Wednesday, June 10, 2015

FOP to Fight Uniform Changes

  • The Chicago Police Department has quietly made changes to its uniform policy, requiring that on-duty officers cover up any tattoos and banning them from wearing baseball caps.

    The department’s largest union, which represents rank-and-file officers, quickly voiced its opposition, saying the department should have first negotiated the changes before making any announcement. A number of officers also spoke out against the move, saying their tattoos are part of their identities.

    After the Tribune broke the story online Monday night, the department issued a brief statement Tuesday saying it took the action, effective Friday, “to promote uniformity and professionalism.”
From a logical point of view, we don't see how the Department gets to ignore tattoos in hiring for years, then suddenly outlaw the visible tattoos that were not an issue before. But we've also read that such challenges have failed at the judicial level across the nation. We're far too sophisticated to judge anyone based on most tattoos aside from the obvious gang symbolism and representation of gang affiliation (teardrops, stars, forks, letter/number combinations). It's just not an issue in these times.

The shorts, baseball caps and knit hats were (in our opinion) contributing to the hodge-podge appearance at roll calls and the chart the Department had put out for the various combinations of items to be worn with other items lent an entire "Garanimals" feel to the uniform system. Simple is always better - again, our opinion. We always thought the "optional items" were sops to the uniform companies who couldn't count on steady classes of recruits and promotions to keep themselves in business.

You can make progress with the uniform - cargo pants stand up better and gave cops additional space to carry the tools for the job. Turtlenecks were warmer, eliminated the tie-in-the-buttonhole Inspector beef, and looked better around some of the larger necks out there. Exterior vest covers allowed you to "air out" on hot days and provided more pockets and attachment points for ammo carrying, flashlights, anything to get some equipment of the belts that were wrecking spines...plus the black hid dirt better than the blue.

It'll be interesting to see if the Department caves on a few items to preserve the larger idea of making the uniform more uniform.

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169 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Let me ask this question, how many people does the tattoo cover up really affect? I would say less then 5% of the department has visible tattoos that need to be covered up. Why the fuck is the FOP wasting time fighting this for 5% of the department when there are a shit load more important things that affect all of the members that should be infinitely more important? Don't give me the whole bullshit if they take this away they take more away. Until the last 5 or so years tattoos have never been an issue because people did not have them all down their arms so they are not taking anything away from 95% of the department. As far as the baseball cap and skull cap, that once again is something very new. Anyone with more then 6 years survived on this department without them and we will be fine without them again. It makes us look like asses with 150 variations of a UNIFORM.

I have nothing against tattoos and can care less what others do with their body but I do get pissed when FOP wastes money and many power for the smallest fraction of this department. Oh how I do love they used a negotiating point during the last contract to get a whole 5 helicopter pilots a bump in pay. Great win! All the while screwing a vast majority of people with furlough by watch.

6/10/2015 01:27:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

There's going to be some extra sweaty officers on bikes this summer. I assume if you are wearing a long sleeve shirt then you can't wear shorts. That means pushing a bike around in long sleeves, a tie and pants.

6/10/2015 01:39:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

With this Department?
Let's do the Baby Steps approach!

How about Hair & Grooming?
Dreads
Corn Rows
MoHawks/FoHawks
Beards
Nails

Then we can worry about Baseball Hats, Knit Caps, Cargo Pants...

Hell, one day, we might just worry about important shit like the crime rate!

Since we are a "Quasi"-Military organization, (Nice one there, Lil Miss Spokesman! you dumbass!) How about a "Field" "Service" and "Dress" Uniform?

Naaaaa, that would make too much sense, especially from some house mouse that's never been on the street!

6/10/2015 01:54:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

The union has no say on uniforms. Get over it.

6/10/2015 02:01:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

My beef with the outside vest covers is there are two many variations, but more importantly they give an edge to the offender you are grappling with. It is very easy to move some around by grabbing on to the outer vest cover. Picture how hard it is to get ahold of the shirtless offender, now picture how easy it would be to gain control of him if he were wearing a harness strapped to his body. Shirts rip, Velcro and clip on ties break away. I wear my vest under my shirt. It's uncomfortable but I've gotten used to it.

6/10/2015 02:42:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Some people will always deviate from the norm. In the 70s we had the guys with the "cheater" pants instead of the wool. Some would have their pants tailored to flare at the bottom to look like bell bottoms.Then their were the gold chains, always leave a button or two undone to display them. Then ethnic pins began to appear. Then there were the ones who carried their hat in one hand, so their hair wouldn't get mussed. In the other hand they had the radio with the mike cord wrapped around it. I guess the radio might make their pants sag. Maybe the hat & radio should have had handles, would have been easier to carry around. If they came to your job you knew they were not going to be much help because of their fashion choices.

6/10/2015 02:59:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Can't and Won't happen,Lawyers dream, its to Castro Communistic freedom of Choice, I lived in a Communist Country never again, We will Fight.

6/10/2015 03:01:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

How about fighting for my pension FOP! In 2017 when we are all on Obama Care, we wont be able to afford uniforms any way. Oh snap, it will be called Hillary Care by then.

6/10/2015 04:43:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

SCC just some unsolicited advice from a trooper. The outer vest and cargo pants are the changes I'd want fought the hardest. Like you articulated, the ability to open up the vest between calls or when you're writing reports on a hot day is huge. The cargo pockets would be great for the extra space. Your front pockets are usually hard to use anyway, at least the pocket that's on the same side as your holster.

6/10/2015 05:33:00 AM  
Blogger SpankDaddy said...

I miss my garanimals.

6/10/2015 06:25:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Sure they are. Than when they lose after making a deal with the real leader of FOp. Rahm they tried

6/10/2015 06:30:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

What I don't quite understand with tattoos is who are they really for? They typically symbolize something or have a story behind them for the person who displays them. Let's say it's to remember your father who died. Do you really need a tattoo to remember him, instead of just "thinking" of all the fond memories stored in your head? If it's so significant, do you really need a visual reminder on your body?

Or is it more that people want others to be aware of the statement they're making?
Isn't that working under the assumption that people actually give a darn about what's important to you? I guess I've always been more interested in tattoos that aren't typically exposed but have real meaning to the person, rather than the always-visible, "hey look at me" stuff that seems more like attention seeking.

6/10/2015 06:36:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I like the change

6/10/2015 06:46:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

What the fuck! Now we have PPO's taking selfies with the mayor. Mayor Emanuel is not our friend.

6/10/2015 06:48:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Fuck all these clowns with their "Look at me I'm a tough guy full sleeve tattoos." If you want your "Sleeve tattoos" go work in a fucking carnival. It's embarrassing to see this shit wearing a CPD uniform.

6/10/2015 06:58:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

You didn't mention the men and women in the CPD who have military background, and tattoos of pride for their service. NO officer should be forced to wear long sleeves, which encumber their ability to do their job, cause overheating , and as for formal hats? really? so an officer loses his/her badged hat in a chase and then can lose 3 days worth of pay because it fell off while he or she is chasing a suspect...

No, just no. The union needs to be all over this.

6/10/2015 07:04:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Inferiority complexes and self loathing is what drives these people to do that to their bodies.

6/10/2015 07:11:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

City has this one in the bag!

FOP got nervous about this and the pension sell out!

Dean is seen as a sell out throughout the City. What is Deano's degree in anyways?

Anyone notice that spars and write up seem to have increased?

6/10/2015 07:11:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hey, how about getting those 20 lb. triggers for our Glocks, just like N.Y.

6/10/2015 07:22:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

The FULL funding of our pensions is much more important than tattoos and cargo pants. This is just a distraction away from Dean having secrete meetings with the mayor to discusse how to screw us out of what is rightfully owed to us. I hope Dean is being investigated by the feds for his secrete negotiations with the mayor regarding our contract and pension without and any contract committeemen, elected trusties, or any union member present. Sounds like an opportunity of kickbacks, bribes, and thievery.

6/10/2015 07:35:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

This is what the fop is fighting...... How stupid

6/10/2015 07:53:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

The revisions will stand. Move on. Worry about the pension.

6/10/2015 07:54:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Not on the job anymore, however, my question is who came up with this now when summer is upon us. Do they think tattoos represent a bad ass or the shitheads feel threatened? And the baseball cap is maybe too sporty for the south the westside folks. I hope you guys get the right equipment to do your job safely.

6/10/2015 08:04:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

All BS - just to take the heat away from the pension crisis. Just like a magician. And it is working.

