What Is Going On?
- A Chicago police officer committed suicide in the parking lot of a Far South Side police station early Wednesday.
The officer, a 54-year-old woman described by police as a “veteran” of the department, is the second member of the Chicago Police Department to take her own life in that parking lot since early July and the third Chicago police officer to commit suicide in the last two months.
She was found in her personal car and her name was not released as of Wednesday afternoon, according to police. The department said it was making counselors available to officers in the Calumet District, where the deceased officer was found.
We have no words.
Labels: department issues
posted by SCC at 12:07 AM
183 Comments:
Why do you guys only have 10 counselors but hundreds of white shirts who do nothing all damn day long? Your people need help and there are many qualified people in Chicago waiting to assist. Get your union to hire them and get rid of the do nothing merit people. Today.
Management is the problem. No one should hate their job. Put on any personal problems and you have a receipt for what’s happening.
Hopefully the next Mayor and a whole new management team are coming.
I feel that this is a terrible trend but I understand.. or at least I think I understand the mindset of people doing this while working, or in a station parking lot lately. I believe the officers feel so alone and fearful at home that they do this at work as to not taint or disturb their home and that they feel comfortable in the hands of other police officers. I think they feel assured or at peace knowing that we will find them.. we will have a caring reaction and that someone will finally "care". I hate what is happening to people on this job. The pressures are 20 times what they have ever been. The citizens, haters, media, politicians and negativity 24/7 coupled with any problems they are having at home are a killer. I know many people who have normal jobs who use their jobs to get away from home when there are bad times at home. In fact, they use work as a release to relax and distress from all the stresses at home that they might be going through. In Chicago, we have ultimate stresses in this day and age at work. The only release for the stresses at work that we really have is to be at a comfortable home with a normal/steady homelife. If there is not that stability at home and increased stress and arguing etc at home coupled with the terrible stresses from the citizens, admin people, sgts, Lts, captains, commanders, SDSC rooms, desk Sgts, notices from dept chiefs and higher which is always new strategies or policies that adversely effect us along with all the other BS we deal with and lawsuits, complaints and everything else it will slowly kill you. If there are outside work stresses and work stresses then it will quickly kill us and its showing now. People saying "talk to someone" and "seek help people" or call EAP doesn't do CRAP!! Especially when we only say it after something happens. Its all lip service from most people. DR Sobo is awesome, but he cant get to people if we don't get them their or we don't break down and go ourselves. Its easier to say than do.. actually quite impossible most times.
What the hell is the point of working this stupid job if you aren't going to at least get to enjoy some retirement out of it? Given her age and the age of the Sgt. that recently committed suicide I just don't get it. Obviously they weren't in their right state of mind when they killed themselves but come on.
This job sucks. That’s what’s going on.
The environment that Rahm encouraged have come to roost... God speed office, RIP
God Bless her Family and for the first responders who found her.
Keep them in your prayers...
Guys and gals, if you’re feeling as if this is an option, please talk to someone...anyone. Reach out. The old adage about this being a permanent solution to a temporary problem is very true. There are a lot of avenues for help. Please use them. We’re all we have.
Please please please seek out help. We the citizens of Chicago understand you have one of the most stressful jobs, but please know that we care about you also. You are loved and appreciated by many. The problems you are experiencing are temporary and they can be dealt with. Let others help.
Rest in Peace!!!
AVAILABLE? No, the department should make a 30 minute, totally private, session MANDATORY for every officer in that district.
What the hell? From whoever found her, to the district commander, every single one of them is affected to some degree. Jesus, are they saving pennies by 'making them available'? How much is one life worth? Make an effort and give that district some emotional help.
Kidney Bean please explain what going on
Many Officers are afraid of coming into work everyday and being the next Van Dyke on trial everyone hates the Police life ruined unemployable the job is not getting better. They make it sound so easy to get help but I've seen how Officers who have gotten help are treated if they come back no one wants to work them bosses keep special tabs on them it's messed up.
Sickening numbers please seek help if you need it
RIP...RP
Unreal I hate to say but I’m glad my mother retired from there on mother’s day after 25 years.
The one good outcome of all this is that maybe the dept will start to recognize how many of it's officers are walking around with depression and it needs to be addressed!
To all Policemen and women, there is always hope! Seeking help in not a stigma anymore. My husband is a retired Chicago Policeman, and suffered PTSD. We sought help and have been to therapy. It has made in incredible difference in our lives. The hardest part is getting started, but once you do, it's well worth it. You can get referrals from your insurance company, or call from an internet search and ask if they take your insurance, and most do take BC/BS. We went to https://www.psychotherapychicago.com/. They do take BC/BS with a minimal copay, located at Irving, Lincoln and Damen. PLEASE! Take the first step and make an appointment. You have nothing to lose and so much to gain.
05 th Dist is the worst place on earth to work at
Prayers for our sister, her family, and those who are still suffering. To all: please get help.
Watched WTTW's "Chicago Tonight" last night, Sept.12th. They started out with the report of the officer's suicide and then proceeded to do a scathing story about Jason Van Dyke and police brutality! These hypocrites that run public television are garbage! A bunch of limousine liberals that would wet themselves if they saw an African American knock on their front door in their wealthy neighborhoods!
Whatever was troubling these officers, be it issues at home, personal relationships, financial concerns or just the constant drudgery of dealing with the sludge of our city's society, please know the majority of us respect you for what you do every day while trying to come home to resume a "normal" life. These are tragic losses. Sympathies to all of you.
May my sister in blue find peace there, where she couldn't find here.
R.I.P
It's a dump no one wants to work there
so sad
Too sad for words.
So Lets Cancel everyone's days off and make them work 12hr shifts. This will help all of are parents spend more quality time with the Police Hating Public. F$^K our families lets take care of those that dont care about family. Make sure all the White Shirts are pressed and give orders from 35th st., or have your baby girls who just made Lt and Sgt give out orders. Have the White Shirts lead from the front and not holding Fr. Assooles hand. You talk a big game at 35th but dont give a SHART about the first responders in this City. Rahm show your not a pimp and go stand with the front line and see what we go through.
We the Families of First Responders MUST stick together. It is not about Race, it is about Survival.
Getting harder for CPD to hide the stress and BS of this job.
You can see the stress building among fellow officers. The job has aways been dangerous, but now it has become a liabiity and in many ways the fear of doing the job correctly but still being fired because of political motivations is more of a concern than the fear of being killed. Think about that for a moment.
Canceling RDOs and restricting time off isn’t helping matters. In the Army, if you wanted to punish someone you didn’t PT them or assign a person to an undiserable detail; you fucked with their time off. NOTHING kiled morale faster. These bosss just don’t understand. If you didn’t volunteer to work your day off, it’s for a reason. Most of us cherish our off time to decompress and be with loved ones. For the administration to issue a blanket restricted time due notice from Sep 24th on proves they dont care about any of us. This is one area they could easily improve our emotional wellbeing, and they continue to ignore it
I'm so sad to hear this yet again. Please, if you are having a hard time talk to someone. This job, your marriage whatever the problem is, taking your life is such a permanent, no going back act. Problems we think are big today become so small as time passes.
Every issue in this life can be resolved.
She was a friend, funny, smart and good police. Can't imagine why she would do this. RIP R and may God bless your family.
20 and out,try to do it!
Many Officers are afraid of coming into work everyday and being the next Van Dyke on trial everyone hates the Police life ruined unemployable the job is not getting better. They make it sound so easy to get help but I've seen how Officers who have gotten help are treated if they come back no one wants to work them bosses keep special tabs on them it's messed up.
9/13/2018 02:36:00 AM
Theyre afraid of not only being the next Van Dyke, but also being any of the other officers on scene who assisted.
Backup is terrible these days for any call of person with a gun/knife.
One of the problems is Rahm Emmanuel has destroyed the Department and the reputations of everyone so employed. Try looking for a decent job and you are already branded as racist, corrupt and brutal. Ask around it is the truth.
Rest In Peace..
No matter how legit we try to be, the cesspool of corruption in Illinois and Chicago taints all of us, and the extent to which we are dirtied determines the level of stress we endure. Mental, physical, Spiritual and psychological health deteriorates and lack of hope leads us to mighty dark places. I've noticed that people who have developed strong faith in God seem to handle this culture better. The trouble is that the regular self-examination required to do that is hard and demands we change and discard the bad habits and pleasures we accumulate with our wealth, power and freedom. All of us have demons and it is better to confront them when they are small and haven't had the chance to get too strong a hold on us. Once mature the demons become overwhelming. Pray for our member most in need. God bless us all.
DON'T DO IT!!!!!!!! If you are feeling like there is no other way out seek help. Trust me I have been there. I started anti-depressant medication several years ago and it made all the difference in the world. Things always get better. You need to also think about your family. What will it do to them? Get the help you need.
God Bless You CPD and your families. As your brother in Corrections words cannot express my condolences. Administration does not give a damn about it's line staff and never has! You are only as good as your last shift.
This is absolutely heartbreaking. When you can't count on your very own bosses backing you, having to watch what you do every second, because you know every move you make is going to be second guessed, and now having to answer whatever else you have to do internally,
through no fault of your own, this is what happens. The stress is too much. Something has to be done immediately. Please, talk to anyone, don't let the job take your life, it's not worth it.
Department doesn't give a damn about officer's well being...
From the start, officers get assigned to districts as far as 30 miles from home. Why does an officer need to be subjected that condition? Add the domestic duties and the stress of the job, surely somebody's gonna get physically, emotionally, and psychologically drained...
Nobody wants this job anymore. Seems like that everyone is just going through the motions. Counting down the days until they can escape from this job and city. The city is becoming more and more violent and the police are the new bad guys. Thanks to the media and are own politicians.
