End the Christmas Parties?
CPD Christmas parties have long been a point of contention. Commanders push overpriced tickets for overpriced venues that serve substandard food and there isn't any real accounting of whose pocket the money ends up in.
A Chicago police officer has alleged that another officer sexually assaulted her Friday morning after they attended a Christmas party with other cops assigned to their Southwest Side police district.
Officers responded Friday afternoon to Trinity Hospital, where a nurse told them that a 26-year-old female officer had reported being assaulted by her 37-year-old male co-worker, according to a police report. Both officers are assigned to the Chicago Lawn district and had attended the party together.
A police spokesperson said a “known offender” was responsible, but no one had been arrested.
Almost certainly, it's going to go the route of "he said, she said" and everyone involved was drunk. Someone will get transferred, someone will get offered a "spot" to drop the accusations, it's happened dozens of times before.
Nothing will ever change, though it should. How long ago was that exempt member's secretary driving drunk from a Christmas party and killed that lady visiting town? We don't recall that outcome....but the parties continued the very next year.
Labels: department issues, scandals
posted by SCC at 12:07 AM
371 Comments:
It's the Chicago way....
Here’s a hint to all the jagoff commanders or unit bosses: no one wants to go suck you off at the Christmas party. We all know it’s for management pussies, caps, doc’s, TAC, PRT and other units.
no one wants to go, no one wants to toast and acknowledge you. we want our to-from’s honored for days off, our slips padded and signed and to be left the fuck alone.
She left drunk, where were all the white shirts?
As long as hook up culture is a thing on the job there will always be Christmas parties they ain’t going away ever there’s always a boss who wants to cheat on his wife.
I hope she sues the shit out of the department. That seems to be all they understand!
Incompetents everywhere! Embarrassing!
Nothing will happen if BIA investigates it. BIA does what the bosses want and protects the department from all liability.
This is what it comes to with all the questionable people being hired. Good luck! I mean that sarcastically!
If now retiring Sgt Lee Palmer who used to be assigned to BIA was investigating this he would wait until everyone retired. He stalled to get the outcome CPD wanted. I watched how they rigged cases at BIA.
Unbelievable!!!!!!
This is crazy as hell!
What the heck was going on!!!
Most of the Christmas parties I was at you couldn’t get drunk because the bar was only open for 1 hour before and after dinner.
All this blue on blue is now the norm.
What ever happened to taking your spouse or significant other to the party.
Commander should be dumped!
Who was on the committee that organized this Christmas party! What safeguards did they put in place? Total shit show to CPD new way!
A Christmas Party is a Christian event. I have seen Christmas parties where Muslims attended. It just makes you wonder!
The department is going to go in coverup mode on this one.
The next Christmas Party should be clothing optional. That way no one is surprised or disappointed the next morning.
I can see that all the traditions of past generations will be replaced because they lowered the hiring standards.
Are you Kidding, SCC are you the Grinch of Christmas???
I'm retired, you get rid of Christmas parties, are you serious???
Christmas parties were always the best party of being in a District or Unit?
RUReal???
Our Superintendent has sad nothing on this. WOW! Lost all respect for him.
You would think; This should be the biggest scandal in CPD’s this decade. No it will be swept under the rug. Some high level politicians need to step in. A special prosecutor needs to investigate it. Otherwise it’s going nowhere. Maybe she is lying. If so his job is over. Maybe he did and not much will happen because IAD (BIA) looks out for CPD. CPD isn’t going to help anyone in a lawsuit against themselves.
I always go with other females. If you go with a guy even as a friend everyone thinks something is going on.
I stopped going to Christmas parties. Because I might get drunk and give a knuckle sandwich to some supervisor. Who thinks they are the smartest person in the room.
My heart goes out to her.
What the heck happened! OMG!
Both of them combined don’t even make up 5 years on the job. Get rid of them both and save the city from further lawsuits.
"CPD Christmas parties have long been a point of contention. Commanders push overpriced tickets for overpriced venues that serve substandard food and there isn't any real accounting of whose pocket the money ends up in."