6/10/2015 08:11:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

The officers complaining have only their fellow douche bag looking cohorts to blame. SOME of you, not ALL of you look like embarrassing idiots in the way you dress. The worst aspect is this generation of officers just doesn't care. So as big a stroke that McCarthy is, I'm sure he saw one of you cool looking officers with your tats and your baseball cap on backwards IN UNIFORM and said enough of this bullshit. No doubt those same type of officers had no respect to adjust their uniform in the presence of supervisors. You know. Too cool for that or fuck him. This department has lost its way in many aspects. Time to reel in the nonsense.

And no, responders I'm not a dinosaur. 24 years on and just know that certain things should be respected.

6/10/2015 08:11:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I enjoy your blog, but I am not an Officer (nor a legal expert). However, is it possible a class action suit for discrimination can be brought against the City for this? If the theory is to appear more professional as representatives of the City, it should therefore apply to all City employees, right? Just like the residency requirement...If this were enforced across all departments: Streets & San, Water, Park District, Teachers, etc. etc...at least it would be fair, and if I'm not mistaken, some of those employees can strike. ;)

6/10/2015 08:11:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

The department’s largest union, which represents rank-and-file officers


FOP is nowhere near, and in now way is, nor will ever be a union. A collective bargaining unit is all they are. A union wouldn't do to it's members what FOP does to theirs.

6/10/2015 08:15:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

This is a loser for FOP contract says new uniforms or equipment without negotiations or paying for new uniform or equipment. This is not the case, they are just getting rid of equipment that should have been paid for with uniform allowance. As for arm tattoos, they are not saying to surgically remove them, they are saying to cover them. In a way it is a bit like when they got rid of earrings and purple hair. No one thought guys would start wearing earrings, or that people would start wearing multiple earrings. So, no more earnings. They never thought cops would have purple or green hair. So, no more colored hair. I know tattoos are more permanent then earrings or hair color, but it is the same argument. They have gotten too extreme and look unprofessional. Thirty years ago we were limited to one small exposed tattoo per arm, I think that was the wording. That was taken out of order because who knew. I ca't tell you how many times I have been told by people how unprofessional we look. I is sad. And, it is not about you and your tattoos. It is not about you doing whatever you want. The supervisors have let things get out of hand and the officers don't take pride in their uniforms, their profession or themselves. I don't agree with McCarthy much, but he did the right thing here.

6/10/2015 08:16:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

For all you vets....how come the military prohibits visible tattoos on recruits? For all you hairgels......our military wears much warmer uniforms and equipment while on foot in desert combat. For all you revolver police....when you were working without air conditioning you weren't wearing a vest and working short handed going from job to job. Many of you were sitting in the shade of a boxcar sipping a cold one.How ever this pans out....deal with it like a grownup.

6/10/2015 08:20:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

how about the stupid dreds/weaves/earrings/gotees/long hair

6/10/2015 08:26:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Sorry, FOP just going through the motions, they know it's a loser. Whether you like it or not, the Department has the right to change uniforms specs. It only has to negotiate with Union when it changes the prescribed uniform (wool pants, hat, etc)

6/10/2015 08:36:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Ass wipe leaders of ours have ran out of solutions to the sky rocket homicide increase. They believe we policemen have not done enough and must be made an example of. Fuck with the police and make them uncomfortable is there solution. My take how these idiots think

6/10/2015 08:43:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Ot: I watched the Texas police video and I just can't seem to see what the officer did wrong. This is getting ridiculous. She resisted arrest so he tried taking her down. Then 3 guys came up behind him while he's trying to make an arrest. He pulls his weapon and keeps it at his side b/c he's about to get jumped by an angry mob. What the f@ck is wrong with that? If a police officer can't do what he did, then it's over. Policing is absolutely over.

6/10/2015 08:50:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Everybody is talking about the new order on uniforms. Almost nobody is talking about our disappearing pensions and the fact that Dean is giving them away. When you are old, homeless and pushing your shopping cart down the sidewalk, you can admire your tattoos in the reflection of uniform store windows.

6/10/2015 08:55:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Once again the FOP is dodging the issue! There is a skinny Tac guy in 019, who has a St. George tat, honoring his Greek Heritage. There are others with St. Jude and St. Michael tats; all of these are expressions of Religious Pride; Banning these on people who are already on the job smacks of Denial of Religious Expression in violation of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The FOP needs to address that issue. "G"

6/10/2015 08:55:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Wow, there were 18 people that's including one spouse at the town hall pension meeting last night. But hey let's keep crying about uniform changes because that's more important.

6/10/2015 09:10:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

That former Admin Mgr from the Academy is the lead in R&D on this Calea project.
Now that's a joke
Here is a person that has a hard time showing up for work on a regular basis having any imput into how officers do their jobs and how they look.
SMH
SMH

6/10/2015 09:17:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Leave it alone we look like damm slobs and gangsters-fight for pension issues instead!!!

6/10/2015 09:31:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Uniform changes how about worrying about what's important? Like this Obama great leadership!

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/isiss-dirty-bomb-jihadists-have-seized-enough-radioactive-material-to-build-their-first-wmd-10309220.html

6/10/2015 10:10:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

O.T. Chicago's Finances: We Are Fucked!

The below link details how Chicago's financial picture is very grim indeed. The numbers underneath are not pretty. We are the second highest taxed state for property taxes and they still want to raise it? Gee I wonder what that will do the productive class.

http://globaleconomicanalysis.blogspot.com/2015/06/seven-charts-explain-why-chicago-bonds.html

6/10/2015 10:15:00 AM  
Anonymous I agree said...

I agree that the uniform options have gone overboard. Some of the options made sense, like the winter skull cap, turtleneck, cargo pants and boot options. Those were options seemingly to make functional changes. Keeping guys and girls warm when at any moment they may have to be in the elements for hours made sense. Dry and warm feet? Makes sense! No draft down the neck, a warmer hat without the shield, eh, seems ok. Cargo pants, more hearty and functional for field/utility duty. Gym shoes? A set up for abuse from the beginning. The baseball cap, well, just trashy. We are not security guards, we are the police. The cap is not a professional design, and it's function was bastardized from the onset. Baseball caps were designed for baseball players, and only the catcher wore it backward. There is way too much to say about how these were worn by a certain odd element in the Department that this post would be set into chapters, so I wont. We all know what tools those guys are and what they look like. They're the same guys that took off the backward CPD baseball cap and walked over to the mirror and put on their trusty bright red personal cap, pulled it down to their eye lids, thought they looked good and came out of the locker room to address the world again. They seem to have been cut from the same mold, same attitudes, same outlook and same sense of entitlement. I was never a fan, but yep, their want of entitlement screwed it up for those who didn't mind the baseball cap or chose it for whatever reason. It just blows that the abuses of the goofs messed it up for everyone. And, what's worse is how many times they were told about it, not just by supervisors, but by other coppers who saw them. If a sergeant or lieutenant told them about it, they would turn it around for a few minutes, then it would go back around, just like when their mom would catch them picking their noses. Stop while she's in the room, then poke that finger back in as soon as she turns around. Funny though, how many of them are the same guys that are all tatted up too. Take away their ball cap and cover up their tats? How will they ever show how cool they think they are?

6/10/2015 10:23:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Nobody says you can't have a tattoo, they are saying it can't be visible at work. All you military guys, Thank You for your service but the same crack down is happening to active duty guys.
Things change both in the public sector and private sector. Some businesses embrace the hipster lifestyle because they see the dollar signs that can be brought in. Other businesses crack down, United Airlines is run by Continental (a non union shop) they constantly violate the contract or push the limits to show who's the boss.
This is not a fight about young vs old, it is about uniform standards. The matrix that was created regarding uniform standards read like stereo instructions in Chinese, you could look at 20 guys in roll call and see that they all were dressed differently

6/10/2015 10:45:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

We shall defend our rights, whatever the cost may be, we shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender.

Never, never, never give up.

Never give in--never, never, never, never, in nothing great or small, large or petty, never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense. Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy.


--
DeLuxe Tattoo Studio, Chicago IL
10% off for police officers

6/10/2015 10:46:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Anonymous Anonymous said...
You didn't mention the men and women in the CPD who have military background, and tattoos of pride for their service. NO officer should be forced to wear long sleeves, which encumber their ability to do their job, cause overheating , and as for formal hats? really? so an officer loses his/her badged hat in a chase and then can lose 3 days worth of pay because it fell off while he or she is chasing a suspect...

No, just no. The union needs to be all over this.

6/10/2015 07:04:00 AM
_____

Read the order. Losing the shield is 4 hours pay.

6/10/2015 10:53:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Dean will trade pension obligations for baseball caps! This is all bullshit to distract from important shit like pensions & crime strategy!