Very sad! My family has somewhat survived having my sibling take their life. Everyday its there. I thought we were going to make it out of CPD together. Lets stop the bullshit. if u see a co worker in need please help. If someone on CPD would of helped, my sibling would probably be here. There were definite incidents and the white shirts did nothing. the didn't intervene because of their fear of being labelled as "that person". I see one supervisor regularly and I have nothing but hatred for him. Lets be decent people. Forget the malciousness. Be kind to one another. This job is such a joke but im stuck
This is a direct result of Obama’s plan to vilify this nation’s police! First was Obama’s nonsense, then the liberal media and their constant berating of the police. Next is Madigan and her crusade against the police with a federal consent decree that the “feds” said wasn’t necessary, (again with Obama). Now, that whole s@@t storm coupled with out totally incompetent “merit exempt staff” who have no clue of how to run a police department, mostly because they were never the police! Our superintendent is a total failure and should resign in discrace. He is more worried in securing prime spots for his son, wife and friends, and yes there are a lot of those friends who believe it’s there turn now!
Now we have this very serious crisis and our incompetent “merit exempt staff” scratch their head and wonder what is happening. This will not get any better until we get better leadership for the department and that does not include the liners and cheats which are trying to climb to the top now!
God bless Regine and her family and those others who also felt like there was no other means........
Problem starts with the politicians and superintendent, along with a mean spirited
Idiots he has running the department. Allowing pro drug dealers a voice in running the department. At one time, we we're one of the most respected agencies in the world. Now we are the laughing stock of professional law enforcement.
What is going on is this Department management and the pandering politicians. The white shirts will throw a person under the bus in a heart beat to get that next promotion. Another thing is that even when the Officer is right they are wrong and will get put through the ring with no back up from the bosses. There is also a lot of hopelessness with the Officers out there. Most know because they have no clout they will be in a District their whole career while other less qualified move on, away from the stress and shit to nice spots and more money. That is what is going on!
starts a the top! Leadership is a fuckin joke! look around you, Every District has them! These idiot so called supervisors are all about them selves! and only look out for themselves.They like to preach to the PO about "family first" yet they are the main culprit of why officers have mounting stress!
Rest In Peace, Officer.
I can only hope that the majority of supervisors in this Dept occasionally address officers at roll call regarding the services (albeit limited) that the Dept has to offer, including consoling one another. We’re here for each other, are we not? Should we not? WTF.
To poster 12:20:00 AM, Thank you for your post. I agree with you entirely.
Should be mandatory!
Police come off like they have to sweep emotion under the rug.
HQ should have at LEAST the officer on the same watch each meet with counselors during the shift.
The city does not have fireman, garbage men, or Alderman committing suicide so what is the common thread.
Lame duck RAHM step up to the plate we have not even hit the holidays yet when suicide increase.
Anonymous Anonymous said...
The one good outcome of all this is that maybe the dept will start to recognize how many of it's officers are walking around with depression and it needs to be addressed!
9/13/2018 04:06:00 AM
Some of the suburban departments are on top of this with peer support groups, etc. Having worked in the boonies where suicides are more common than homicides you learn that there is a such a thing as "copy cat" suicides -- friends or relatives doing (or attempting) the same thing the same way. You don't hear about these as they are seldom reported but it is real.
Anonymous said...
AVAILABLE? No, the department should make a 30 minute, totally private, session MANDATORY for every officer in that district.
What the hell? From whoever found her, to the district commander, every single one of them is affected to some degree. Jesus, are they saving pennies by 'making them available'? How much is one life worth? Make an effort and give that district some emotional help.
Amen~!
nonymous said...
The one good outcome of all this is that maybe the dept will start to recognize how many of it's officers are walking around with depression and it needs to be addressed!
9/13/2018 04:06:00 AM
Do you really believe that Johnson and his staff actually care about the well being of street officers? Peer support is a great group of officers that care but management treats them as second class. Try asking for help and you are viewed as a problem. LTS and captains only care about numbers, not the officers. I hear the phrase,"call someone". Call who? Suicide is a devastating disease and requires trained helpers be available. Please Johnson, place priority on peer support and help for officers. A email is not enough.
My theories on why this is happening....
Shitty treatment by citizens has made policing an impossible task.
In order to cope, Coppers attempt to remove themselves from interactions with those asshole citizens. However, Supervisors respond by FORCING officers to interact with those same shitty citizens. No interactions with asshole citizens= equally shitty treatment by supervisors through reassigning partners, denied time due, etc. In other words, there is no escape from being treated like shit at work.
Add that onto the usual shitty treatment by fellow officers, you know the type-the all-around zero personality jagoffs on this job that are just all around fucking assholes
Add that onto the anti-police propaganda spreading machine known as the media
Add that onto the CONSTANT presence of cameras being shoved in your face-accompanoed by taunting assholes
Add that onto the CONSTANT threat of lawsuits
Add that onto any personal problems, and maybe, sadly, officers don’t see any other way out
Has anyone else noticed that the Department responded to use of force “controversies” by quickly putting together 3 days of fucking training, but the department has responded to this OBVIOUS problem with a poorly put together 5 minute video?
Shows you where the departments priorities are.
By the way Citizens, Media, and Assholes at city hall....save you fake “concern” for someone else. Over 20 years on and being treated like an asshole for most of that time has left me feeling a bit sour at any attempts of sympathy now
To 1:18 am. Thirty minutes isn't enough time to get a read on someone. A counselor needs more time than that, and the officer needs way more time than that to feel safe and open up. True, one may get a "feel" of the mindset of the person but they need to be seen multiple times to get a true assessment. A relative was an pediatric intensive care nurse on the east coast for many years. Mandatory 1 hour sessions with the psych doc once a month, more if needed, with 24 hr access to him/her. Nurses monitored one another for signs of extreme stress, and called the doc just to stop in and chat with them before shift, just to start a conversation about how things we're going. It's gonna start with the FOP demanding it in your contract and not backing down. The city and brass won't give you anything but lip service, so it's got to be in the contract to force them to do it. When they fail to implement it, AND THEY WILL!, The union has to grow a pair, hire a big time law firm from DC and force them to do it. Maybe you can put the city under a consent decree for your advantage and not theirs. State courts won't fly, has to somehow make its way to federal. I'm not a cop. Just a retired union tradesman, but I do know one thing for sure. I asked everyone who complained about the work, when is the last time you went to a union meeting. No one, I repeat, NO ONE i asked had an answer. They just got quiet. Some hadn't been to a meeting in 25 years! I'm deeply saddened by your loss. Remember to take care of each other and look for the signs. They'll be there if you know what to look for.
Well being Check's on Suicidal people is a very common call ,I've seen dozen's in the aftermath and I've prevented them,We Save a Lot of Live's,The Media does not know or care how many live's We Save.All the Media Want's is Anti Police New's..
RIP. Prayers to loved ones left behind.
I like others can rant on but you know what just going to say protect and look out for each other, Pray for each other, and many are to blame but may she RIP! Amen!
Back in the late 90's 018 had a suicide run. I think it was three in a year and a half. Officers agreed it was a terrible boss who was the common thread. This boss gave roll call and with no empathy gave us the speech we usually get."get some help if you're contemplating suicide."
Nothing on this job is worth taking your life over officers. NOTHING! Quit if you need to. But don't do it. Bosses come and go in a short time, and the above one died shortly after leaving in disgrace for the usual mismanagement shenanigans.
My point is, There is a way out...and this job is temporary.
To those of you who continue with saying it's a permenant solution to a temporary problem, please shutup. Instead of saying something so stupid count your lucky stars that you don't know the level of pain of these individuals.
RIP my dear sisters & brothers.
What’s going on? Rahm, Richey, Ed, Garry, 50 thieves, ACLU, States Attorney, judiciary, “community,” merit, and ungrateful citizens.
Then mix in personal life problems and you have the perfect recipe for disater.
RIP sister!
My condolences to the family, friends and any of her coworkers.. Sad Day R.I.P. officer.
Prayers for her family and those who found her.
Please, get help.
The "butcher's bill" from the joyful haters
pushing that nasty-assed, jumped-up "Police Reform"
nonsense that's a gift that keeps giving from the Obama
DOJ and its few remaining hold-overs/true believers.
As time goes by... Some of them have tacitly admitted/
grudgingly revealed that the "Damning Federal Indictment
of Chicago Police Department practices" is mere Progressive
Democrat/Alinskyite boiler-plate that was hasty in the extreme
in execution and eye-wateringly short on context upon vigorous
and studious review.
Said "damning indictment" is nothing more than an Obama
Administration luxury Party Bus for the perpetually aggrieved,
Democrat-Comtrolled urban center catered-to constituencies
to ride in while en route to "fixing the racist Police" while onboard
entertainment and refreshments provide an artfully crafted diversion
and lots of background noise to prevent any heed from being paid
to the actual problems at hand...
The Police serve as a convenient foil to a community and culture
that has repeated self-destructed on the launching pad despite
multiple Trillions of dollars in "aid, programs, grants, subsidies,
funding, tax payer support" over the last nearly 60 years.
Every time a new "vehicle" is trundled onto the launch pad,
It very loudly and vividly spontaneously self-disassembles
or it falls in upon itself in riotous rot...
But keep throwing MORE capital and resources at problems
that refuse to be fixed... Insanity redux...
But we digress.
These lunatics actually believe that "Police Reform" will suddenly
result in all "The Community's" and the city proper' problems
"go away."
Not a bit of heed being paid to the well being of the men
and women who are bearing the brunt of this toxic reform.
The crux of the matter is that this entire notion of "reform"
is a large cannon chock full of lies of omission, liberal talking
points, progressive political agenda, juked statistics, "feelings,"
and not an insubstantial amount of media bias."
