. Although I eventually sought help elsewhere, I felt they were very professional.
I have no respect for Tracy Ladner but believe this tale to be a tall one.
Compassion is nice, but there are more than a few of us who abuse the Medical and do so because they are just not right. There is a guy in a Southside District who was recently stripped. He had more than 6 months on the Medical this years for various ailments, and he took a year suspension for working on the Medical before. Now he is stripped and claiming his illness is job related, and he is seeking a disability. Nobody wants to work with him and nobody has a good thing to say about him. Why should this guy be protected?
I'd rather be rolling with a partner on meds than a person who drinks a fifth of "medicine" every night. I've been with both and I know first hand.
Anonymous said...
the guys coming back from any of the numerous wars we are engaged in overseas are made to sign a form of some sort saying they may in the future have ptsd or something like that...this form effectively wakes it impossible for any veteran who has signed this to obtain a firearm in the future for reasons of psychological problems
10/11/2012 06:18:00 AM
I'm sure that happens often, but I know there are exceptions to that, as my late brother's best friend (Marines) is a P/O here in Tennessee and owns many firearms.
While my brother was on meds from the V.A., they aren't what took his life, but the amount of drugs the Administration had him taking daily would be enough to sedate a freaking horse, and ultimately didn't help either when he died from pneumonia. FWIW, my brother was never allowed to own a gun because of his PTSD.
His best friend, on the other hand, did go the V.A. but refused to take any meds they tried to feed him. My brother's unit never experienced any causalities, but Jasper's did and he dealt with that in his own way, just as he did with my brother's death. Oh, and I should mention he didn't become an officer until after he was in the service.
He's a great guy and a great cop. I would think that makes him an exception to the "rule".
Contact the FOP?
The FOP who is still battling with Disabled officers in court for 12 years? (Jackson et al v. FOP)
The FOP who decides which coppers get to bring "FOP Psychiatrist" to a psyche hearing? and which copper finds his own?
Contact the FOP?
For What?
Advice about whether Angry Birds plays faster on iPhone 5?
Contact the FOP -- LOL !
Here is a good article on PTSD's relationship with Law Enforcement Professionals: http://www.aaets.org/article92.htm
Yet another educational article on anti-depressants and the Police profession. Here is the link: http://www.policeone.com/health-fitness/articles/125249-Should-troubled-officers-take-antidepressant-medication/
Anonymous said...
Anonymous said...
Sorry SCC, but an officer on psychotropic drugs shouldn't be on the streets, shouldn't be carrying a badge & a gun for the CPD. It is what it is. While I'm no Ladner fan, People in a fragile mental state (or even bipolar) don't need to be under the kinds of stresses that the rest of us are dealing with, especially in some
of the heater districts. The City's just protecting itself for liability issues, and I can't blame them for that.
Disarm them, give them something a whole lot less stressful to do while their minds heal up from their issues, and if their doctor deems them whole, I will be more than glad partner up with them on these mean streets.
===================================
The above is not only an idiot but person with no heart or soul.
Copper' like the one who made the statement is just plain stupid. Do a little research son !
Like people with high blood pressure and taking med's for life is not any diffferant then taking A,D's for a "Chemical in balance" in ones brain.
So son, do a little reading on depression before you rant on you know shit about.
"Would you really want folks with mental disorders carrying firearms?"
That's about 50% of the brass on CPD.
As soon as someone heavy is on those drugs it'll ll go away...
10/11/2012 05:36:00 AM
Not.
Half a dozen years ago, I drove through at the Walgreens at Roosevelt and Canal to pick up a phoned-in antibiotic. Inside my bag was a prescription with the name of one of our biggest bosses on it. I'm pretty sure he wasn't telling the department about the heavy-duty psych med he was on and it wasn't my secret to tell, either. I went back and exchanged his prescription for my antibiotics.
So, if the rule of thumb is going to be, 'don't ask, don't tell', then keep your mouth shut and don't offer the info to the Dept.
As a family member of someone who sounds as though they have walked in very similar shoes to yourself - i say "spot on." Keep on walking, my brother/sister.