6/10/2015 11:05:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Anonymous Anonymous said...
Once again the FOP is dodging the issue! There is a skinny Tac guy in 019, who has a St. George tat, honoring his Greek Heritage. There are others with St. Jude and St. Michael tats; all of these are expressions of Religious Pride; Banning these on people who are already on the job smacks of Denial of Religious Expression in violation of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The FOP needs to address that issue. "G"

6/10/2015 08:55:00 AM
--------------------------

Good luck when the religious freedom argument.
They're not "banning" the tattoos!
Why is that so hard to understand??

6/10/2015 11:12:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I hate pants. Can I work in my boxers or PJs?

6/10/2015 11:13:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

These FOP clwns haven't fought anything since they were elected.

6/10/2015 11:13:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

y beef with the outside vest covers is there are two many variations, but more importantly they give an edge to the offender you are grappling with. It is very easy to move some around by grabbing on to the outer vest cover. Picture how hard it is to get ahold of the shirtless offender, now picture how easy it would be to gain control of him if he were wearing a harness strapped to his body. Shirts rip, Velcro and clip on ties break away. I wear my vest under my shirt. It's uncomfortable but I've gotten used to it.


I disagree with this. Someone can really latch hold of you with your vest underneath. If you can you could at least rip free from the vest with the velcro.

6/10/2015 11:15:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hey civilians at Hq: Yoga pants are NOT appropriate business attire

6/10/2015 11:15:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Anonymous Anonymous said...
The union has no say on uniforms. Get over it.

6/10/2015 02:01:00 AM
Oh but they do. Bandages and such are first issue and should be provided by the dept. And the pants and hat an officer spent his uniform check on friday - approved by the dept...are suddenly not approved on Monday? I'd like to see the dept issue a completely different uniform, one that you don't have yet, and we will we how long it takes YOU to call the union lol

6/10/2015 11:33:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Is this the death of the leather jacket?

6/10/2015 11:33:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Who is FOP kidding? The city saved the FOP further embarrassment. If FOP had the chance to negotiate they would have caved anyway. So the city just steam rolled them as usual. This is just part 1. Part 2 by the city is to send registered mail to every address on the far north side, south side and west sides. It will read, "appearance commands respect!" They are hoping this crime fighting tool works.

6/10/2015 12:17:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Anonymous Anonymous said...
Wow, there were 18 people that's including one spouse at the town hall pension meeting last night. But hey let's keep crying about uniform changes because that's more important.

6/10/2015 09:10:00 AM

Maybe people (finally) got the information they needed when FOP (finally) posted on their website.

If there was more information, or astounding clarification, given at the meeting, why don't you post it here, instead of complaining about people not filling the room at the meeting?

6/10/2015 12:18:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

There are more comments on tattoos than any pension thread. 15 people at the FOP town hall meeting. Let's face it, we as a whole have our priorities turned around.
-Tattooed Dic

6/10/2015 12:20:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Anonymous Anonymous said...
All BS - just to take the heat away from the pension crisis. Just like a magician. And it is working.

6/10/2015 08:11:00 AM

Do you really think CPD uniforms are going to draw the public's attention off the pension crisis in even the tiniest amount? The only people that care about our pensions or our uniforms are US.

6/10/2015 12:22:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Tell Gary and his second in command to put the suits away. You're not commissioners or politicians you are police officers. I'm fine with taking pride in my uniform, but are they when they address the public without theirs ever on?

6/10/2015 12:26:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

CALEA is a scam to skim tax dollars. They kick it back to the relevant pols.

6/10/2015 12:26:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Anonymous Anonymous said...
SCC just some unsolicited advice from a trooper. The outer vest and cargo pants are the changes I'd want fought the hardest. Like you articulated, the ability to open up the vest between calls or when you're writing reports on a hot day is huge. The cargo pockets would be great for the extra space. Your front pockets are usually hard to use anyway, at least the pocket that's on the same side as your holster.

6/10/2015 05:33:00 AM

Agreed. Being able to remove the vest when you're in the station, or using the john, lets you cool off and lets your skin breathe. There's nothing good about having a little river of sweat running down the center of your back all day.

6/10/2015 12:35:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Anonymous Anonymous said...
There's going to be some extra sweaty officers on bikes this summer. I assume if you are wearing a long sleeve shirt then you can't wear shorts. That means pushing a bike around in long sleeves, a tie and pants.

6/10/2015 01:39:00 AM

Thought the shorts were eliminated?

6/10/2015 12:36:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hey, no comments on the Nit Wit CPD Sgt and his merry men who got indicted for lying????? On being a cop....chapter 101...ha ha ha ah.....feel bad for the Glenview guy...

6/10/2015 12:37:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

People this is just a ploy to keep the attention away from the real issue about the city's pension obligation!!! Don't be fooled with this nonsense. FOP doesn't want us knowing about the negotiations between them and the city!

6/10/2015 12:43:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

A slob is a slob regardless of what type of uniform they are wearing. The officers that look like slobs now will look like slobs when the uniform changes. As someone who needs to wear glasses in order to see (lasik will not work for me), in the rain the baseball cap works much better. I pull the bill down a little lower and i will hardly have any raindrops on my glasses which in turn is a safety issue. With that being said wear the baseball cap properly, make sure it is clean and don't fold the bill of the hat so you look like some dumb fucking hick that should be riding a tractor. Make everyone wears a black vest cover, limit the amount of molly attachments and leave the cargo pants alone they are very convenient. Also the department needs to realize that in 2015 there are other materials that they use to make clothing. You want me to cover my tattoos with long sleeves fine, then let us wear light weight long sleeve shirts that keep you cool and dry. They do make clothing like this nowadays. For all you tattoo haters, go piss up a rope. Mine mean a lot to me, I got them on my arms to be a constant reminder of the type of person I want and need to be. They are art, you don't buy a painting and leave it in the closet, you hang it up so you can see it. Besides I think it will look pretty silly when some officers have long sleeves and some have short sleeves.

6/10/2015 12:48:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I'd love to see hot pants, tanks tops, and Bobby socks! Just like Reno 911.

6/10/2015 01:01:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

the baseball hat is more practical than the crown cap protects against glare and sun exposure!also stays on during foot chases!

6/10/2015 01:11:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Tattoos and baseball caps -- bullshit issues that illustrate to the public what we really care about. Thank for G*d the FOP took the lead on this one.

6/10/2015 01:13:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Command staff found out about the DR. Handing out bump card waivers like water. Guess you are going to pay him 4 times a year now.

6/10/2015 01:26:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

This isn't distracting anyone from what matters. This is just something that needs to be taken care of and don't act like it won't suck for your co workers with tattoos. This is just more micromanaging on the departments part. I've never heard people so concerned with how others look, take a look in the mirror because there are more overweight out of shape coppers with uniforms made of dust then coppers with tats. Be glad someone is there to have your back and get with the times.

6/10/2015 01:27:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Tattoos and baseball caps -- bullshit issues that illustrate to the public what we really care about. Thank for G*d the FOP took the lead on this one.

6/10/2015 01:28:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Sorry charlie, uniform is not a subject of bargaining. It's a looser case and money down the drain.the FOP's best arguement is, "Footballer David Beckham has tattoos."

6/10/2015 01:34:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

It would have nice to wear shorts today. Currently 88 degrees. Make it over 80 for shorts. That is not asking too much and seeing since I already own a couple pair.

6/10/2015 01:46:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Eat my shorts!

6/10/2015 01:46:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

All these negative tattoo comments on the blog. How come I don't hear and see any of you come up to me and say anything about my tattoo at work? Are you afraid that I might say something back about your sloppy , beer gut hanging, over weight "professional appearance"? I always believe that APPEARANCE COMMANDS RESPECT. And that's why I get these compliments when I'm on duty wearing short sleeve ,showing my tattoos, or business tire alike when going to court. Did you even get a single compliment about your "professional appearance" from anyone since you became a Police Officer?

Comes this Friday, I will adapt to the new uniform order and move on. But, I bet most of you " tattoo is very unprofessional" loosers will always find something to cry about how this poor management Department is mistreating you. You get two decent checks a month (some get more from working VRI and VRE), invest some of your money on something and don't just depend on our pension. Feel fortunate that we have a job and be happy with it. Stay safe ...