The cannon of "reform" aimed at The Police is
actually pointed the wrong way.
We note with bemusement the eye-watering screed
put up by Neil "Wife Beater" Steinberg...
It was nothing more than:
"You Cops cost US $500 Million in lawsuits
and settlements over the last 15 years."
Yeah...
And the bill for the unchecked savagery
and love of death, destruction and the full
frontal embrace of willful ignorance on display
on the streets of Chicago's West and Souh sides
during that same time frame?
Or the bill for medical and legal malpractice,
municipal government mismanagement and
general human misconduct, malfeasance
and venality over the last 15 years?
...Up to and including yours Neil.
You little wet-eyed punk you...
God Bless The Police.
They went to furlough by watch. We were choosing furloughs by district. Officers that worked late night shifts for over 15 years and tried to live a normal 9 to 5 style shift, are now punished with furloughs in the depressing winter. This is 1 odmf the top 10 reasons seasoned officers are depressed and are not very proactive. Proactivity requires positivity. This was a bad command decision!
Anonymous said...
AVAILABLE? No, the department should make a 30 minute, totally private, session MANDATORY for every officer in that district.
What the hell? From whoever found her, to the district commander, every single one of them is affected to some degree. Jesus, are they saving pennies by 'making them available'? How much is one life worth? Make an effort and give that district some emotional help.
9/13/2018 01:18:00 AM
Excellent idea, couldn’t agree more. Unfortunately the department would be too scared to hear what officers REALLY have to say and think. It’s a shame.
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE: If you are hurting, know that you are not alone. Backing your Brothers and Sisters is more than following each other through a door, or jumping in on a fight.
People care about You and if You care about them get help. Suicide does not solve a problem, it creates pain for everyone in your life. As Police Officers we are caring people. As a Detective I worked more suicides than I can count. I often wondered if the Victim would go through with the act if they were able to see in advance the pain of their loved ones incident to death.
Sadly, I speak from experience. My former Partner of many years took her own life in 2005. I had no idea what She had been going through. I miss Her every day.
God Bless You All
8 counselors for 12k cops. Enough said
Meanwhile let’s cancel more days off and deny offers request to spend time with family and loved ones!
I've been to the edge myself many years ago. What stopped me from putting my gun in my mouthing pulling the trigger is faith in God. Now I'm 5 years retired and living the dream in sunny FL. I think what stops a lot of PO's from asking for help is a complete lack of Trust in anything Dept. Related. If your at the point of considering Suicide Please Pray. It'll never hurt, and can only help. You have the strength to carry on and make it to Retirement. Your never Alone, Al who are still fighting the good fight are in my prayers. God Bless you All.
This is definitely getting out of hand!
My condolences to the family, friends and co-workers of this and all the other Officers who could find no other way out. My heart is heavy for all of you.
On the other hand, anyone who wants to blame the CPD or whatever job related issues is way off base in my opinion. That's just my opinion and I know what they say about opinions.
I guarantee that a vast majority of the suicides are the end result of personal and/or family issues. Yes it is quite possible the Officers bring home some work issues which exacerbate the issues within their home lives.
To blame days off canceled, overtime, merit promotions, horse shit leadership or any of the myriad of reasons is just ignoring what might be going on in the Officers' personal lives. We're Police Officers and we deal with shit.
Also, many of the Officers refuse to seek out help. If they seem ok at work and theres no outward signs of depression etc, how can you blame the bosses or the EAP system?
I'm sorry but many of the Officers who have chosen this path have no one to blame but themselves. To make excuses for what these Officers chose to do is irresponsible and naive.
Before you wanna throw the "company man" bullshit at me, I have 32 years on, all in a district and all on the watch other than about 5 years on tact. And no I don't work the desk, caps, abandoned buildings etc.
We can only help those that either seek help or those showing signs. To blame anyone or anything else is wrong.
Ok, fire away at me.....
Please stop using the phrase its a temporary solution for a permanent problem. Taking your life is never a solution. It’s selfish and the devastation you cause to your loved ones is unspeakable. We all have struggles in life and sometimes they are hard to face but that is when you talk to someone. It’s ok to ask for help, we are only human and the things we face on a daily basis is not normal. It takes a toll on your body and your mind. Please look after one another and be kind to each other.
Bad leadership plus relentless media hate are at least two of the causes. Feeling like your walking the plank if you try to the job will take its toll. The community you serve hates, most of your bosses don't care, the crumb beat of hate from politicians and media all add up. Couple that with the stress job puts on family life, canceled days off, extra mandatory shifts and your home safe haven becomes another place to dread. The money and perks are good but are they good enough to overcome the depression and lost self worth? Feeling depressed every day get help ASAP. the life you save might be your own.
Bring back Commander Bill Powers' suicide prevention program.
Kidney Bean does not town hall meetings— only scripted meetings with press. Never meets the General public for questions
Though I didn’t know her well, whenever we worked together she was always warm, kind, smart and funny. The devotion she had to her daughters was always very evident, she lovingly spoke of them often. So sad that after so many years on this job she didn’t have the chance to enjoy her retirement.
Rest easy RP
It doesn't have to come to this. Please please please seek professional counseling. I know a lot of P.O's that say they won't go to the E.A.P because of other officers bad experience, but
you will never know how it will work for you if you don't even give it a try. I seeked their help when i was going through a very dark time in my life and the E.A.P. helped me get through it all the way. It works!!! The E.A.P. is amazing. Please reach out to them NOW if you're going through some rough times, even if it's just to vent. Please give the E.A.P a try. It's worth it and it's free. May God bless the Police officers n 1st responders who found the P.O. yesterday. And may she rest in peace. God bless us all!!!
With Rahm's abdication, Chicago and Illinois pension/finance crisis, and the total breakdown in law and order in parts of Chicago, well I am sure it is very depressing.
Hard to believe in what you do when your very leaders just muck it up so badly. What kind of future do they have once they retire? Will their pension even be there? Will they or their children or children's children be even able to walk safely on the streets while the political elite's children behind gated communities enjoy the good life?
Socialism destroys. And that is what grips that whole area. Depressing socialism. Socialism where the rich are those in government.
In response to the post on why officers don't retire. Well the reason is the mayor and city council took away health care for cost savings yet they manage to find millions of tax dollars for their pet projects and giveaways. The goal is that you stay until you die that way the city doesn't have to give you a pension check. I say get out while you can. Get out of of this city and enjoy life. I am leaving this state and I have this euphoria like I'm breaking the chains that bind me here. I have the time and the age next year. I'm leaving even if I work somewhere else. At least I will be happy and sane. Depression is complicated and every situation if different. This job has a lot to do with it especially now with societies current attitudes toward the police. The climate within the department is horrible. Morale is in the toilet supervisors that really don't give a shit. The constant quota system being forced down our throats for the sake of Comstat monthly meetings at headquarters doesn't help. How do you get help from a department that has done nothing to improve the work environment. They say its confidential but we all know some headquarter hen is going to talk about it and rumors spread like a California wildfire within this department. Everyone stay safe go home at the end of the night and if you notice someone suffering say something let them know you are there for them. Life is short be happy spend time with your family and inner circle of friends turn off when you are home leave work at work.
may she be at peace from what ever demons had gotten to her.
Yea they really understand they just canceled days off again this weekend they really understand. No reason for canceling days off this weekend
The second in the same district.... 10 hour days, stress, family issues, a dysfunctional hierachy... I can see the problems. Rest in peace officer.
I've used EAP before. Dont get me wrong, they were great. But who wants to drive all that way? Terrible location. Maybe instead of bike sharing, the city should pay for 100 counselors to meet officers in their districts or neutral locations. But in the end, those that are determined to end it all, will still do so. Suicide has always been a problem in law enforcement, but something is happening HERE that needs to be studied and addressed. RIP
Ed, your blanket e-mails don’t help anything. Please stop sending them. Perhaps you should raise awareness and give this issue its due attention and stop doing things to ruin our once great dept.
Here's some reasons why. RDO cancellations, having to work second jobs or special employment to make ends meet when you get your days off. Because we don't get subsistence, free education, free meals and free school transportation. Have to plan for college education because we expect our kids to GO and FAFSA is no help. Constantly being beaten down by the politicians, the bosses, the drug dealers/gangs playing the community against us, the supposedly holly men and the community attacking us for their own failures as parents and leaders. Then we can start to talk about PTSD. If you work the street for more than ten years, you've got it. Don't know how the forensic people do it seeing the worst man can do to man almost every day. A counseling interview by a qualified social worker should be MANDATORY for every officer after a traumatic event. On top of all this you have you're own family dynamics to deal with.
YOU STILL WONDERING WHY??
please dont forget what we all have going on in our personal lives, usually not work related.
Don't live in CHI any more. Not a cop.
But I know the importance of what you do. And I have huge respect.
So please - To everyone who says 'Prayers...' I'm sure it's well-intended.
But words aren't ACTIONS.
Action saves lives. Action protects families.
Reach out to fellow officers who are struggling.
Watch for signs of depression, of unsafe thought patterns.
Call for backup.
See it? Say it.
Stay safe. Everyone.
Unless you have a mental illness, you may never understand the constant struggle one goes through on a daily basis. I pray that our sister has finally found peace. And to my fellow brothers/sisters or anyone else reading this blog, please reach out to us, let us help you.
Well let’s see we have Supervisors asking for activity when we have body cameras ISR’s and COPA reviewing everything. We have the JVD trial underway and all of our no. police friends are asking “What about it” reminding us all the time. We have a consent decree luming where we have to document every time we pull our gun out. We have restrictions on elected time off, cancelled rdo’s. We have no contract for over a year meaning no raise. We have everything from property taxes to water bills and tuition going up. Throw in a child who is sick or struggling in school and a domestic partner who does like the shift work. Also throw in how we’re supposed to “build trust” with the community that hates us and yeah I’d say there is a little stress out there.