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Trust no one! Not even the guy sitting next to you. They will all throw you under the bus. This is not your fathers police department anymore. Its the fuck the guy next to you dept. There is no more we are in this together. There is no more police family. There is no more looking out for your partner like he/she is family. You will get thrown under the bus. Avoid all confrontation, avoid all situations that involve being the police. Avoid any verbal or physical contact with the citizens as much as possible. You cannot take any police action anymore. The city will let you do their dirty work and won't back you for doing your job. If you have the time, leave now, don't wait. One incident that don't go smoothly, you're stripped, you're fired, you're sued, you're imprisoned. The public is overwhelmingly anti-police, and have no respect for you or authority. The next time some liar tells you they respect what you do, tell them to go fuck themselves they are liars! They would love to see you broke, homeless, killed, or imprisoned. All disheartening facts, since most police officers are good people with the best of intentions. I refuse to be judged by the public scum, the only one who can judge me is God. Thanks and fuck you CPD and the city of chicago. I'm walking and getting my life back.
Trust no one! Not even the guy sitting next to you. They will all throw you under the bus. This is not your fathers police department anymore. Its the fuck the guy next to you dept. There is no more we are in this together. There is no more police family. There is no more looking out for your partner like he/she is family. You will get thrown under the bus. Avoid all confrontation, avoid all situations that involve being the police. Avoid any verbal or physical contact with the citizens as much as possible. You cannot take any police action anymore. The city will let you do their dirty work and won't back you for doing your job. If you have the time, leave now, don't wait. One incident that don't go smoothly, you're stripped, you're fired, you're sued, you're imprisoned. The public is overwhelmingly anti-police, and have no respect for you or authority. The next time some liar tells you they respect what you do, tell them to go fuck themselves they are liars! They would love to see you broke, homeless, killed, or imprisoned. All disheartening facts, since most police officers are good people with the best of intentions. I refuse to be judged by the public scum, the only one who can judge me is God. Thanks and fuck you CPD and the city of chicago. I'm walking and getting my life back.
Every once in a while you hear the truth from someone on this blog.... what dead on words from someone who probally cared at one time but have been fucked over by co-workers, bosses, asa's, the public and anyone else that can plunder and self dignity left. great post.
The level of ignorance with some of these posts is disappointing. I'm willing to bet that those who say cops on meds should be put on the medical, are the same ones who go out to the bar after work and drink themselves stupid in order to cope with all the misery we see on a daily basis.
Sounds OK. Would you really want folks with mental disorders carrying firearms?
You're an idiot! How is insomnia a mental disorder. I dont want idiots like you carrying a firearm.
This may be too late in the post to get read. I read that after police shootings most officers go to a hospital and are given an anti anxiety medicine. Does this mean they should be stripped? Just look up the fop regarding police shootings and it has detailed info about officers going to a hospital and being treated for stress and anxiety after a shooting.
It's very true! An old partner of mine more recently got stripped because of it.
If the City want's to send me home that's one thing because I am taking a type of medication they don't like, but take my weapons away?
NO FUKN WAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sorry guys, I needed to vent on that one.
Love ya SCC...
Stay safe boys.
10/11/2012 05:14:00 PM
Um, maybe you should ask your doc about some of those drugs! Hope the venting helped!
Anonymous said...
Trust no one! Not even the guy sitting next to you. They will all throw you under the bus. This is not your fathers police department anymore. Its the fuck the guy next to you dept. There is no more we are in this together. There is no more police family. There is no more looking out for your partner like he/she is family. You will get thrown under the bus. Avoid all confrontation, avoid all situations that involve being the police. Avoid any verbal or physical contact with the citizens as much as possible. You cannot take any police action anymore. The city will let you do their dirty work and won't back you for doing your job. If you have the time, leave now, don't wait. One incident that don't go smoothly, you're stripped, you're fired, you're sued, you're imprisoned. The public is overwhelmingly anti-police, and have no respect for you or authority. The next time some liar tells you they respect what you do, tell them to go fuck themselves they are liars! They would love to see you broke, homeless, killed, or imprisoned. All disheartening facts, since most police officers are good people with the best of intentions. I refuse to be judged by the public scum, the only one who can judge me is God. Thanks and fuck you CPD and the city of chicago. I'm walking and getting my life back.