6/10/2015 01:51:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

If they want uniformity why are we carrying different weapons? It should be one pistol, one caliber so if needed you could turn to another officer for a reload. "Jimmy give me another glock mag, I can't bill I have the outdated, slower firing, want to get myself killed DAO Sig"
These uniform changes are going to make us look more professional? Which part, covering the tattoos or the bus driver hat?
Ooookay, then hypothetically what if there was a boss who was a drunk, guilty of adultery, picked fights at Xmas parties with his subordinates, beat his wife multiple times in front of other officers, drunk shooting out street lights, had kids with other women while married, married a girl 30 years younger then you, etc. and all around do as I say not as I do, get for morale and attitude if this boss had subordinates. Makes one think, hypothetically that is? Yeah thats the professional example I want.

6/10/2015 01:55:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

From my standpoint as a citizen of Chicago and Not a police officer..i see nothing wrong with the Tattoos or the Baseball captor knit caps..CPD looks fine to me.It seems McCarthy should be more concerned with hiring more Police officers.Also is this just a distraction form the Police pension woes?? It is about time the city funds your pension and delivers what they promised.You probably have one of the most difficult jobs in City government

6/10/2015 01:57:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

The officers complaining have only their fellow douche bag looking cohorts to blame. SOME of you, not ALL of you look like embarrassing idiots in the way you dress. The worst aspect is this generation of officers just doesn't care. So as big a stroke that McCarthy is, I'm sure he saw one of you cool looking officers with your tats and your baseball cap on backwards IN UNIFORM and said enough of this bullshit. No doubt those same type of officers had no respect to adjust their uniform in the presence of supervisors. You know. Too cool for that or fuck him. This department has lost its way in many aspects. Time to reel in the nonsense.

And no, responders I'm not a dinosaur. 24 years on and just know that certain things should be respected.

6/10/2015 08:11:00 AM

All true but supposedly it was more than mccarthy or a high ranking boss, there are many outside people,many influential, that have been commenting for a while. So if it came from the 5th floor, which could very well be the case and there is case law supporting it then why give dean a reason to spend a few more hundred thousand of your money towards a losing fight.

6/10/2015 01:57:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

My beef with the outside vest covers is there are two many variations, but more importantly they give an edge to the offender you are grappling with. It is very easy to move some around by grabbing on to the outer vest cover. Picture how hard it is to get ahold of the shirtless offender, now picture how easy it would be to gain control of him if he were wearing a harness strapped to his body. Shirts rip, Velcro and clip on ties break away. I wear my vest under my shirt. It's uncomfortable but I've gotten used to it.

Good for you. It's more than uncomfortable for us men who get hot. When the damn station is at 80 degrees in the winter because of the soft desk crew, when you have the misfortune of working with a partner who blasts the heat to the max on the floor the entire shift because she's cold yet takes her jacket off in the car, you know, to get comfortable- zzzzzzzzz, and after a foot chase in the summer to give a few examples is why I prefer to cool off. Nothing worse when your sweating down your back and your t shirt is soaked, especially in the winter because of your tropical partner, then have to step outside and get sick. Once that cotton is wet it's not drying. I just roll the window down in the winter and then we fight about the climate inside the squad. Can't have the car at 65-68 degrees in the winter wearing a vest AND jacket, noooo it's got to be at 80 something degrees full blast.

I can't figure it out sometimes. I look around at roll call and it says 78 on the thermostat, guys walk in wearing a t shirt, under armor, long sleeves, vest, fleece zipped all the way up, and then a sweater or a jacket, also the knit hat and sit down like its nothing. Have to be low on iron or something.

6/10/2015 02:10:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

How about our union fight for out of grade pay for PO working desk Sgt.'s. We're still not hearing any news about the progress. Does anybody know the status,?

6/10/2015 02:20:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

O.T. Chicago's Finances: We Are Fucked!

The below link details how Chicago's financial picture is very grim indeed. The numbers underneath are not pretty. We are the second highest taxed state for property taxes and they still want to raise it? Gee I wonder what that will do the productive class.

http://globaleconomicanalysis.blogspot.com/2015/06/seven-charts-explain-why-chicago-bonds.html

WTF
When that fucking scumbag Emmanuel stops spending the money Chicago has on kayak kiosks and bike lanes that no one south of Roosevelt uses then I'll believe Chicago is broke.

6/10/2015 02:31:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Rahm thinks he's slick.

He's sitting around laughing his ass off about how easy it was to distract you with tats and ball caps while he steals your pension.

He does forget, though, that there are still some dedicated, hard core, now motivated haters on this job.

Hatred of your enemies enables you to win. Never forget that.

6/10/2015 02:37:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

The fop already had a meeting with the City behind closed doors last month about this.The city told the Fop sit down and shut up and they did. So this is all just a show. And yes the FOP sold you out again. The second thing is I am shocked about how many liberal police are on this job. Your the same police officers playing to be our brothers and sisters but in reality your a sellout. My tattoos are part of me and my life. Just like a liberal. So next time you have a 10-1 or need help make sure you tell COS to send a Officer without tattoos

6/10/2015 02:55:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

City wants to distract us from the pension issues.

6/10/2015 03:12:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Enough of the argument that people can't express themselves without exposed tattoos. If you're so hurt that you can't show everyone your ink, this is the wrong profession to choose. Instead, go into music and sing about all your woes or open up a graphic design firm and be creative to your heart's desire. I can't stand how society in general is so frickin' sensitive and offended by everything that dare limit their "freedoms."

6/10/2015 03:16:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

As long as I can keep my fro I don't give a fuck

6/10/2015 03:29:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

It will be uniform when officers can't have braids, dredlocks,long finger nails, jewelry. If your gonna discipline officers make it across the board. Supervisors especially weak men in an inspectors uniform avoid reprimanding officers with those infractions. They are afraid of being labeled a racist.

6/10/2015 03:30:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Is it true people hired before 20 December 2013 can't wear cargos?

6/10/2015 03:33:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Who cares , not none copper follows any uniform standards
don't sweat the small stuff
stupervisors are afraid to write anyone up and inspectors hide in 16
afraid of the ghetto

6/10/2015 03:38:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Look bros, I don't care about my pension or 10 hr. days! If I can't wear my baseball cap backwards and show off my sweet st michael angel tattoos then I'm outta here! What's next, they going to make me shave full bushy hipster beard or my 1920s boardwalk empire haircut? I'm on the Tact team for christ sake! Hello!!

6/10/2015 03:39:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I don't really care about a baseball cap, since I came on with the round crown. I do think long sleeves with a tie is crazy. I have no problem with officers ( myself included) covering their tattoos, but let them get some air and allow an open collar.

6/10/2015 04:24:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

"FOP To Fight Uniform Changes"

FOP rolled over and got a belly-rub while our pension was
being looted and chronically underfunded?

Eyes on the fucking prize you knee-walking cowards.

What kind of "watch-dogs" are you?

You let Shortshanks burgle the fucking joint then wagged
your fucking tails when he crapped in the best cooking pot
and put it on a high flame as a final fuck-you...

Who runs this shit-show?

6/10/2015 04:30:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

The FOP needs to address that issue. "G"

6/10/2015 08:55:00 AM

Baby G I am usually with you on your posts, but I gotta disagree on this one. By the way, /the Man came by looking for his picture. Too funny!

6/10/2015 04:48:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

This is to you coppers who come on the internet and all of a sudden become internet warriors by talking shit about when another officer does to his body. Next time be a real fucking man and approach him/her in person and tell em you think they look sloppy or trying to be a tough guy. Bunch of pansies we have on this department.

6/10/2015 04:52:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Amazing how many ass holes on here think this is a good thing. Probably the same fools that voted for 500 new squads in the contract. The crown hats should be for dress uniform period. They have no uses on the street, if you like it wear it, leave the rest of us alone.
The skull cap is a cold weather item. Do any of these fools remember it does get very very cold in Chicago.
The black outer vest cover is great. Your able to take the vest off if your in one of the hot no air conditioned process area's in the new state of the art stations. The extra pockets are also great. If your afraid of it don't wear it. Whoever heard of a copper getting hurt because someone grabbed their vest? NEVER HAPPENED.
There was a time when the guys and gals on this job had common sense, care about each other, and stuck together. That time is long past us with these "it's all about me" new age know it all, skinny jeans wearing retards we're stuck with now.

6/10/2015 04:54:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Ok let's bring back the good old guys with western pockets shined shoes well pressed shirts pants summers hats baskets, cleaned shaved hair neat an combed no white soxs allowed good shinning leather and two guns and clubs

6/10/2015 04:54:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I remember when we had a white stripe down the side of our wool pants. Looked more uniform but a hassle when those that would do it, "stopping" for a drink after work. Had to change pants.

So when they took the stripes away.... good thing for those people.