I almost forgot Rahm took away Insurance so even if you wanted to get out after 50/20 you can’t because you have no insurance. But hey everything is great and we should be happy to be here.
As someone else posted: this job sucks...that’s what’s going on! I’m seeing lots of older cops seeing their legacy and work history being smeared and erased. Their finances are also being depleted making retirement at a reasonable age impossible. I also see younger officers (especially those who didn’t grow up in this city) getting PTSD. After 3 years in the ghetto they walk around with that glazed stare, disheveled look and don’t say a word to anyone. They think that everyone is against them and that the police are the bad guys. One CPD suicide a month is the new norm.
Whiskey Tango Foxtrot
Very sad. God bless her family. God bless all of you.
I speak from experience that there are exempts with vendetta's that could care less what happen to P.O.s or their families. That being said, don't count on dept.
Anonymous said...
Whatever was troubling these officers, be it issues at home, personal relationships, financial concerns or just the constant drudgery of dealing with the sludge of our city's society, please know the majority of us respect you for what you do every day while trying to come home to resume a "normal" life. These are tragic losses. Sympathies to all of you.
9/13/2018 06:10:00 AM
A sincere thank you for your thoughts. But, for far too many police officers, a " normal life" is just not possible. The department has neglected the mental health of cops for decades. Our working environments, the station houses are decrepit and run down. Sometimes there does not feel that there is a safe space to get out of the way for a bit to catch your breath. Add onto that the corrupt political spoils system of the city, family problems and the pressure of our leaders and it often can be a volatile combination. I pray often for my fellow brothers and sisters who wear the uniform
It takes a month and a half to get an actual weekend off, and when it comes they cancel days off or restrict time. Having time off is difficult and managing a life outside of work can be very difficult. They care so much about our mental health but use and abuse us left and right. They can use the “man power” excuse all you want... but truth is, the city doesn’t care about man power. If the city wanted more employees they’d lift the living in the city requirement and expand hiring to the suburbs. But that’s not the issue, they want to keep our tax money in the city. It’s about money, not about us or our health or staffing for that matter. This city is fucking bullshit.
The civilians on the police board and the so called police at the organized criminal enterprise aka police hq will be sure to fire your ass if you seek assistance for mental issues. You have to go to the alderman who sells fake ids and go into see a doc under a false name and not use insurance. The psych doc you see under your own name will report your mental issues to hq because you carry a gun and are felt to therefore be a danger to yourself and others. You are NOT protected- only creatures will aids have complete confidentiality - all this is sad but true. Retire the day you can, move to the burbs and send your kids to school for free - and free of catholic school bullshit like I was fed by the Jesuits at st ignatius. My last words: don't kill yourself and give the anti police crowd reason to party- keep on living, retirement will come sooner than you think
It starts with supervision. CPD is not the only ones dealing with, to many admin hacks moving up the command ladder who have never dealt with the realities of REALLY doing this job on a daily basis. They have no clue of the stress and demands especially in our current police hating environment brought on by politicians and activists. We used to take care of each other, now its just all about me. Those in trouble feel they have no where to turn. Sad state of affairs.
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org
Prayers to her and her family as well as all CPO’s.
I'm going to put this out there....So take it for what its worth. But I mean this Sincerely
If anyone here needs to talk...
I am available to talk to. Over a beer, a glass a wine, what the heck ever. I will drive to you between the hours of 4pm and 4am.
City Employees Have to support each other.
If you are going to reach out. Email SCC and I will get them my Cell # so they can get it to you.
Andrew J Petersen
Department of Finance
"High stress" employees at companies like Google, Apple, Microsoft take what they call a sabbatical.
Its like 3 to 6 months off every three to five years and you CAN NOT do any work related activities.
They do it cause it makes them more creative, productive, and devoted to the job.
Wonder if it could help us, and I'm not mooching more days off. Just thinking it might help with the hidden PTSD thing and motivation.
They went to furlough by watch. We were choosing furloughs by district. Officers that worked late night shifts for over 15 years and tried to live a normal 9 to 5 style shift, are now punished with furloughs in the depressing winter. This is 1 odmf the top 10 reasons seasoned officers are depressed and are not very proactive. Proactivity requires positivity. This was a bad command decision
Oh cut the shit. This department was one of the small few nationwide that did not have furlough by watch. If your furlough is more important to you than working during the day and participating in life EVERYDAY ALL YEAR after work like normal people do not to mention sleeping a natural sleep cycle at night as opposed to an unnaturally sleeping during the day then feel free to bid to midnights and give all that up for a better furlough. Times have changed as has this job.
"The civilians on the police board and the so called police at the organized criminal enterprise aka police hq will be sure to fire your ass if you seek assistance for mental issues. You have to go to the alderman who sells fake ids and go into see a doc under a false name and not use insurance. The psych doc you see under your own name will report your mental issues to hq because you carry a gun and are felt to therefore be a danger to yourself and others. You are NOT protected- only creatures will aids have complete confidentiality - all this is sad but true. Retire the day you can, move to the burbs and send your kids to school for free - and free of catholic school bullshit like I was fed by the Jesuits at st ignatius. My last words: don't kill yourself and give the anti police crowd reason to party- keep on living, retirement will come sooner than you think"
Stop spreading this "They will fire you" bullshit. I've encountered some difficult times over the years while on the job. I've gone to EAP several times and I'm not the least bit ashamed to talk about it. Not ONCE was it an issue or ever used against me. In fact, with ZERO clout, I managed to get myself promoted, and didn't have some invisible brick on my back that people like you make up. All your false narrative does is discourage officers from getting the help that may save their lives. You are part of the problem. Grow up and keep your jaded opinion about those that are there to help to yourself.
Hire more cops.
Police Officer shot 42nd and Cicero .
Pray for all involved .
Anonymous said...
8 counselors for 12k cops. Enough said
9/13/2018 10:36:00 AM
Whoever said that there were 12,000 police officers should have their head examined and then removed tout de suite...
Believe me, I understand about the JOB, the bullshit involved with the JOB, the lack of support of society for those who are or were on the JOB, but it isn't always like that. I have been retired 3 years now, and every day I try to find a reason NOT to put a gun down my throat. Financial problems I never saw coming, daily nonending pain for surgeries I cant afford to have because I already declared Bankruptcy chapter 7, a foreclosure I cant stop, and so on. I already talked to EAPS, and they listened. But they cant stop the pain, they cant drop off a bunch of green paper society judged your success or failure on, etc. I have faith in God, but I am getting the feeling even HE stopped answering the phone. I want this to end, but it wont. So, do I understand why so many PO's eat the barrel of their gun? Yes I do. I just don't know if I will be able to not do the same. Call me a coward if you have to, but this is what I have been dealing with for the past 4 years, and I am tired.
This city and department does not care about you. How about the mold problem in 003 that is ruining uniforms. I'm sure that mold is great for officers health.
They claim we need to take care of our mental health then take away our days off.
And dont give me the you signed up for this. None of us signed up for what is happening.
Move on, apply to the burbs and even better out of state. And if possible just leave the profession
>>Please stop using the phrase its a temporary solution for a permanent problem. Taking your life is never a solution. It’s selfish and the devastation you cause to your loved ones is unspeakable. We all have struggles in life and sometimes they are hard to face but that is when you talk to someone. It’s ok to ask for help, we are only human and the things we face on a daily basis is not normal. It takes a toll on your body and your mind. Please look after one another and be kind to each other.<<
Your point would have been better if you didn't get it backwards... The phrase is "permanent solution to a temporary problem"
Anonymous Phil the Thrill said...
The civilians on the police board and the so called police at the organized criminal enterprise aka police hq will be sure to fire your ass if you seek assistance for mental issues. You have to go to the alderman who sells fake ids and go into see a doc under a false name and not use insurance. The psych doc you see under your own name will report your mental issues to hq because you carry a gun and are felt to therefore be a danger to yourself and others. You are NOT protected- only creatures will aids have complete confidentiality - all this is sad but true. Retire the day you can, move to the burbs and send your kids to school for free - and free of catholic school bullshit like I was fed by the Jesuits at st ignatius. My last words: don't kill yourself and give the anti police crowd reason to party- keep on living, retirement will come sooner than you think
————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————-
It is BS like this post why we don’t get help and end up making a decision that can’t be taken back. I had to get help before I got that far, and trust me I was very close. For a long time I suffered trying to manage PTSD and depression without getting the right help. I listened to A-holes like this poster and worried more about losing my job than taking my life. The best thing I did was reach out to two of my coworkers and put my trust in them. They got me to a place where I got the help I needed out of state (no help from our EAP but CFDs EAP stepped up) and I can now manage my emotions and stress.
It is a process and it is very tough but I am so much better because I asked for help. I am in the process of getting cleared to return full duty, I didn’t lose my F.O.I.D and most important I AM STILL ALIVE. We can always get another job. People “start over” all the time. You were not born the police. Try to think about these things if you feel yourself slipping down that path! As much as other posters dislike the saying, This is a permanent solution (and not a good one) to a temporary problem or problems. Please ask somebody for help if you get this low. I don’t think I would be posting this if I didn’t have RC and JG help me to get help. Thank both of you guys, I can never make up to you what you did for me.
Chuck T
How long until the Democrat Politicians, who caused all this mess, place the blame on Trump ?
In response to the post about the CFD not having suicides you're mistaken. The CFD has had a suicide epidemic for years. Maybe even worse than the police department. Ask Father Brandt. He's got their backs too and can speak volumes about this.