Worked in one District where one of the inside guys ran the Christmas party for years. He chose the banquet hall, the menu, the stuff for those who retired, the DJ etc. He was always praised by the various Commanders for putting on this "wondrous" event by himself. He never asked for any input from any coworkers as to what they might have wanted. Well one day someone found his party file and it revealed he did not pay the price of the ticket and some of his cronies as well as the Commander and the Area Deputy Chief. Usually the only comp tickets were for those who retired and were honored at their last Christmas Party.
Worked in another District where a well liked watch Captain was retiring. One of the Lieutenants planned and executed the party and asked for everybody's input. A committee was formed and a ticket price was decided upon based upon the number of people who would be attending. Since the Captain had been on the job for years and been in many different units a lot of people responded to wanting to attend. So the committe met and figured out a budget on future attendees. So they got prices on the banquet hall, bar, food, gifts and a plaque. For the entertainment a small live orchestra was hired as they were about the same price as a DJ. The committee did all the announcements during the night. The party was a huge success. There was even money left over which was presented to the Captain as a gift. A while after the party the Lieutenant published an expenditure sheet as to where the money from ticket sales were applied in putting on the party. The sheet was available for all to see. The Lieutenant and the commitee spent a lot of time in putting on the event and they paid for their own tickets!!!!
This is going to create divisions in the district this happened in. Some will blame him, some will blame her and some will blame everyone.
They gave the retirees a party to remember.
Will the bosses all attend next years?
Lot of questions and probably no answers coming.
Will everyone at the party with a camera phone have to turn them in as evidence. So BIA can look for evidence. Will the officer’s DNA be put into a DNA criminal database, like the U.S.'s CODIS (Combined DNA Index System). How far is the department going to take it.
What if silly supervisors were taking pictures at the party. Is there any photos put onto social media.
I expect the district supervisors to go into “I no nothing mode” “Sergeant Schultz”. The Code of Silence is a live and well.
Every day I can’t believe we topped the last incident. I could make the same comment for the red line incident.
What is going on?
Nice department I work for.
I don’t have that much time left. I’m finishing it on midnights because that works for my family. I won’t be going to any Christmas party anytime soon.
Police Academy lesson #1:
Watch out for the "3 B's".
Kind of related. Look at the end of the article. They’re going to hire Frederick Melean as a new commander.
https://patch.com/illinois/tinleypark/tinley-park-police-commander-arrested-domestic-battery-violating-order
“ Village is anticipated to approve the hiring of a new police commander at its Dec. 16 Village Board meeting, according to a meeting agenda. Frederick Melean "has 31 years of law enforcement experience focused on developing and implementing strategies that reduce violent crime and enhance public safety, according to the board meeting agenda. His experience includes 25 years in supervisory and command positions, including serving in the positions of sergeant, lieutenant, commander and deputy chief. He has led tactical watch operations; directed security, facilities, and public safety operations; developed and implemented policies enhancing customer service standards; and has proven results in managing large teams and achieving operational goals." Melean also holds a master's in business administration.
Melean is a former Chicago Police supervisor who retired in 2023, after facing demotion for failing to respond to the scene of a fatal crash involving an off-duty cop after a work holiday party in December 2023, the Chicago Sun-Times reported.”
“ As a street deputy at the time, Melean was reportedly tasked with overseeing the response to the collision early Dec. 7, 2023 in the 300 block of North State Street. The officer had reportedly veered onto a sidewalk near the House of Blues after dropping her phone and taking her eyes off the road, Patch reported at the time.
The officer hit two pedestrians from Texas, a 37-year-old woman and 56-year-old Maria Schwab. Schwab died from her injuries; the other woman suffered minor injuries.
Melean reportedly did not respond to the scene, nor did he notify the Bureau of Internal Affairs, the Sun-Times reported, in turn preventing the officer driving from taking a Breathalyzer. Facing demotion, Melean retired instead.”
It looks like the Superintendent Snelling is going to be Ebenezer Scrooge with future Christmas Parties. I understand everyone used their own time for it. You have a better chance at a funeral in the future.
I remember coming on and they were talking one day you will need permission for a foot chase. We are at that point.
