More Illegal CFD Searches

Yesterday morning, someone posted in our comments that CFD Internal Affairs was back at a firehouse, illegally searching cars:

• IAD is back at 3918 N Harlem making threats and demanding firefighters open their cars to be searched based on CCL issues. This is happening as this is being typed or shortly before.
• The IAD personnel on scene are identifying themselves as police officers
• They know a lot of fire department members, probably over 80%, voted for Trump. Especially if you are pro gun. Is this retaliation?

Also yesterday, their union released a statement:

• On February 27th, the Chicago Fire Department IAD and exempt rank personnel reported to Engine 86 to conduct a search of members’ personal vehicles. Currently, Local 2 is actively investigating the reasons why. The government or the Chicago Fire Department cannot conduct a search of members’ property unless probable cause or exigent circumstances exist. 
  
  
  Based on the facts available to the Local, these searches lacked probable cause and exigent circumstances were not present. Members should be aware that the right to be free from unreasonable searches only applies if an expectation of privacy. Prior court cases have held that such an expectation of privacy does not exist in fire house lockers or fire houses in general. However, members do have a privacy interest in their personal vehicles. 
  
  
  If the CFD makes a request to search a members vehicle parked on City property the Local is recommending the following: It is recommended that Members request a Union representative and inquire if any response or statement by them will result in discipline. Members should not voluntarily consent to a search of their vehicle.  
  
  
  Members should ask if they are being ordered to allow the search of their vehicle If an order is given and/or a request for a Union representative is made, ensure that the order and request for a representative is documented in the company journal. Typically, members must comply with an order and contest the employers conduct afterwards. 
  However, if an illegal order is given, compliance is not required. As of now, all the facts are not available to the Local to definitively state if the search conducted at E86 was illegal because we do not know all the facts which caused the CFD to conduct the search. Members should contact the Local to report all relevant information related to the search. 
  
  
  The Local has been in contact with civil rights attorneys and criminal attorneys to take appropriate legal action to defend and represent our members and hold those engaging in potentially illegal activities accountable. The Local will follow the recommendation of these attorneys after all the pertinent information is obtained. 
  
  
   Fraternally, Local 2 Executive Board
  

So it certainly looks like a number of firefighters just got a new car, a nice boat, or an expensive vacation paid for, all courtesy of CFD exempt staff and Chicago taxpayers.

Also, is anyone at CPD looking into the claims that personnel on scene identified themselves as Police Officers? There's a whole new set of charges for that.