6/10/2015 05:07:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

"You can make progress with the uniform - cargo pants stand up better and gave cops additional space to carry the tools for the job. Turtlenecks were warmer, eliminated the tie-in-the-buttonhole Inspector beef, and looked better around some of the larger necks out there. Exterior vest covers allowed you to "air out" on hot days and provided more pockets and attachment points for ammo carrying, flashlights, anything to get some equipment of the belts that were wrecking spines...plus the black hid dirt better than the blue."

Good thoughts all, SCC. One thing about the ball caps -- the squared-off "constructed" version stands up more from the head, is cooler, and I think looks sharper. Comfortable in hot weather, good shade for the eyes. Maybe mesh-back for summer and insulated model (Thinsulate, and some have earflaps if you need them) for colder weather.

The "unconstructed" caps with the undersized rounded-off dome, like a beanie with a brim, fit tighter and closer, are hotter, and kind of make you look like a pinhead. Never did like 'em.

Yeah...and being able to open the vest cover and cool down for a bit -- priceless.

Important thing is that gear be clean, everything snapped-in and shiny, some sharp creases on the shirtsleeves, worn properly. Couple of well-groomed guys in ball caps, turtleneck, black vest cover always looked STRAC and Real Police to me.

This will shake out somehow.

6/10/2015 05:12:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

"Ot: I watched the Texas police video and I just can't seem to see what the officer did wrong. This is getting ridiculous. She resisted arrest so he tried taking her down. Then 3 guys came up behind him while he's trying to make an arrest. He pulls his weapon and keeps it at his side b/c he's about to get jumped by an angry mob. What the f@ck is wrong with that? If a police officer can't do what he did, then it's over. Policing is absolutely over."

6/10/2015 08:50:00 AM

Me too. Trying to get susp. cuffed and she WILL not cooperate. Then a bunch of big guys come stomping up on him. He draws, carefully keeps muzzle down most of time, and right then two other coppers come running up from behind him -- you can almost hear it, "You cuff her. We got these" -- and chase the lunkheads away. Ofc. reholsters and gets back to what he was trying to do. Gun not out more than 5 seconds or so.

Routine job dealing with people who do not listen. No one hurt, problem resolved.

6/10/2015 05:19:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...


Anonymous Anonymous said...

Ot: I watched the Texas police video and I just can't seem to see what the officer did wrong. This is getting ridiculous. She resisted arrest so he tried taking her down. Then 3 guys came up behind him while he's trying to make an arrest. He pulls his weapon and keeps it at his side b/c he's about to get jumped by an angry mob. What the f@ck is wrong with that? If a police officer can't do what he did, then it's over. Policing is absolutely over.

6/10/2015 08:50:00 AM

What is even more fucked up is that our higher ranked supervisor would throw us under the bus just like his police chief did. The best thing we can do is evolve and adapt to changing conditions. That is all. If you are still stuck in the old ways of doing things then you are going to screw yourself out of a job and perhaps your own freedom. Mr. big time proactive officer is out of work and may even be charged. While the rest of his other officers who just stood around are doing just fine. However, if you are one of those officers who still wants to chase dude because he ran away from you, he was "holding his side", etc. then please be my guest. The least I will do is buy your benefit ticket.

6/10/2015 05:27:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

If retiree's continue to pay FOP union dues, you are all softer than puppy shit! We are not part of the bargaining agent anymore! Been told this a thousand times, so why pay these mutts? Cut the strings now, do not renew because your pensions will be cut in half anyway and your dues are their slush fund.

6/10/2015 05:35:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Anonymous Anonymous said...
Ot: I watched the Texas police video and I just can't seem to see what the officer did wrong. This is getting ridiculous. She resisted arrest so he tried taking her down. Then 3 guys came up behind him while he's trying to make an arrest. He pulls his weapon and keeps it at his side b/c he's about to get jumped by an angry mob. What the f@ck is wrong with that? If a police officer can't do what he did, then it's over. Policing is absolutely over.

6/10/2015 08:50:00 AM

Things have to change, its now the time of camera phones and everything we do is being caught on tape and monday morning quarter backed, the public cry foul yet have no understanding of how situations can unfold, politicians then jump on the band wagon and cry foul also. No body wants to have our back , yet we get pushed for more activity to justify our job. I'm on the job a minute and was getting frustrated by this, but now realize only two things matter on this job .... the 1st and the 16th !!! Things will have to change for me to really give a shit anymore. As for tattoo's (which i don't have) they should be grandfathered in, dont' like em then make it a hiring requirement ! just like the pension, dont call and audible mid play ! And as for my crown hat, its gonna being spending allot of time in car trunks, not gonna take days for losing it !

6/10/2015 05:39:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

How about fight to get rid of the residncey that affect every single officer living in this city. We are last major city department left still doing this and violating your rights. I swallowed it 12 years ago when I could still live in Jeff park and not worry about my family getting hurt,but the way things are today oh my God the violence has spread to mt Greenwood to Beverly to Norwood park to Jeff park. I'm tired of turning a Blind eye and saying it's not that bad. Lift it already and for those officers who want to stay can stay. Those who want to leave can leave. We live in the greatest country in the world but I'm not allowed to live where I want ...shame on us and shame on the fop. its such winnable case like how every other city won.

6/10/2015 05:45:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

This was the mayor drawing attention away from the city reaching 1050 shootings Monday. Rahm does nothing without a motive. The union complaining worked to distract the media. No more shooting news.

6/10/2015 05:45:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Don't have any tattoos, don't want any, but I get why people do.

Just FYI there is a product called Tat Jacket. It's a skin tone sleeve that can cover up rather than wearing a long sleeve shirt. I'm not sure if it will fly for inspection, but it's worth a try for $20.

6/10/2015 06:09:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Anonymous Anonymous said...
That former Admin Mgr from the Academy is the lead in R&D on this Calea project.
Now that's a joke
Here is a person that has a hard time showing up for work on a regular basis having any imput into how officers do their jobs and how they look.
SMH
SMH



6/10/2015 09:17:00 AM

Calea is a waste of money and a manpower drain on the department. The only reason smaller, insignificant departments get certified is because they get a break on liability insurance. We are self insured. There is no advantage or cost benefit. Only a couple of boobs from new York would not be able to figure that out.

6/10/2015 06:43:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

This is a waste of time by the FOP, they have better things to challenge! The skull cap and baseball hat are optional uniform items, so the department can do away with them if they want. As far as tattoos, many other departments across America, and branches of the military are cracking down on them. Private sector jobs are also cracking down on them, and not hiring people with tattoos visible to the public. For the hipster tattoo people out there; YES, you can express yourself and ink and brand your body all you want. But, that doesn't mean employers have to hire you, and if they do (including police departments) they can require you to cover them while on duty. They are perceived as trashy by many in the public, and a lot of people don't feel it is professional. This has been already challenged in court and the courts have backed the departments/employers. If you don't want to have to wear long sleeve shirts in the summer, and tattoo cover up, then stop trying to be so trendy and hip and get tattooed where they will not be seen while in uniform. And as far as the crybabies saying they will "fall out on IOD" from a long sleeve shirt in the summer...take a look at the hero's in the USMC and ARMY who wear long sleeve BDU's in 100 degree heat in the middle east. So stop your crying!!

6/10/2015 06:49:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

How many more police incidents like the one in McKinney, Texas do we need to let us know that policing as anyone knows it is over. It is over. The officer involved in arresting the black teenager resigned from his job. He is getting threats and him and his family moved away to another location. Plus they are carefully reviewing the tape to see if they can charge him with any type of crime. Proceed at your own peril ladies and gentleman. We are entering uncharted territory.

http://www.cnn.com/2015/06/10/us/mckinney-texas-pool-party-video/

6/10/2015 06:50:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...


Anonymous Anonymous said...

Fuck all these clowns with their "Look at me I'm a tough guy full sleeve tattoos." If you want your "Sleeve tattoos" go work in a fucking carnival. It's embarrassing to see this shit wearing a CPD uniform.

6/10/2015 06:58:00 AM

So I am an asshole, a punk, a wanna be gang banger, a criminal, don't look professional, etc. Just because I have a tattoo of a small devil dog from my years of service in the Marines. This is all taking it too far.