Another Christmas ruined. Where is the Union when the department tries to stop Christmas.
This happened to me at the 016th district Christmas party with a Filipino guy but I didnt say anything
Where is the crime scene? Where is the transparency?
Why are we the last people to know? Why do I learn all our dirt in the news? Something really stinks!
It’s management stupid! Management has created a criminal subculture within the department. Hiring morons, pushing them through training and looking the other way! It’s all comeback to roost.
Anyone hear what happened at the Area 1 detectives xmas party? That was a doozy….
Why stop a yearly party because some people can’t control themselves and their alcohol intake. If that was the case there would never be any outing or get togethers, sporting events etc, because someone got drunk and did something stupid or criminal so everything should be cancelled.
Let’s just treat people like adults, and let people reap the results of their decisions.
In 22 years I have never attended a district/unit Xmas party ! Even as a rookie I knew not to overspend money on a fake “let’s all be friends” fake Xmas party. These parties should be banned immediately! It should be an e-learning module on how to act at a district/unit Xmas party and a long one too like at least an hour ! That will help ! And don’t forget to have a test at the end too !
Romanucci is already on retainer. That mfer pops up like a fart everywhere.
Hookups happen after every single Christmas party in every single district and unit. That’s half the game, who you’re going home with.
The river north dui that led to the death only occurred 2 years ago. Lawsuit was filed a year ago and still working its way. The PO was charged and currently not employed by CPD.
This on yahoo finance:
Business leaders are raising the alarm: Meetings have taken over, and real work is being left behind. And Southwest Airlines CEO Bob Jordan is the latest to speak out on the phenomenon—arguing that many leaders mistake constant meetings for leadership.
Headquarters would cease to exist.
This story has more holes than a fine piece of Swiss cheese. Something just doesn’t add up. Also, if you look closely, sometimes edited out some of the detail compared to what they initially posted. Regardless, you’re correct, she will be offered a cushy spot. By the way, I am really curious “who” snitched to Suntimes…
Honestly, these should’ve ended a long time ago. Everyone feels like they have to attend. You get forced into going and now the prices are crazy. This year they’re charging $80 per person. It’s not like we’re getting steaks. End these things already.
This Dept will NEVER learn. The bosses are completely ignorant to the whole thing..My district wanted $90 dollars for the party..what kind of holiday party is it when the actual workers have to py for their own Christmas Party, I would rather go to a nice steakhouse and get a much better meal for the price. You would think that all of the bosses would chip in and pay for the party as a good gesture on complimenting the hard working officers who get shit on everyday in this dept. Let the Lt's, Captains and Commanders fork out for a party, they could afford it! In addition, our district made us for out $20 for a flower fund and if you did contribute you didnt have to do the fall inspection.
Sad, after that woman died and now this awful incident, it’s more who is hired than the party. There is no vetting process and there isn’t a good firing process.
Barz was the commander for the 'out of town visitor tragedy'
Barz becoming more than a PO was a tragedy
These parties really show how bad officers struggle with alcohol, mental health, and self control. Truly sad 😔
It was always fun at roll call the next day to see who hooked up with whom.
Now, kees me you fool!!!!
I hate these bull shit Christmas parties and I know I’m not the only with these feelings. They’re hated so much by rank and file that most retirees that are being honored at these parties don’t attend.
You dont have to drink at these parties...thats your fault.
Fuck the over priced backstabbing parties!
When I was assigned to a district tact. unit you had to buy a ticket. Suck it up buy the ticket, don't go or back on the watch.
Nothing and I mean nothing good ever comes from fucking another girl/guy copper OTJ. It always ends bad.
I bet if you were one of the guys being investigated you would have a different opinoin. Maybe the allegation was bullshit to begin with. Happens all the time.
STFU troll
The fop isn't a union its a fraternal org and has no teeth. It's a joke and the only people gaining anything from it are fop elected clowns. Wise up.
why would have white shirt have to baby sit her?
Why?
Spouse? Are you out of your mind exposing your spouse to all the nonsense?
Booze is the biggest job and marriage killer for coppers.