Every once in a while you hear the truth from someone on this blog.... what dead on words from someone who probally cared at one time but have been fucked over by co-workers, bosses, asa's, the public and anyone else that can plunder and self dignity left. great post.
10/11/2012 11:53:00 PM
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
Sorry to say I agree with all the above....
I apologize to anyone newer on this job that feels this is job is still "our" obligation and "our" sworn duty to blah blah blah...
Listen I spent well over my 18 plus years in court. Which led to the rollercoaster ride I call my career. Court was the result of my involvement and proactivity.
I had my ups and my downs. I spent time getting numerous awards/Dept. Comendations etc. and ceremonies and then spent time making trips to IAD to give statements on beefs.
I had many CR.#'s! Also when most said the numbers went with the activity and work you did. Some (mostly desk personnel/and station rats) believed I was dirty or so it seemed to them and they always questioned my results or arrest numbers or overtime money I made.
I spent time stripped but cleared from an off duty thing (non-police related). I learned now to smile and go along and so the search warrants have stopped, the C/I's I spoke to are cut off, the interest in working anything back to get the bigger fish has fizzled. Desire to stopping numerous shitheads to get numbers and guns or dope is gone.
I now drive around NUMB and on PATROL (but am still proud) but I am worried and at times I feel obsolete(sp) and avoided as my tactics may have been considered unorthodox enough to be considered corrupt.
My effectiveness and instincts were always good and I feel are still there but I don't TRUST any of these newer officers as they can not relate to my stories nor my suggestions even on how to work the idiot in cuffs.
Its a shame and I know there are other P/o's and Sgt's and even Lt's that can relate to my issues!
I haven't given up as I can't since I have time left to do..I just need things to make sense again and as I notice the MORALE shot pretty much everywhere I can only figure its pretty much not coming back unless they grant the police immunity from the beefs and indemnify us of our police action!
That would be a start...but can't see it happening during my career!
3 bars
Anonymous said...
The level of ignorance with some of these posts is disappointing. I'm willing to bet that those who say cops on meds should be put on the medical, are the same ones who go out to the bar after work and drink themselves stupid in order to cope with all the misery we see on a daily basis
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
You hit the nail on the head with your statement Lad. Booze covers up the depression... for a very short time. I been around a long time OTJ. I seen booze kill many a copper.
You think it is better working with a hung over drinker or a person who is medicated and got his shit together.
I have to say that at least 30 percent of copper's are under the care of a MD for depression and anxiety and doing well.
Another 15 percent will not seek the help, and 20 percent hit the bottle everyday.
My effectiveness and instincts were always good and I feel are still there but I don't TRUST any of these newer officers as they can not relate to my stories nor my suggestions even on how to work the idiot in cuffs.
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You're an asshole. Obviously explains the 3 bars. "Stories" is the operative word here.
Yup, keep waiting for things to make sense.
You should do well at Comp-post because you talk out of both sides of your mouth.
To 3 bars, great post my friend. As a 3 bar PO also, i can truely relate with you. I once was an overtime leader that people always looked at, the district team I worked on did alot of good work, but we trusted each other. When they started cutting our overtime, back in 2000, we decided it was time to move on. Now, you have experienced officers pushing beat cars with no other reason but to answer jobs and watch the young officers step on their you know what. The trust has diminished to just a few now, me,myself and my partner.
The Medical Section does not "Strip" anyone-that is all done by HR...
Recent GO/So refers to physical type of examination / review if you are diagnoses with certain types of problems not necessarily mental. This order was released not too long ago. Its based on your diagnosis. It slipped by very quietly. No muss no fuss.
New order is in the pipeline regarding medication you currently may be taking and yes psychotropics are on the list. Also several opiad (sic) type medications. Use of these medications no matter the reason, (Most of these drugs are used for ALL kinds of things) not just because your having a nervous break down dork. Anti smoking medication is a psychotropic. (That was for the moron who said we should be stripped and strapped in a white suit with buckles). Xanics (Sic), Valium, these are also used for muscle spasms (retard). also psychotropic. Hope your not taking an anti seizure medication!!! even if your not taking it for seizures.
Hmmm whats the order number?
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