6/10/2015 06:53:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I have never posted before but with curent state of things with this department e.g pension, time due issues, uniforms, lack of promotions i felt compelled to add my two cents. I have only been on this job about 5 years now, and no not a " hairgel" i had many jobs in different career fields including ten in the military before i came on in my 30's. I have to say im baffled at the lack of good leadership and the direction this department is headed, i have never seen a company/ organization have such disregard for its employees or lack of interest for their input. And yes I have worked corporate and let me tell you from expierence it is bad but not this bad, even the military would take better intersest in their people and wouldnt screw them the way this department does. I have had the priviledge and honor to serve with some of the best and brightest this country has to offer and I feel the same way now having worked in multiple districts with some outstanding police officers. The sad part of it all is that none of that matters, all the city wants in my opinion is to take take take until we have nothing left to give. Seems to me we are in this without any support or real voice for us ( blue shirts). The city has made it clear WE are not a priority, so take care of each other ladies and gents because its probably gonna get worse before it gets better. Stay safe and god bless

6/10/2015 07:10:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

For all you vets....how come the military prohibits visible tattoos on recruits? For all you hairgels......our military wears much warmer uniforms and equipment while on foot in desert combat. For all you revolver police....when you were working without air conditioning you weren't wearing a vest and working short handed going from job to job. Many of you were sitting in the shade of a boxcar sipping a cold one.How ever this pans out....deal with it like a grownup.

The military does not restrict visible tattoos on recruits. It restricts amount and type ie: gang, offensive. The Marine Corps goes back and forth on this depending on who's the top dog. It has to do with some generals personal belief on tattoos more than anything. And yes the military wears more gear in the heat (I should know I wore it for years) that is a necessity in a combat zone. Why would that apply here? The fourth amendment means nothing in combat should we bring that over here too?

6/10/2015 07:25:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Coppers talking crap about coppers behind a key board. Real brave you internet warriors, next time you see your fellow "brothers/sisters" in blue go tell them in their faces on how you "feel" about their tattoos. bunch of pansies in this department, go pound sand internet warriors.

6/10/2015 07:28:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Fight the pension changes, fight the legislation, fight for our rights ! Now you step up and decide to fight for a general order that has been on the books for years. This union is a joke to fight for trivial shit instead of IMPORTANT issues. Wear a hat, who cares, thats how it used to be. Wear a long sleave shirt, who cares, i dont need to show off my tattoo to anyone ! Its not a big deal unless you make it that !

6/10/2015 07:35:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

34
Section 21.6 — Lost Shields
In cases where discipline is wa
rranted, the maximum suspension fo
r the first offense of loss of
shield shall be one-half day to
be implemented by reducing the
O
fficer's compensatory time by
four (4) hours or one actual one-half
day suspension wi
thout pay if the
O
fficer does not have
available compensatory time

6/10/2015 07:58:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Pensions matter to me more than uniform changes. Let me know when everyone is ready to march with pitchforks, and torches. Well go by the FOP first, and then march on to city hall. When will you tools get it...? "As a silent minority, You don't matter!"
Signed,
Waiting patiently

6/10/2015 08:51:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Let me ask this question, how many people does the tattoo cover up really affect? I would say less then 5% of the department has visible tattoos that need to be covered up. Why the fuck is the FOP wasting time fighting this for 5% of the department when there are a shit load more important things that affect all of the members that should be infinitely more important? Don't give me the whole bullshit if they take this away they take more away. Until the last 5 or so years tattoos have never been an issue because people did not have them all down their arms so they are not taking anything away from 95% of the department. As far as the baseball cap and skull cap, that once again is something very new. Anyone with more then 6 years survived on this department without them and we will be fine without them again. It makes us look like asses with 150 variations of a UNIFORM.

I have nothing against tattoos and can care less what others do with their body but I do get pissed when FOP wastes money and many power for the smallest fraction of this department. Oh how I do love they used a negotiating point during the last contract to get a whole 5 helicopter pilots a bump in pay. Great win! All the while screwing a vast majority of people with furlough by watch.


Response The FOP has many battles you might not care about a guy with cancer either or how about the guy who wants to park in the lot at the medical section that is life. Fop is treading water bad with a lack of common sense and skill in running a million dollar organization. The people elected were picked because they have familiar names many can't even find a private sector career after retiring due to their lack of skills.

So let them do their job and show up to a meeting and voice your complaints.

6/10/2015 09:28:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I see firemen and paramedics sleeved out but they are not being fucked with

6/10/2015 09:29:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I really dont care if u see my tattoos or not. I have a job. If my job (which i am not entitled to by any means) dictates i cover them up so ignorant old timers feel better about themselves, so be it. no problem. end debate. Just dont be so quick to make jedgements about those who choose to get tattooed and the reasons why.

6/10/2015 09:34:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Has anyone ever seen this department change anything so quickly???? Whasup widat?

6/10/2015 10:24:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I Love how all you bitter fucks that post shit all day about the BS the department pulls, suddenly go along with this shit. Just because it does not effect you? It does not effect me, but I do not think it is right, to change shit out of the blue, and fuck with fellow PO's.

6/10/2015 10:39:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I never wear a hat , never been written up , keep crown hat in car
With all the asshats with Sanford and sons beards , girls with pony tail to middle of back , goatee beArds , I ain't losing sleep over this bs order

6/10/2015 11:28:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Once again the FOP is dodging the issue! There is a skinny Tac guy in 019, who has a St. George tat, honoring his Greek Heritage. There are others with St. Jude and St. Michael tats; all of these are expressions of Religious Pride; Banning these on people who are already on the job smacks of Denial of Religious Expression in violation of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The FOP needs to address that issue. "G"

6/10/2015 08:55:00 AM

Did you say he had a Steve Georgas tattoo? Now that's sucking up to the Nth degree.

6/10/2015 11:30:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

What the fuck! Now we have PPO's taking selfies with the mayor. Mayor Emanuel is not our friend.

Ummm... Yes he is.

6/10/2015 11:32:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Anonymous Anonymous said...
I hate pants. Can I work in my boxers or PJs?

6/10/2015 11:13:00 AM

Sure, if you work for Groupon or Google.

6/11/2015 12:12:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I am not covering up my "Fuck Rahm" and my "Fuck Dean" tattoos!

6/11/2015 12:40:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thanks uncle Rahm!

6/11/2015 02:48:00 AM  
Anonymous Gen. George S. Patton, from the grave said...

First of all, let's drop FOP. FOP is a failure and this "fighting for hats and shorts" is a f'king joke of an issue. ANY blind Bastard can see this.

Look professional out there. AND, look professional inside every police building. Just because you work at a desk doesn't mean you should dress like a bum or a Kansas City whore. You represent the police. You represent Chicago, not some backwater town.

I don't care if you have a tattoo, can you shoot straight? Can you take down some 200 ib. Lug who is confronting you or your partner?

Leadership should not focus on this petty crap. Leadership would also set the standard and FOP should be focused on bigger issues if they are there to help your rank-and-file people.

Carry on.


6/11/2015 02:50:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Enough of the argument that people can't express themselves without exposed tattoos. If you're so hurt that you can't show everyone your ink, this is the wrong profession to choose. Instead, go into music and sing about all your woes or open up a graphic design firm and be creative to your heart's desire. I can't stand how society in general is so frickin' sensitive and offended by everything that dare limit their "freedoms."

*******

I don't think the complaints are about covering their tattoos. I think it's more about wearing a long sleeve shirt regardless of the temperature. But I'm sure you knew that already, right detective?

6/11/2015 04:35:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

There is nothing professional a out this job! It is work your hours and go home kind of job! It is a dead end job with very little chance of promotions too!

6/11/2015 05:36:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Just reimburse me for the banned gear!

6/11/2015 05:38:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Yes I do have tattoos. I'm all good with the long sleeve but it would be nice for spring and summer to eliminate the tie and/or turtle neck/dickie. LAPD did away with the tie when Beck became Chief and doesn't look bad either b

6/11/2015 07:44:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I can't figure it out sometimes. I look around at roll call and it says 78 on the thermostat, guys walk in wearing a t shirt, under armor, long sleeves, vest, fleece zipped all the way up, and then a sweater or a jacket, also the knit hat and sit down like its nothing. Have to be low on iron or something.
6/10/2015 02:10:00 PM

6/11/2015 07:51:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I can't figure it out sometimes. I look around at roll call and it says 78 on the thermostat, guys walk in wearing a t shirt, under armor, long sleeves, vest, fleece zipped all the way up, and then a sweater or a jacket, also the knit hat and sit down like its nothing. Have to be low on iron or something.

6/10/2015 02:10:00 PM

I know what you mean. I've been seeing a lot of guys doing that lately. I know I have a low tolerance for being hot but when I see guys wearing long sleeves, hats and won't roll the window down when it's 80 degrees out I'm seriously worrying about you.