How about take a little personal responsibility? You blame white shirts for everything? I bet you’re a dog ass that has no problem fucking your co-workers over with dogging jobs
Banquet style is much more classy than having it at a bar. People dress up and act appropriate. Retires are respected and get honored appropriately. The shenanigans is for the after party.
Then don’t go…
Kinda simple
Maybe, just maybe, SHE is on some bullshit…
Ever think of that?
Learn how to write a sentence moron
Obviously you’re. Not the smartest person. In the. Room.
Tell us!
Why.? They went to strip club afterwards, then to have sex in the house. What is the commander suppose to do? Follow them ?
Sgt. Lee Palmer and his entire tact team in 007 were dumped following the murder of Officer Eric Lee. Gang member began coming forward about shakedowns. Soon thereafter, most of Palmer’s team members received merit sergeant promotions. Some even landed in the BIA. They were sent there to exonerate certain bosses. Palmer was corrupt and a criminal before he landed in the BiA.
Palmer and a few other BIA flunkies were promised merit Lt promotions in exchange for stalling investigations and exonerating bosses. Surprisingly, Palmer’s merit Lt. promotion was stalled, as well and the bosses that promised to promote him have retired after they were exonerated.
The joke is on Palmer and the likes for carrying the bosses cup. Palmer has since bailed out of the BIA and ran over to 005. He quiet now because his clout is gone.
Facts!
, I am really curious “who” snitched to Suntimes…
12/17/2025 06:02:01 AM
Another Cop!
Who else would throw this out there? We are our own worst enemy.
Drunk as well.
Are they supposed to supervise them all night? Read the article.. they left the party and decided to go to a strip club…
Frivolous bs lawsuit. Get a hold of and read the report before you make judgement. She would look silly at trial
*know*
Nothing will happen cause it’s BS.
They went out to other places afterwards
You are over generalizing as coppers love to do. Obviously there are plenty of people looking to gain favor/spots any way possible and it’s been going on forever.
Good times!
he was truly one of the worst ever in CPD history, and the competition for that title is fierce !!!!
Did you learn that in middle school?
Biggest scandal? They hung out at a strip club afterwards then went to screw at his house. The Christmas party was over 8 hrs ago
Um, no it’s not.
This is what happens when you continue to heavily recruit and hire all public school kids from the ghetto. This place is filled with scandals waiting to happen.
It sucks that officers are forced to buy Christmas party tickets. Officers are asked to attend parties for some retirees who were assholes their entire career. The assholes become nice one week before retirement, hoping that officers will say something nice about them at their cake and coffee. Other assholes duck out without cake and coffee, because they know that they are assholes, and that no one will attend their cake and cake. Those are usually the “I don’t want cake and coffee retirees.”
Yep, did 28 years in 025.
Never attended a district X-Mas party. Heard they usually turned into violent drunk fests, officers breaking toilets and tables.
025 eventually got banned from some venues.
Wrong! IAD (BIA) only looks out for the Chosen One’s.
Glad I didn’t work in your district.
Yep
You sound like an entitled handjob. Pad your slip? Do your job and earn your keep, b!+ch.
Calumet college and online degrees are what CPD believes makes great leaders.Sad, but true.
You must be a pleasure to work with.
No, what happened?
Cheap Skate
Stop victim blaming you piece.
$90? That’s Peanuts
No, means No!
The party is also a way to celebrate and honor the retirees, we shouldn’t let a few bad apples spoil this opportunity for the entire department.
That’s like liberals calling for gun control because a few of their crazies go on rampages. But I don’t think anyone should be coerced into going/paying.
I bet you only heard one side of the story or neither.
Just now ?
So you respected him when he was proudly enforcing the unconstitutional jab mandate ?
Or when he was molesting all those recruits ?
These party's are very tame compared to the old change day watch day parties of years gone by.
You sound like a lot of fun.
God bless your partners & family!
Great news. Fred is a great person and a great boss.
Awe, cute. The seventh graders are chiming in.
Come on. This is going to be a lawsuit with a million dollar payout.