It's a horrible shame to have this occur again. Re-evaluate your strategies in the Department. We cannot appease nor solve everything personally...but we must take care of our officers for those that are suffering in silence who serve each and every day. Every officer needs to have a reassessment after 5 and 10 years and so on, they go through a lot. Taking that extra step is important and they deserve it whether or not think they think they need it. Leadership plays a big role, it needs to be transformed, reflective and responsive to combat today's new various levels of crime. This goes beyond the consent decree.
All you guys talking about counselors need to give it a break.
Don’t talk to anyone.
Max out your Deffered comp.
Lay low.
Avoid interaction as much as possible.
Get the fuck out at 55.
This job sucks. Anybody with time hates it and is just waiting to get to 55.
Anonymous Phil the Thrill said...
The civilians on the police board and the so called police at the organized criminal enterprise aka police hq will be sure to fire your ass if you seek assistance for mental issues. You have to go to the alderman who sells fake ids and go into see a doc under a false name and not use insurance. The psych doc you see under your own name will report your mental issues to hq because you carry a gun and are felt to therefore be a danger to yourself and others. You are NOT protected- only creatures will aids have complete confidentiality - all this is sad but true. Retire the day you can, move to the burbs and send your kids to school for free - and free of catholic school bullshit like I was fed by the Jesuits at st ignatius. My last words: don't kill yourself and give the anti police crowd reason to party- keep on living, retirement will come sooner than you think
9/13/2018 03:48:00 PM
Please stop spreading this false information. EAP is completely confidential and should be sought when necessary. I have had a few friends and co-workers receive help and they are all still on the job. You are severely misinformed and I'd hate someone who reads this and is suffering to keep silent because of your misinformation.
Anonymous said...
How long until the Democrat Politicians, who caused all this mess, place the blame on Trump ?
9/13/2018 08:27:00 PM
Most suicides are related to personal issues involving family relationships, health and finances etc. It’s not very likely related to the mess you refer to or politics.
Dammit. This is happening everywhere, and it's getting worse. Stress, PTSD, never decompressing after seeing the worst shit imaginable on nearly every shift.... and most administrators don't give a fuck. I don't have an answer. I simply want to give my condolences to the people who count - the real cops in Chicago.
Gerry, retired from Denver PD after 35 years
HQ is too busy promoting merit cronies and only care about themselves.
Fuck this city, lift residency we will be much happier
At some point if you can't cut it you need to give it up. It's just a job. It's not a life or a calling. Not worth killing yourself over. Plenty of other jobs out there.
The commander requested a fitness for duty eval whenher supervisors noticed that she was having issues that she seemed to be struggling with. The director of personnel denied the commanders request and she was never sent to see the EAP. Maybe the civilian director never been the police city hall mole shouldn’t be second guessing the supervisors that are in the trenches with her everyday and can tell when something isn’t right. Thanks Director. Her blood is on your hands.
Anonymous Anonymous said...
Believe me, I understand about the JOB, the bullshit involved with the JOB, the lack of support of society for those who are or were on the JOB, but it isn't always like that. I have been retired 3 years now, and every day I try to find a reason NOT to put a gun down my throat. Financial problems I never saw coming, daily nonending pain for surgeries I cant afford to have because I already declared Bankruptcy chapter 7, a foreclosure I cant stop, and so on. I already talked to EAPS, and they listened. But they cant stop the pain, they cant drop off a bunch of green paper society judged your success or failure on, etc. I have faith in God, but I am getting the feeling even HE stopped answering the phone. I want this to end, but it wont. So, do I understand why so many PO's eat the barrel of their gun? Yes I do. I just don't know if I will be able to not do the same. Call me a coward if you have to, but this is what I have been dealing with for the past 4 years, and I am tired.
9/13/2018 08:06:00 PM
Please don't do it! Do you have any kids or family that can help you? See if you can file a Chapter 13 and Mortgage Foreclosure Mediation? Here is who helped me does bankruptcy and foreclosure defense saved my house in mediation.
https://chicagotaxteam.com/
https://www.bankrate.com/finance/debt/chapter-13-an-option-even-after-chapter-7.aspx
Please seek help if you need it. My 30-something year old cousin was a police officer who ended his life in front of his pregnant wife. Please don’t think twice about talking with someone who is trained to help with PTSD, depression and other stress from an often thankless job. My heartfelt thanks to CPD officers for what you do, and sincere condolences to the Officer’s family and friends for this horrible tragedy.
I'VE BEEN TO EAP MORE THAN ONCE. THEY ARE GREAT. COMPLETELY CONFIDENTIAL. WHO EVER SAYS OTHERWISE IS A MORON.
Better luck next time...
"A sociology professor at the College of Southern Nevada shot himself in the arm with a .22 pistol in protest of President Donald Trump.
The professor’s wounds are not life-threatening, but he now faces multiple charges for bringing the gun onto campus to carry out the protest."
https://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2018/09/12/professor-shoots-himself-22-pistol-protest-donald-trump/
rb
" Get your union to hire them and get rid of the do nothing merit people. Today."
You must not from around these parts.
Do you actually believe that the rank and file as ANY say in this department?!
What happened to the TWO department surveys taken from patrol personnel?
They went the way of eight-track tapes, and disco.
The Chicago FOP Lodge is useless!
I encourage seeking counseling on your own,BUT chose you clinician carefully.
Make sure that it is an individual who is familiar with PTSD.
Many of us believe it is just something that affects people who have seen combat, but think about the horrors that officers see visited upon men, women, and children day in, and day out.
At one time, there was a one day mandatory training class ( I'm not sure under whose auspices ) at the academy given by
Kevin M. Gilmartin, Ph.D.( retired law enforcement )
HIS book "EMOTIONAL SURVIVAL FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT: A Guide For Officers and Their Families " should be mandatory reading in the academy, as well as psychologist, psychiatrist or counselor who treat police officers.
If you can, find a copy, read it, and I gaurantee you will see a glimpse if not a stark insight of your self.
There is no shame in asking for help, and don't give up if the first attempt isn't a good fit.
Be well, be safe, and live a long and happy life.
Anonymous said...
AVAILABLE? No, the department should make a 30 minute, totally private, session MANDATORY for every officer in that district.
What the hell? From whoever found her, to the district commander, every single one of them is affected to some degree. Jesus, are they saving pennies by 'making them available'? How much is one life worth? Make an effort and give that district some emotional help.
9/13/2018 01:18:00 AM
Sorry, but CPD has spent that money on sending Kidney Bean and his son on a whirlwind media tour. Did you miss them on Good Morning America Day? ABC? I’m sure you can find it online. How many family members have followed their dads or moms on the job? They act like this is an anomaly for God’s sakes. Were they on the clock?
NEWS AFFAIRS —. ENOUGH. STOP NOW. SHOW SOME RESPECT.
Anonymous Anonymous said...
Believe me, I understand about the JOB, the bullshit involved with the JOB, the lack of support of society for those who are or were on the JOB, but it isn't always like that. I have been retired 3 years now, and every day I try to find a reason NOT to put a gun down my throat. Financial problems I never saw coming, daily nonending pain for surgeries I cant afford to have because I already declared Bankruptcy chapter 7, a foreclosure I cant stop, and so on. I already talked to EAPS, and they listened. But they cant stop the pain, they cant drop off a bunch of green paper society judged your success or failure on, etc. I have faith in God, but I am getting the feeling even HE stopped answering the phone. I want this to end, but it wont. So, do I understand why so many PO's eat the barrel of their gun? Yes I do. I just don't know if I will be able to not do the same. Call me a coward if you have to, but this is what I have been dealing with for the past 4 years, and I am tired.
9/13/2018 08:06:00 PM
Your comment brought me to tears. Please seek out help if it’s only a hotline. The National Suicide Prevention number is: 1-800-273-8255. Please call and get the help you deserve. God bless you and keep you.
Oh cut the shit. This department was one of the small few nationwide that did not have furlough by watch. If your furlough is more important to you than working during the day and participating in life EVERYDAY ALL YEAR after work like normal people do not to mention sleeping a natural sleep cycle at night as opposed to an unnaturally sleeping during the day then feel free to bid to midnights and give all that up for a better furlough. Times have changed as has this job.
9/13/2018 06:33:00 PM
True or not, you’re still an asshole. Have some compassion.
Believe me, I understand about the JOB, the bullshit involved with the JOB, the lack of support of society for those who are or were on the JOB, but it isn't always like that. I have been retired 3 years now, and every day I try to find a reason NOT to put a gun down my throat. Financial problems I never saw coming, daily nonending pain for surgeries I cant afford to have because I already declared Bankruptcy chapter 7, a foreclosure I cant stop, and so on. I already talked to EAPS, and they listened. But they cant stop the pain, they cant drop off a bunch of green paper society judged your success or failure on, etc. I have faith in God, but I am getting the feeling even HE stopped answering the phone. I want this to end, but it wont. So, do I understand why so many PO's eat the barrel of their gun? Yes I do. I just don't know if I will be able to not do the same. Call me a coward if you have to, but this is what I have been dealing with for the past 4 years, and I am tired.
9/13/2018 08:06:00 PM
Brother you are not a coward! I understand 100% what you are going through because I have been there myself. I know it hurts and you feel you cant find a way to get out of this, but please keep fighting. If you want to talk I am available anytime day or night. I sent my info to SCC. You are not alone
Illinois DHS requires health care professionals to report anyone who poses a danger to themselves or others so that their FOID card can be revoked. If you see someone anonymously, obviously that can't happen. I'm talking about giving your name, going thru insurance etc. HQ is out to fuck the police any way they can- that's why i wrote use a fake ID - being anonymous achieves the same thing. I encourage people to get the help they need, just not under their real identity.