6/11/2015 08:01:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

As a citizen (and a 59 year old female one at that) who has lived in the city since the 80's living in Streeterville and used to walk to work in the loop everyday, rain and shine, walked to grocery stores, etc. I felt safe because I knew I was protected. No, I didn't see you, but I KNEW you were there. So.. I could give a rat's ass (and neither do any other residents) if any of you have tat's, how many, what color, on what body part and what they look like. We don't care if your hat is the right color or sitting on your head just so. We don't care if you are in shorts or pants or what color they are. We don't care if your shoes are shined or you are wearing running shoes or boots with insoles for your aching feet. NONE OF THAT SHIT IS IMPORTANT. What IS important if that you are out there, protecting us. We don't care if you use hair-gel or your head is shaved. THIS IS NOT IMPORTANT. We don't have to see you, we don't monitor your gear or what you are wearing because WE DON'T GIVE A SHIT. All we want is to be protected. So to all you assholes who are so fucking hung up on appearances, get over it already and focus on what's important. And to all the older cops who posted who think that this is still the 1970's, wake up and smell the terrorists. Times have changed. All we want to know is that you are keeping us safe. Period. That's your job. Not what you are wearing. My god, talk about vanity and total bullshit! You could be wearing running shorts and a dago-T (OH MY GOD, RACIST OF ME!!) and we could care less as long as we feel protected. When did the main reason you are working become secondary to your GOD DAMN WARDROBE?????

6/11/2015 08:10:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Anonymous Anonymous said...
Has anyone ever seen this department change anything so quickly???? Whasup widat?

6/10/2015 10:24:00 PM


This Department usually makes changes for the better at the speed and frequency of an Ecumenical council. There has been 21 of those in 2,000 years. Remember the good old Second Council of Nicaea in 787? CPD, same pace.

The goddamn US Military held trials for implementing a new service weapon for sidearm use and did it TWICE in less time than the Chicago Police Department took in issuing just one order approving 9mm semi-automatic pistols. And then the CPD order was 30 pages long. What a complicated convoluted piece of crap that was. They started when I was hired and by time they finished I was well into my second service bar.

That order could have been one page long. But no, it was 30 pages and required interpretation by a Philadelphia lawyer.

They could have simply approved the Glock 17 but a big boss who was also a personal injury attorney had a case going against Glock for a copper who blew his finger off putting a loaded pistol into the plastic case of those early release pistols. The pistol fit over a post and would cause a discharge of the trigger if put away with a round chambered If it could happen, it will type of thing. It could, it did, cop is missing a digit and this boss/PI attorney wanted his case settled and held that order up for years.

6/11/2015 09:44:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

To 6/10/2015 01:27:00 AM
"Let me ask this question, how many people does the tattoo cover up really affect? I would say less then 5% of the department has visible tattoos that need to be covered up. Why the fuck is the FOP wasting time fighting this for 5% of the department when there are a shit load more important things that affect all of the members that should be infinitely more important?"

So FOP should only represent us when there is a majority (50% + 1)of the department affected by the city's or department's dumb rules or contract violations?

6/11/2015 10:02:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I see firemen and paramedics sleeved out but they are not being fucked with

6/10/2015 09:29:00 PM

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

Because they're REAL MEN.

Go back to your mommy's basement.

6/11/2015 10:42:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Besides I think it will look pretty silly when some officers have long sleeves and some have short sleeves.

6/10/2015 12:48:00 PM

That point alone refutes the "uniformity" issue people continue to raise. In my department we are all in short sleeves at the same time and long sleeves at the same time, like a bunch of morons. It would get hot and we were still in turtlenecks and long sleeves so a boss would say something and his shift would be in short sleeves...while two other shifts were still in long sleeves. They would cry we must be uniform! uniform! uniform!...but I never got what is so uniform about an officer wearing a coat over their short sleeves because they are cold. Or what is your problem with officers getting cold and hot at different times. If a guy is a polar bear and wants to wear short sleeves, who cares? One officer has on an elmer fudd and another a knit cap. We have police on our backs, on our arms, on our cars and people are still pulling that "readily identifiable" jazz. As a service member THE WORST excuse I hear is when people invoke the military, yet know nothing about our uniform policies. Almost no one is wearing a crown cap like cover on a daily basis, I can tell you that.

6/11/2015 10:59:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...


The military does not restrict visible tattoos on recruits. It restricts amount and type ie: gang, offensive. The Marine Corps goes back and forth on this depending on who's the top dog. It has to do with some generals personal belief on tattoos more than anything. And yes the military wears more gear in the heat (I should know I wore it for years) that is a necessity in a combat zone. Why would that apply here? The fourth amendment means nothing in combat should we bring that over here too?

6/10/2015 07:25:00 PM

Not sure what you're talking about. I'm a reservist that just transferred to a new unit. My commander saw a tattoo on my bicep, in civilian clothes, and asked me if my previous unit documented it. The tat goes vertical and is high enough where I can wear a Class B shirt and it won't be visible. He wasn't even being a douche about it. He told me we should get it documented before later on someone tries to say it is new and get me in hot water. I came in in 2002 and had only a tattoo on my chest then. I still had to go to a tattoo board, take off my shirt and be photographed. There was one guy who did not pass the board and he was sent back home. The rule back then was you could not get a tattoo that was visible in your Class B uniform. They relaxed the tattoo standards, education standards and criminal history standards during the war. Now that they want to drawdown, they are right back at what they were enforcing when I first got it.

6/11/2015 11:18:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...
I see firemen and paramedics sleeved out but they are not being fucked with

6/10/2015 09:29:00 PM

Ha! I wondered if it was like that. It is in my dept. We can't wear ball caps or shorts but FD does. We can't have visible tattoos (not terribly bothered by it) but FD has guys with double sleeves and tats on both legs. If it's professionalism we are shooting for, are the professionalism standards different dependent on your department?

6/11/2015 11:22:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

So they'll fight so you Hipsters can continue to sport your tats & wear your ball caps. But your pension & contractual right they won't give a passing thought. Your Union in action & you clowns are all good with it. Sad.

6/11/2015 12:07:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

no reimbursement hairgel , it was all optional gear , now get your shine box and back to Mom's basement . Don't sweat it , wear whatever you want just like you do now , as a detective I never saw such sloppy dressed officers at crime scenes , no discipline on this department

6/11/2015 12:50:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

To the 934pm poster..great points my friend..I'll cover my shit but I never knew so many guys were offended by tattoos. ..jesus...fucking wierdos.

6/11/2015 12:58:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Just reimburse me for the banned gear!

6/11/2015 05:38:00 AM

They did. It's called your uniform allowance.

6/11/2015 04:25:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I''m not offended by cops with tattoos or baseball caps...but I'm offended by ballerina mayors with 9 digits and politicians that rape our pension system.♠️

6/11/2015 05:15:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...
There's going to be some extra sweaty officers on bikes this summer. I assume if you are wearing a long sleeve shirt then you can't wear shorts. That means pushing a bike around in long sleeves, a tie and pants.

6/10/2015 01:39:00 AM

Stupid comment. If the revenue mouth breathers can 'manage' then our Bike Cops can manage.

6/11/2015 06:12:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...
Anonymous Anonymous said...
All BS - just to take the heat away from the pension crisis. Just like a magician. And it is working.

6/10/2015 08:11:00 AM

Do you really think CPD uniforms are going to draw the public's attention off the pension crisis in even the tiniest amount? The only people that care about our pensions or our uniforms are US.

6/10/2015 12:22:00 PM


And you all are complaining about Suddenly being told to cover up and look professional.

Here is a tip to all the outraged cops with ink:


You want to keep your tat's Visible? Go work for a City Department that doesn't care about your ink being visible.


I think Revenue is Hiring.

6/11/2015 06:31:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Three time pension guy, Little Tommy Byrne. Missy's uncle told all the park district, side job copper's. if they have tattoos and they show with a short sleeve shirt to hit the bricks. 6 guys left after working there for over 10 years off duty. But his step kid, the one who got fired for the dear hunting picture got a job woking at the park district and another job Little Tommy got him driving a truck for tall money.
Little Tommy was a prick as D/Chief of central patrol and never would screw a copper in a second. He screwed up Streets and sanitation in a week and is responsible for the grid lock of the major snow storm on LSD. But the midget just gets another 180 K a year job. Another of Ald. O'Conner' cronies. Pray he is never coming back to CPD as supt.