The War on Christmas is still on-going in case you haven’t noticed. The department calls these events “holiday party” now. SMH. We used to be a proper country. The next time someone says happy holidays to you respond with “Jesus is born”. Everytime you say happy holidays woke stays alive
Made Sgt years ago (off the list) from a far northside district. The front office ran the promotion party as there were several people promoted. They held it at a bar and charged $80. I brought my family and I had to pay the $80 for myself and my family. And the gift..... a cheap ass pen. This is the same district that the commander won the grand prize of 2 airline tickets at the annual golf outing, oh btw he won the tickets 2 years in a row. Lesson learned.
Typical, blame others than take your own accountability. You must be great to work with.
Has anyone at any of these Christmas parties noticed how commercial everything has gotten? Does anyone know what Christmas is all about???
If you weren’t looking for a hookup why did you go?
They do. But the spouse they take with them has their spouse at home. Your spouse is their significant other. Normal
Job culture stuff nothing to see here.
Yes! It is! Hire incompetence! Promoting incompetence!
Totally agree!!!!!!
Exactly.
So true.
Wow…ban something because you don’t like or approve of it…spoken like a true liberal…if you don’t like it…don’t go…I have had great times at these parties..great memories of long ago comrades… saying it’s all fake is a testament to your pathetic life
I have zero respect for BIA.
That dept is top heavy don't forget mcdermott from cpd is there also slumming! Looks like the experienced tinley coppers will never rise to the top, Chicago clout is showing them how it works!
https://tinleypark.org/news_detail_T5_R1166.php
Then you have chief secret service guy:
https://www.tinleypark.org/news_detail_T5_R945.php
*Just seems these guys get the extremely generous pensions, then get another do nothing well paid position and another lavish pension as they jump departments! "Ok boss I will bust my ass getting activity, knowing I will never get promoted due to my skillset!"
He is a real clown. Was never a hard worker. More of a get over guy who sucks up to the bosses.
Thats true retired in 2015 myself and many other retirees did not attend the nonsense!
Stay tuned there’s always more to the story
That is the way I remember them. I guess the young officers can’t handle their liquor.
Yep that’s how it is on tact. You get OT and are required to Bring In activity. You dont answer calls and come in and go home whenever you want. Buy the ticket
That’s a huge problem. I believe that to be true. As everyone understands that no will trust the CPD.
That is suspicious ;)
The problem with giving out knuckle sandwiches to the bosses is you won’t have enough to affect change.
Said, and he won’t!
someone will get offered a "spot" to drop the accusations, it's happened dozens of times before.
Or a merit promotion.
Where is my Christmas bonus? Lol
The white shirts are get over along with that get over suck @$$.
She had a meltdown because her 1.5 years, (technically her ONE YEAR) on the job landed her on midnights come 2026. This guy was her ghetto lottery ticket.
God damn talk about dropping the ball with these two. This female P.O is on social media throwing up gang signs, while this male P.O has a previous rap sheet. What in the ghetto f*ck is happening to this job. Oh that’s right, we were lacking diversity. LOL
They absolutely do female here I’ve been to my first watch and Christmas party when I first started and let me tell you I had many opportunities for hook ups from both lol I’m not allowed to go to any of these parties anymore. Then it’s business as usual the next day absolutely hilarious
To the teams: changes coming
Gangs and narcotics to downsize
2-3 tac teams per district
Robbery task force disbanding
Drag racing team combined into cirt
Prt disbanding
Why not?
well, I would not say " no one", for history has proved you wrong.
I rem him. I believe he is in prison now
I ran a retirement party for a retiring Dep Chief a few ago. The exempts all said they would have their names on the announcement poster , but they wanted complimentary tickets. I said no, only the retiree and his spouse. Many of the exempts then chose not to attend.
Most the white shirts now were blue shirts last month and ppos 2 years before that.
Christmas parties celebrate a traditional Christian holiday. Christmas parties are also the formal acknowledgement with co-workers upon officer's retirement. Like St Jude, its not about bosses and their personalities, but rather a remembrance of fellow officers.
Roll call is about to get super awkward!