They went to furlough by watch. We were choosing furloughs by district. Officers that worked late night shifts for over 15 years and tried to live a normal 9 to 5 style shift, are now punished with furloughs in the depressing winter. This is 1 odmf the top 10 reasons seasoned officers are depressed and are not very proactive. Proactivity requires positivity. This was a bad command decision
You must work in 12. Take your 18 years to 5, 6, or ,7. Your bound to get a great furlough.
The abandonment of the ones on the job by those at the top is outrageous.
Anonymous Anonymous said...
Anonymous Phil the Thrill said...
The civilians on the police board and the so called police at the organized criminal enterprise aka police hq will be sure to fire your ass if you seek assistance for mental issues. You have to go to the alderman who sells fake ids and go into see a doc under a false name and not use insurance. The psych doc you see under your own name will report your mental issues to hq because you carry a gun and are felt to therefore be a danger to yourself and others. You are NOT protected- only creatures will aids have complete confidentiality - all this is sad but true. Retire the day you can, move to the burbs and send your kids to school for free - and free of catholic school bullshit like I was fed by the Jesuits at st ignatius. My last words: don't kill yourself and give the anti police crowd reason to party- keep on living, retirement will come sooner than you think
9/13/2018 03:48:00 PM
Please stop spreading this false information. EAP is completely confidential and should be sought when necessary. I have had a few friends and co-workers receive help and they are all still on the job. You are severely misinformed and I'd hate someone who reads this and is suffering to keep silent because of your misinformation.
9/13/2018 09:23:00 PM
Leave your comment
To: The civilians
You are absolutely right. I’ve seen it happen before. Seek help, but under another name and don’t use your insurance. Go to a church if need be, they don’t keep records and they don’t have the obligations to report. Don’t trust the FOP either. When the FOP sends the FOP Booklets via mail, if the booklet returns due to the “wrong address”, the FOP notifies the department. IAD will follow the officer and then the officer is “randomly” selected to drop. IAD has launched many residency investigations due to information provided by the FOP. If you ever wondered how IAD catch so many officers up on residency, now you have it. I’ve seen it happen.
The job sucks and Capt. Moore is going to get an EEOC Complaint if he keep trying to pull strings for his niece who takes pictures of officers sleeping. You can’t pay us veterans to work with her, she talks in her cellular phone all night. She talks too much in general.
8:42PM is correct........
Don’t let your kids come on this job and leave as soon as you can. I have a short time to go and the only thing that sustains me is days off, furlos, and watching that Deffered Comp balance grow. Focus on these few remaining positives and leave Chicago as soon as you can.
Anonymous said...
This job sucks. Anybody with time hates it and is just waiting to get to 55.
9/13/2018 09:05:00 PM
Only the ones that are part of the problem. This isn't a job. It's a lifestyle. Everything we do at work effects the rest of our life. Our interactions with family, how we talk to people, what we believe, and to a degree our faith. Show me any other profession that isn't a first responder that takes their work home like we do. My point is, if you hate your job, it will kill you. And it will kill you either fast with a bullet or some other way or slowly with booze, pills, or 20 years of anger. If you hate your job, quit. Everyone knows you hate it and the money you make isn't going to make it better. I know people who hated this job with everything they had. They retired and it turns out the hate followed them into retirement. Theres other jobs. Dont let this one kill you.
To 9/13/2018 08:06:00 PM
While we cannot personally feel all that you do with your situation, know that we love you and want you to beat that monkey on your back.
Continue, please with EAP. Give our chaplains a call. Work with the information one of our brothers provided for Chapter 13. He/she worked it, you can too.
We care about you and know that you'd have our back in similar times.
Stay with us please sir/madam, together with the right people it can be worked out.
YOU took the first step to come forward with your situation. THANK YOU.
Now please take advantage of the help ALL your fellow brothers and sisters, "on the Job" hope and pray that you do for yourself and each and every one of us. God Bless.
Fellow Retiree(still praying for all that serve(d) in that Thin Blue Line)
Anonymous Anonymous said...
The commander requested a fitness for duty eval whenher supervisors noticed that she was having issues that she seemed to be struggling with. The director of personnel denied the commanders request and she was never sent to see the EAP. Maybe the civilian director never been the police city hall mole shouldn’t be second guessing the supervisors that are in the trenches with her everyday and can tell when something isn’t right. Thanks Director. Her blood is on your hands.
9/13/2018 10:49:00 PM
It's pretty rare for a commander to request a fitness for duty evaluation. That should have rung loud bells and never should have been ignored.
Blogger Pamala Evans said...
Anonymous said...
How long until the Democrat Politicians, who caused all this mess, place the blame on Trump ?
9/13/2018 08:27:00 PM
Most suicides are related to personal issues involving family relationships, health and finances etc. It’s not very likely related to the mess you refer to or politics.
9/13/2018 10:07:00 PM
Just yesterday Fox News showed some of the news programs where people were blaming the President for all the hurricanes!
It was just a matter of time.
""" Anonymous Anonymous said...
All you guys talking about counselors need to give it a break.
Don’t talk to anyone.
Max out your Deffered comp.
Lay low.
Avoid interaction as much as possible.
Get the fuck out at 55.
9/13/2018 08:42:00 PM"""
That sounds like a healthy work environment. Spend 1/2 your life not talking to anyone. I knew a guy who never dated or had kids, worked every single day and never spent a dime, never took a vacation, AND never talked to anyone while maxing out deferred. Gosh I sure wish I was like him.
Gossip, Rumors can be dangerous. Educate your self.
E01-09 drug, drugs testing and mandatory physical and psychological evaluation.
E06-05 Behavioral Intervention System
E06-06 Perssonal Concern Prgram
These three orders are intertwined.
EAP is a recommendation. It should be Mandatory like in the Trumatic Incident order.
Stop making this about the district or the ten hour days. BK was a military war veteran working area narcotics. He was unfourtunatley involved in an off duty shooting and his personal life imploded. RP was a beloved veteran PO with 28 years, she could have worked anywhere and any watch in the city. People stay working in the “Dirty Nickle” specifically FOR the ten hour days. The four day weekends improve our lives. Our furloughs are longer. We have more days off a month. More time witth our families. Less days on the street. Those with co-parenting agreements have gone back to court and have had child support payments cut almost in half under the new laws, because they have more days off with their children. Yes- we have stress on the job. As one post earlier pointed out, the killer is when you have no relief or support on the home front. All three of our recent loses have had, unfourtunatley, serious issues on the domestic side. I hope these Officers have found the peace they so desperately sought in their darkest hour. God bless their families to find the strength to heal.
Saw Dr. Sobo after losing my husband. Believe me there were many nights I didn't wish to live through.
I was fortunate to have a compassionate Sgt. Who took good care of me.
Dr. Sobo eventually referred me to someone who specialized in grief counseling. He was very helpful in the interim.
I was reassured that in seeking help I would not lose my job.
I wish there were more compassionate bosses who look out for their people.
'The commander requested a fitness for duty eval whenher supervisors noticed that she was having issues that she seemed to be struggling with. The director of personnel denied the commanders request ...'
Certainly hope that is on paper somewhere- along with a rationale for denial.
Would also expect there to be adequate documentation from district level-had member been given EAP brochure- were concerns articulated convincingly.....if only a phone request then both bosses are very wrong.
..... sending Kidney Bean and his son on a whirlwind media tour.
A great example of how tone-deaf HQ is.
Are any of the interviews including a serious question about crime, nepotism or lack of resources?
Anonymous Anonymous said...
They went to furlough by watch. We were choosing furloughs by district. Officers that worked late night shifts for over 15 years and tried to live a normal 9 to 5 style shift, are now punished with furloughs in the depressing winter. This is 1 odmf the top 10 reasons seasoned officers are depressed and are not very proactive. Proactivity requires positivity. This was a bad command decision!
9/13/2018 10:22:00 AM
Yeah, a bad furlough would make me wanna kill myself!
Get the fu#k outta here!
9/13/2018 10:36:00 AM
Whoever said that there were 12,000 police officers should have their head examined and then removed tout de suite...
You have no idea what you are talking about. None. Get up to date. Read the Pension Boards Annual report, call the FOP, check CLEAR. they list the number of sworn officers by rank and number. What they are all lying?
Pension Board knows exactly how many sworn members contribute on the 1st and the 16th. They have to account for all that money and are audited annually. FOP knows the numbers. They aren’t saying anything because they know. If anybody needs their head examined it might be toy
8 counselors for 12k cops. Enough said
9/13/2018 10:36:00 AM
Whoever said that there were 12,000 police officers should have their head examined and then removed tout de suite...
Below is from the pension funds newsletter. Maybe if you started looking for the correct info in the right places instead of commenting nonsense no I’m not a fan of Rahm, a boss or a fan of the city. I’m just giving you the correct figures.
We have approximately 12,660 active officers paying into the fund through the February 15th, 2018 payroll. This means we are paying more people than are paying into the fund by 956. This is a trend that is most likely to continue going forward for a number of reasons.
This job is not worth killing yourself for. A friend of mine quit last week. There are options and jobs are out there.
Anonymous Anonymous said...
The commander requested a fitness for duty eval whenher supervisors noticed that she was having issues that she seemed to be struggling with. The director of personnel denied the commanders request and she was never sent to see the EAP. Maybe the civilian director never been the police city hall mole shouldn’t be second guessing the supervisors that are in the trenches with her everyday and can tell when something isn’t right. Thanks Director. Her blood is on your hands.
9/13/2018 10:49:00 PM
It's pretty rare for a commander to request a fitness for duty evaluation. That should have rung loud bells and never should have been ignored.
Could the commander followed up by contacting EAP and request they contact her for a follow up or reached out to a higher rank or Supts office to contact the director of personnel
That sounds like a healthy work environment. Spend 1/2 your life not talking to anyone. I knew a guy who never dated or had kids, worked every single day and never spent a dime, never took a vacation, AND never talked to anyone while maxing out deferred. Gosh I sure wish I was like him.