6/11/2015 06:35:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Uniform standards just saw a copper on tv at a boutique burglary in Chatham , goatee beard , looked like a uniform a gas station attendant would wear , no hats , uniform looked washed out . Oh hell no I will not quit wearing my stocking cap when it's 80 degrees .
No roll call inspection for that old dinosaur . Total joke . You don't need inspectors , have McCarthy watch the 10 o'clock news , crime scenes every night , coppers look like crap .

6/11/2015 06:38:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Anonymous Anonymous said...
All these negative tattoo comments on the blog. How come I don't hear and see any of you come up to me and say anything about my tattoo at work?


What would you like to be hear?

Just what we need. Two uniform coppers rolling around out in the parking lot over tattoo's... Even funnier when the tat guy gets his ass handed to him!

Brilliant.

6/11/2015 06:57:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...


all of you guys who want to drop FOP obviously do not remember what it was like before the contract; when the W/C could change your day off group without any reason at the start of the period or dump you off the watch. The FOP can only be as responsive as the membership allows it to be, its always the same people at the union meetings unless someone has a burr up the a$$( just like CAPS meetings), so if you change unions you will still have the same people running things because they are the only ones who show up! Also the restrictions regarding collective bargaining and job actions are law that apply to any organization, if you want change get involved and take control of YOUR union

6/11/2015 08:06:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Theres this thing now called Air Conditioning now, in case some of you Daisey's are overly concerned about melting.

6/11/2015 08:11:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Anonymous Anonymous said...
The union has no say on uniforms. Get over it.

6/10/2015 02:01:00 AM
Oh but they do. Bandages and such are first issue and should be provided by the dept. And the pants and hat an officer spent his uniform check on friday - approved by the dept...are suddenly not approved on Monday? I'd like to see the dept issue a completely different uniform, one that you don't have yet, and we will we how long it takes YOU to call the union lol

6/10/2015 11:33:00 AM

Let me clarify: the union can't dictate what the appearance and uniform standards are. I didn't think I had to specify that.
I will not be calling the union, I don't have tattoos (despite my military service and what all the ex military are whining about - I don't need ink to prove or preach that I served) and I have a crown hat. If I did have to buy something, I'd have enough in my allowance for such needs.

I would also prefer the union fight to keep my pension instead of this petty nonsense.

6/11/2015 08:14:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I dont have a Tatoo, I may get one some day,I Support Ink.

6/11/2015 09:42:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...
Anonymous Anonymous said...
The union has no say on uniforms. Get over it.

6/10/2015 02:01:00 AM
Oh but they do. Bandages and such are first issue and should be provided by the dept. And the pants and hat an officer spent his uniform check on friday - approved by the dept...are suddenly not approved on Monday? I'd like to see the dept issue a completely different uniform, one that you don't have yet, and we will we how long it takes YOU to call the union lol

6/10/2015 11:33:00 AM

Bandages are first issue???
Guess again. You can wear a long sleeve shirt to coverbup your tattoos.

6/11/2015 09:54:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...






CPD Eham and McJersey To Cut Uniform allowance

6/11/2015 10:40:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Whether I wear long sleeves to cover my tats or short sleeves, whether I bring in a quality head a night or zeros every day...my check still comes on the 1st and the 16th of every month. So long as the paychecks keep coming I don't care what you want me to wear. It's real easy for me to turn from a worker to a dog over night. Fuck with the troops over stupid shit and that's what happens. At the end of the day all this is now for me is a job. Punch in punch out and go home. Life outside of working the ghetto is more important now. Hey...and it only took me less than five years OTJ to figure it out. Fuck the idiots at 35th,, fuck the command, fuck the mayor and fuck the supt. Pay me twice a month, give me my VRI, and fund my pension.

Signed,

-A New Dog

6/12/2015 05:57:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Twenty more months before I leave this shit hole.

6/12/2015 07:58:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...
As a citizen (and a 59 year old female one at that) who has lived in the city since the 80's living in Streeterville and used to walk to work in the loop everyday, rain and shine, walked to grocery stores, etc. I felt safe because I knew I was protected. No, I didn't see you, but I KNEW you were there. So.. I could give a rat's ass (and neither do any other residents) if any of you have tat's, how many, what color, on what body part and what they look like. We don't care if your hat is the right color or sitting on your head just so. We don't care if you are in shorts or pants or what color they are. We don't care if your shoes are shined or you are wearing running shoes or boots with insoles for your aching feet. NONE OF THAT SHIT IS IMPORTANT. What IS important if that you are out there, protecting us. We don't care if you use hair-gel or your head is shaved. THIS IS NOT IMPORTANT. We don't have to see you, we don't monitor your gear or what you are wearing because WE DON'T GIVE A SHIT. All we want is to be protected. So to all you assholes who are so fucking hung up on appearances, get over it already and focus on what's important. And to all the older cops who posted who think that this is still the 1970's, wake up and smell the terrorists. Times have changed. All we want to know is that you are keeping us safe. Period. That's your job. Not what you are wearing. My god, talk about vanity and total bullshit! You could be wearing running shorts and a dago-T (OH MY GOD, RACIST OF ME!!) and we could care less as long as we feel protected. When did the main reason you are working become secondary to your GOD DAMN WARDROBE?????

---------------------------------
THANK YOU !!!!!!!!!

6/12/2015 08:36:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Uniform standards just saw a copper on tv at a boutique burglary in Chatham , goatee beard , looked like a uniform a gas station attendant would wear , no hats , uniform looked washed out . Oh hell no I will not quit wearing my stocking cap when it's 80 degrees .
No roll call inspection for that old dinosaur . Total joke . You don't need inspectors , have McCarthy watch the 10 o'clock news , crime scenes every night , coppers look like crap .

6/11/2015 06:38:00 PM

So please tell me how a fresh shave and uniform will stop all the shooting in the city and would have prevented the burglary? Yeah exactly what i thought it wouldn't get McCarthy ass out of your mouth!

6/12/2015 08:50:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

To the 934pm poster..great points my friend..I'll cover my shit but I never knew so many guys were offended by tattoos. ..jesus...fucking wierdos.

6/11/2015 12:58:00 PM

To the 12:58pm poster...good idea, my friend...cover up your shit...Jesus...just looks fucking weird when in uniform.

6/12/2015 09:03:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

FOP should be fighting this and many other things. We should be hammering the city with law suits. It doesn't matter if it effects 1% or 99%. Members are members. It is past time to get rid of FOP and go with teamsters.

6/12/2015 09:52:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Just reimburse me for the banned gear!


6/11/2015 05:38:00 AM

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

The city does not have to.

The kiddie baseball caps, stocking hats as well as cargo pants and turtle necks are all OPTIONAL.

I never bought any. I buy cheap $20 cheater pants online a SAVE my uniform money.

If you kids were smart you would invest it in deferred comp.

6/12/2015 10:45:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

no reimbursement hairgel , it was all optional gear , now get your shine box and back to Mom's basement . Don't sweat it , wear whatever you want just like you do now , as a detective I never saw such sloppy dressed officers at crime scenes , no discipline on this department

6/11/2015 12:50:00 PM

They are not optional items for officers hired or promoted after a certain date in the last 5 years. You would not know this since you were hired before the date, appointed, not promoted, and are too smart to read an order. Now get your shine box and get back to surfing the Internet on the Area floor.

The old lt

6/12/2015 12:30:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

The troops are going to look like the walking wounded with all the band aids I'm buying stock in Johnson & Johnson for this one.

6/12/2015 01:17:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Dont get a tat you will regret it when youre older. Just ask any old fart with tats next time you see one.

6/12/2015 01:59:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thank God I have 4.5 yrs to retirement! Although these last yrs seem to be going by in dog yrs!

6/12/2015 02:02:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Let's get the tactical guys to work a complete tour , I give a shit about the tattoo I want back up at 0230hrs

6/12/2015 09:23:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...
What the fuck! Now we have PPO's taking selfies with the mayor. Mayor Emanuel is not our friend.

6/10/2015 06:48:00 AM
The only mayor who was a friend of the police, and I go back a long way, is Jane Byrne. And, no one who has run for mayor in the past 50 years would have been a friend of the police had they won. So, I am not really sure what your point is.

6/13/2015 12:17:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I dont agree with getting rid of the outer vest cover. When its hot and you are in the station on a arrest you can take it off for a bit. I haven't worn my vest under my shirt in twenty years. I do agree the Molly type of outer vest cover is ridiculous. I have seen so many officers with way too equipment on the front of them. What is with all the officers with lumber jack beards? As for tattoos I have nothing against them but come on we do have some officers that have gone overboard with them.

6/13/2015 10:32:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

mr mayor harold was ok to the poleeces. he knew yak yak verdolak,

6/15/2015 05:49:00 AM  

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