He can sit in the basement and count his money
99% of the comments here nail it on the head
I would only add, on top of all the other aggravating factors that street coppers now face here on CPD, is the onerous and archaic requirement of residency for its employees.
Having the option to live somewhere away from the noise and the people would greatly help your 2 days off of decompression.
But it's all part of the plan to shorten your time collecting the pension you worked for. Keep them prisoner here for 20 to 30 years, stress on you and your family off duty as well as on. Stress shortens lifespans in any number of ways. Overworked, subjected to unprecedented levels of scrutiny, hostility, persecution and prosecution.
Don't let them win, officers. Stay healthy any way you can, get that pension out of 'em for as long as possible. Make the City pay you the rest of your life for what you had to give up for 20 to 30 years on this job.
The job sucks and Capt. Moore is going to get an EEOC Complaint if he keep trying to pull strings for his niece who takes pictures of officers sleeping. You can’t pay us veterans to work with her, she talks in her cellular phone all night. She talks too much in general.
9/14/2018 06:34:00 AM
The captain is going to get an EEOC complaint because his niece takes pics of officers sleeping and she talks on her cell phone all night?
Did you read what you wrote? As a veteran how about telling her to get off the phone and tell the officers not to sleep in front of her
A boss pulls strings for a relative on the CPD? How unique Never heard that before and I’m sure it never happened before
I would love to hear the call to the EEOC. M, I would like to file a complaint against my partner who takes pictures of me when I’m sleeping on duty.
9/13/2018 03:48
9/13/2018 03:48:00 PM
Please stop spreading this false information. EAP is completely confidential and should be sought when necessary. I have had a few friends and co-workers receive help and they are all still on the job. You are severely misinformed and I'd hate someone who reads this and is suffering to keep silent because of your misinformation.
Hope what you said is true but have a friend on medical because of issues. When he went to medical section to return to duty they told him to report to personnel where they stripped him, and took his ID and star
nonymous said...
How long until the Democrat Politicians, who caused all this mess, place the blame on Trump ?
9/13/2018 08:27:00 PM
Most suicides are related to personal issues involving family relationships, health and finances etc. It’s not very likely related to the mess you refer to or politics.
9/13/2018 10:07:00 PM
You are probably right about issues not related to the job and one reason officers kill themselves is they have immediate access to the gun. Split second decision. I know there are other ways of doing it and I hear officers say anyone can get a gun. That’s not completely true and with a waiting period they can change their mind. As I said before, usually it’s a split second to end it
7:30AM......
You’re wrong. It isn’t a lifestyle for smart people. It’s just a fucking job. A job that used to be great, but now really blows. I came on decades ago because it was a steady check with a pension at the end of the road, period. Use it and leave. Do not let your kids play.
Anonymous said...
The commander requested a fitness for duty eval whenher supervisors noticed that she was having issues that she seemed to be struggling with. The director of personnel denied the commanders request and she was never sent to see the EAP. Maybe the civilian director never been the police city hall mole shouldn’t be second guessing the supervisors that are in the trenches with her everyday and can tell when something isn’t right. Thanks Director. Her blood is on your hands.
9/13/2018 10:49:00 PM
I heard that she was denied help after showing signs of some struggles. And then when she tried to get the day off, with a personal day, she was denied. They refused to down the traffic car. She was forced back to work. And we all know how the story ends. It’s not acceptable to continue to tell people to reach out for help or for others to report changing, erratic behavior only to be denied help by someone who has no direct contact with the officer in question. This was a disservice to Regine and the many years that she gave to this department.
Anonymous Anonymous said...
This job is not worth killing yourself for. A friend of mine quit last week. There are options and jobs are out there.
9/14/2018 02:10:00 PM
What's he doing now a truck driver or a car salesman?
Anonymous Anonymous said...
9/13/2018 03:48
9/13/2018 03:48:00 PM
Please stop spreading this false information. EAP is completely confidential and should be sought when necessary. I have had a few friends and co-workers receive help and they are all still on the job. You are severely misinformed and I'd hate someone who reads this and is suffering to keep silent because of your misinformation.
Hope what you said is true but have a friend on medical because of issues. When he went to medical section to return to duty they told him to report to personnel where they stripped him, and took his ID and star
9/14/2018 03:46:00 PM
Did he at least get disability?
Chuck T and Andrew J Petersen -
You guys are stand up.
So are the people who responded to "Believe me..."
That's what it takes. Stand up. Action.
Anonymous said...
The commander requested a fitness for duty eval whenher supervisors noticed that she was having issues that she seemed to be struggling with. The director of personnel denied the commanders request and she was never sent to see the EAP. Maybe the civilian director never been the police city hall mole shouldn’t be second guessing the supervisors that are in the trenches with her everyday and can tell when something isn’t right. Thanks Director. Her blood is on your hands.
9/13/2018 10:49:00 PM
If that's true her family should file a lawsuit!
onymous said...
99% of the comments here nail it on the head
I would only add, on top of all the other aggravating factors that street coppers now face here on CPD, is the onerous and archaic requirement of residency for its employees.
Having the option to live somewhere away from the noise and the people would greatly help your 2 days off of decompression.
But it's all part of the plan to shorten your time collecting the pension you worked for. Keep them prisoner here for 20 to 30 years, stress on you and your family off duty as well as on. Stress shortens lifespans in any number of ways. Overworked, subjected to unprecedented levels of scrutiny, hostility, persecution and prosecution.
Don't let them win, officers. Stay healthy any way you can, get that pension out of 'em for as long as possible. Make the City pay you the rest of your life for what you had to give up for 20 to 30 years on this job.
The city is failing if it’s plan is to shorten your time collecting the pension. Old timers years ago said the average police officer lived 1 1/2 years after retiring. Statistics below from the pension board disputes that. Guys are living a lot longer nowadays
As of February 28, 2018, there are 4566 annuitants between 70-79 yoa, 1843 annuitants between 80-89 yoa, 464 annuitants between 90-99 yoa and 7 annuitants over 100 yoa.
I heard that she was denied help after showing signs of some struggles. And then when she tried to get the day off, with a personal day, she was denied. They refused to down the traffic car. She was forced back to work. And we all know how the story ends. It’s not acceptable to continue to tell people to reach out for help or for others to report changing, erratic behavior only to be denied help by someone who has no direct contact with the officer in question. This was a disservice to Regine and the many years that she gave to this department.
9/14/2018 06:44:00 PM
Terrible if it was true about being denied help and there should be a system in place to help all the officers that seek or need help
Not sure I but into the traffic car and no personal day claim. You call up and go on medical. Then when on medical you tell the nurse you have problems
Rip sad I had to work with the officers cousin for a day left me speechless
Start by lifting the residency limitation so officers can live in peace.
The job sucks and Capt. Moore is going to get an EEOC Complaint if he keep trying to pull strings for his niece who takes pictures of officers sleeping. You can’t pay us veterans to work with her, she talks in her cellular phone all night. She talks too much in general.
9/14/2018 06:34:00 AM
The captain is going to get an EEOC complaint because his niece takes pics of officers sleeping and she talks on her cell phone all night?
Did you read what you wrote? As a veteran how about telling her to get off the phone and tell the officers not to sleep in front of her
A boss pulls strings for a relative on the CPD? How unique Never heard that before and I’m sure it never happened before
I would love to hear the call to the EEOC. M, I would like to file a complaint against my partner who takes pictures of me when I’m sleeping on duty.
I’ve heard about Ms. Snapchat. Perhaps it won’t be the sleepy head officer filing the complaint. It will be the other one who has a legit beef.
I heard that she was denied help after showing signs of some struggles. And then when she tried to get the day off, with a personal day, she was denied. They refused to down the traffic car. She was forced back to work. And we all know how the story ends. It’s not acceptable to continue to tell people to reach out for help or for others to report changing, erratic behavior only to be denied help by someone who has no direct contact with the officer in question. This was a disservice to Regine and the many years that she gave to this department.
9/14/2018 06:44:00 PM
If you need help and cannot work, you go on the medical. They will refer you.
Hope what you said is true but have a friend on medical because of issues. When he went to medical section to return to duty they told him to report to personnel where they stripped him, and took his ID and star
9/14/2018 03:46:00 PM
You still get a paycheck when you're stripped. Sometimes the problems are serious enough that you can't function as a police officer and should not be carrying a weapon.
Anonymous Anonymous said...
Anonymous Anonymous said...
The commander requested a fitness for duty eval whenher supervisors noticed that she was having issues that she seemed to be struggling with. The director of personnel denied the commanders request and she was never sent to see the EAP. Maybe the civilian director never been the police city hall mole shouldn’t be second guessing the supervisors that are in the trenches with her everyday and can tell when something isn’t right. Thanks Director. Her blood is on your hands.
9/13/2018 10:49:00 PM
It's pretty rare for a commander to request a fitness for duty evaluation. That should have rung loud bells and never should have been ignored.
Could the commander followed up by contacting EAP and request they contact her for a follow up or reached out to a higher rank or Supts office to contact the director of personnel
9/14/2018 03:25:00 PM
Everything official depends on what people are willing to formally document. Nobody wants to be the bad guy and put pen to paper. You can't force people into treatment "because." If you think somebody needs help, document and justify. You might save somebody's life.
People bury thier heads in the ground when they see someone struggling. But yet people think it's alright to throw a benefit for someone who took time for sexual harassment and another for a (2nd or 3rd) DUI?!?!?
The commander and captain in 19 don’t care about anyone but the chosen few and whatever you do is it enough they just want more ISRs and tss cards and more arrests. It is people like this that don’t care about you that make our jobs harder and a miserable place to work . Gods speed to that officer that died and Gods peace to her family and the officers that worked with her
Illinois DHS requires health care professionals to report anyone who poses a danger to themselves or others so that their FOID card can be revoked. If you see someone anonymously, obviously that can't happen. I'm talking about giving your name, going thru insurance etc. HQ is out to fuck the police any way they can- that's why i wrote use a fake ID - being anonymous achieves the same thing. I encourage people to get the help they need, just not under their real identity.
===================
If someone is far enough gone that a mental health professional makes a determination that the FOID card needs to be revoked, how is it helping any to avoid that revocation? A guy that far gone, cop or otherwise, needs to have his firearms removed from immediate access so that he has to work just a little harder to kill himself. It might well save their life.
Plenty of ways to kill yourself that remain but take away the one cops tend to obsess about and maybe they have time to rethink it.
It is JUST A JOB. If you don't get that, and think it is worth killing yourself over you may well need mental health care yourself.
When you get to work and swipe in say out loud so everyone can hear you - "IT IS JUST A JOB". Say it when you leave at end of shift as well. That way you won't forget. It is also a good way to try and separate your work life from your personal life. Don't start thinking about work until you swipe in and stop thinking about it at the end of the day. And stop hanging out with other cops off duty. Find other people to hang out with that have a more normal outlook on life. It will make a world of difference to your outlook and may save your life.
New Public Act Regarding FOID Card And Mental Health
There has been some concern identified by the State concerning the interpretation of a new Public Act 100-0911. This legislation was drafted to address those municipalities in the State of Illinois who require as a condition of employment, that their police officers possess a Firearms Owner Identification Card (FOID) as Chicago does. Currently if a member seeks mental health treatment and finds themselves in a mental health bed at any treatment center in the State, that facility is required to notify the Illinois State Police and they are required to pull your FOID card. An obvious concern for the FOP and others is that our members who feel they may need mental health treatment at any stage , are going to be hesitant to seek it with the potential of losing their job hanging over their head.
Public Act 100-0911 does not prohibit the State Police from revoking or seizing the FOID Card of an officer who is a patient in a mental health facility, that will be done (legislation passed in 2013 under the Shields administration established an expedited appeals process for the return of the FOID Card for Law Enforcement Officers). The major change here is that the Police Officer won't lose his/her job as long as he/she is not a threat to him/her self or others. So now it may be a matter for the Medical Section to sort out but your pay check will not be threatened and the members can receive the necessary assistance.
Here is the new legislation:
Public Act 100-0911
HB5231 Enrolled LRB100 20039 SLF 35321 b
AN ACT concerning law enforcement officers.
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:
Section 5. The Uniform Peace Officers' Disciplinary Act is amended by changing Section 6 and adding Section 7.2 as follows:
(50 ILCS 725/6) (from Ch. 85, par. 2567)
Sec. 6. Except as otherwise provided in this Act, the The provisions of this Act apply only to the extent there is no collective bargaining agreement currently in effect dealing with the subject matter of this Act.
(Source: P.A. 83-981.)
(50 ILCS 725/7.2 new)
Sec. 7.2. Possession of a Firearm Owner's Identification Card. An employer of an officer shall not make possession of a Firearm Owner's Identification Card a condition of continued employment if the officer's Firearm Owner's Identification Card is revoked or seized because the officer has been a patient of a mental health facility and the officer has not been determined to pose a clear and present danger to himself, herself, or others as determined by a physician, clinical psychologist, or qualified examiner. Nothing is this Section shall otherwise impair an employer's ability to determine an officer's fitness for duty. On and after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 100th General Assembly, Section 6 of this Act shall not apply to the prohibition requiring a Firearm Owner's Identification Card as a condition of continued employment, but a collective bargaining agreement already in effect on that issue on the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 100th General Assembly cannot be modified.
Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect upon becoming law.
afsp logo
If you are in crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741.
You are probably right about issues not related to the job and one reason officers kill themselves is they have immediate access to the gun. Split second decision. I know there are other ways of doing it and I hear officers say anyone can get a gun. That’s not completely true and with a waiting period they can change their mind. As I said before, usually it’s a split second to end it
9/14/2018 03:51:00 PM
I'd dispute your assertion. Suicide isn't a split second decision. It's a long-contemplated, often postponed one. What YOU see as a decision in the moment is, in fact, a decision considered over and over again (and, perhaps, even attempted more than once).
In addition, using a gun is rare for females, because of a sense of responsibility to those who encounter the body and also a bit of vanity thrown in (not wanting your face to be blown into a million bits).
You seem to be advocating here, and elsewhere, for taking the gun out of their reach. The gun isn't the issue. The personal demons are the issue.
"""You still get a paycheck when you're stripped. Sometimes the problems are serious enough that you can't function as a police officer and should not be carrying a weapon.
9/15/2018 10:45:00 AM"""
Oh fuck off. Ive known several and its no OT for at least a year, and if your unclouted your sent to rot in some shit unit, and a bunch of asshole cops making funny faces and talking about you behind your back for the rest of your career. Why else do you think these guys and gals are leaving their brains on the fucking sidewalk you moron?
I look back at the watch and district commanders Ive worked for in my career and the thought of going to any of them with my personal problems makes me want to laugh. Even the good ones, and there WERE goods ones, wouldn't give a shit because they were brought up in a culture of "dont give a shit" and they figure its not their business. "Now all this changes if your clouted in and they figure they can make a friend by helping you".
No this fucked up outfit is a total failure at dealing with officer problems.
I remember one street slaughter when they let the guy who caught the call go home for a 3 day freebie and they gave me the job even tho we both saw and did the exact same thing. LOL nobody asked how I was doing and the only thing the other guy was stressed about was having to make a pinch, inventory, do a case report, and make notifications. I dont even think he knew how. But don't worry about me, I eventually was able to scrape the blood off my shoe's.
Naw its a shit heel job pretty much ran by shit heels and for ungrateful shit heels . But do yourself a favor, especially if you know your doomed to a career in a beat Car, find a good partner and start a nice family. Leave the booze alone, get off work go home and play ball with your kids. Be a better friend to yourself, your family, and the people you work with. We have far to many mean spirited back stabbing gossips on this job.
And its a shame the entire command structure can't be flushed.
Anonymous said...
Anonymous Anonymous said...
This job is not worth killing yourself for. A friend of mine quit last week. There are options and jobs are out there.
9/14/2018 02:10:00 PM
What's he doing now a truck driver or a car salesman?
9/14/2018 08:30:00 PM
https://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/trp/d/500-day-team-drivers-each/6698550022.html
There is NOTHING in the world worth ending your life...RIP brothers and sisters in blue, God Bless !!!!!!!!!!
PM
I'd dispute your assertion. Suicide isn't a split second decision. It's a long-contemplated, often postponed one. What YOU see as a decision in the moment is, in fact, a decision considered over and over again (and, perhaps, even attempted more than once).
In addition, using a gun is rare for females, because of a sense of responsibility to those who encounter the body and also a bit of vanity thrown in (not wanting your face to be blown into a million bits).
You seem to be advocating here, and elsewhere, for taking the gun out of their reach. The gun isn't the issue. The personal demons are the issue.
9/15/2018 07:18:00 PM
I agree, suicide is likely contemplated repeatedly over a period of time, as a way out. Sometimes because it takes awhile to work up the nerve to do it. Or there may be a few days where things are a little better and life is tolerable. If someone is suicidal, it’s a cycle that repeats itself, several times until it’s interrupted by some sort of intervention.or an actual attempt.
I've read through the comments on this post. Most are looking for someone to blame. A lot are talking about how shitty the job is, how there's no backup from supervisors and administration, pandering politicians, public antipathy towards the police. Its probably a combination of all of the above. Retired for 9 years now, my wife was apprehensive and somewhat non-supportive when I took the job. I found myself going the extra mile to prove to her that I wouldn't turn into a drunk, a womanizer, a gambler and a thief. None of those were problematic. In the interim I found the garbage we dealt with had nothing to do with the things that I believed in. Working in the old 015 presented a world inhabited by people with no sense of family, ethics or morality. I wasn't raised that way and after getting over the queasiness of seeing what people could do to each other, I developed a callousness and indifference to the calls for service just as a way of maintaining the values I was taught growing up for my life at home.
As far as the tragedy of contemplating or taking ones own life, I try to think of a time or a set of circumstances where you could feel hopeless, literally hopeless, where such a heavy burden of sadness makes you feel there's no other way out. I can't begin to imagine the psychological burden a person carries before they make the decision to end it all. Pain and suffering from an incurable illness is one rationalization for ending your existance but the emotional constraints of being the police is something that should be re-addressed in the screening/hiring process. It was one of the predictors used to be before they opted out of the MMPI psych profiling. You remember when the minority block of the City Council raised a stink because too many police applicants were washing out during the psych test. Well, tendency towards drug addiction, absenteeism and worse were components that were measured. Maybe its time to bring it back.
Its a horrible thing. Those of us lucky enough to pull the plug before cell phone cameras, body cameras and lawsuit settlements to the Peoples Law Office don't have to deal with the stresses of being the police. The helplessness of being an armed clerk, unable to assist citizens without the threat of lawsuit and a pre-judging media makes taking this job something that should be seriously considered. For years the public has had dislike of law enforcement. When young folks considering law enforcement ask me about the job, I just tell them its not what it used to be, and then I tell them they'd be better off taking the fire exam.
My deepest sympathies to the family and friends of these officers. RIP
What's he doing now a truck driver or a car salesman
Got hired with a rural police department. He has been very happy with the low stress low pressure.
I just got a job back in the private sector. The pay is good and it's a more normal life.
Jobs are out there. Do some research and apply. Or continue to just assume your stuck working a shitty chicago job.
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