70% of the department don’t have 5 years on. Whole department is bwc police. U have Sgt’s now who came on during Covid. 🤡
Apparently taking your wife is considered “weird”.
Side chicks only to the party.
Can’t make this stuff up.
Perhaps you should be an accountant or in the caps office
Many officers are pitching a gripe out the price. No gripes about your thousand dollar plus cell phone. Or going out and spending a $100 for overpriced drinks at a bar. Or your fantasy football wagers. If you cannot afford a ticket to a traditional annual event and find it cost prohibitive, you are living beyond your means.
True statement. Problem is everyone back stabs and talks shit about each other all year long. Then one night out the year everyone gets drunk and acts fake towards eachother for a few hours.
Couldn’t have said it better.
How about General Lee from Organized Crime getting into a physical fight with Superintendent McCarthy over which sport is more macho, football or rugby. Nothing happened Gerald. Try telling that story to a new officer.
Most are acknowledged as retirement parties
That charged PO was also listed as an offender in the PPP loan fraud investigation. Did she skate on both?
And your the guy no one likes. I wonder why?
watch partys when we rotated were the best but unfortunately some had tragic results at the hands of demon alcohol
Don’t leave us hanging with that! And please include initials!
Because he is a professional sexual assaulter
Pat is a goof. He got dumped.
No safeguards. Just act ridiculous and kiss the bosses ass. It’s always been a popularity contest.
Same here. Office people had same complaints.
Because by the time you’re retiring if you have a brain you realize it’s all BS. I would rather spend time with my family.
It won’t change any time soon.
I could tell a bunch of stories about this guy…………
#metoo
He just keeps saying crime is down like he did something.
Someone should.
Exactly! Well said.
People didn't read the article. He picked her up at her place, they went to the christmas party together, they then go to a strip club together as an after party, then they go back to his home. She says he touched her inappropriately on the way to the christmas party; yet, she continues the date and goes to a strip club with him afterwards? Regret does not mean she gets to drag this guy through the mud. I believe it all happened and I believe she could have stopped it any time but chose not to. When she woke up, she now banged a coworker and felt regret but rather than handle it like a grownup, she chose the #metoo feminist playbook.
Nothing is going to change with the current administration and hiring practices.
Rule # 1: Men don't go around being "friends" with women. There's an ulterior motive. We're pigs. Blame it on Mother Nature. Mother Nature said "the sky will be blue, grass will be green, snow will be white, and men will chase women.
100%
Always protect your reputation.
Idiots running the place.
To all the beautiful policewomen I met at the Christmas parties.Thanks for the memories and Merry Christmas. Lighten up Francis and have some fun.
All part of the shit-show everyone is talking about!
When’s the 3-hour e-learning module on “Don’t play hide the pickle at District Christmas parties” coming out?
He has 26 years on. Was in my class. Thinks he knows everything. LOL! Always said he would make Lt. I guess he wasn’t that smart.
Johnny boy will have a lot to talk about at next FOP meeting. Jack S (Jack-@$$) will give a lecture on how he do more than eat our own! Jack looks like he should worry about his own eating.
Christmas parties have nothing to do with the commander. You could work in the same unit for years and go through 1/2 dozen bosses. The party is an opportunity to socialize with the watches and honor the retirees. The fact that someone got drunk and made bad decisions is not just a CPD problem. It happens everywhere.
You can thank Adam and Eve for clothes mandatory - they only chewed on an apple and didn't even wait for Christmas.
My life is messed up - so drinking helps.
Just another day. Everything is business as always.
OMG, I’m so sorry! My prayers and heart is with you.
Please God be the end of the Christmas parties for the department. Sick of wasting money every year at Christmas time
I’ve said the same thing. It isn’t getting better.
Agree. CPD is dysfunctional at best.
Thanks Keesing Bandit
That's reserved for other events, where the brass isn't trying to fuck half the girls on the watch. Hell, even the female white shirts are looking to get some young Oscar Mayer!
The Chicago Police Department is messed up from years of mismanagement and dealing with crime. Morale is complete garbage and no one cares. I could keep going on but I don’t care either. I just want to make it to retirement.
Complete ass-hat. Company man.
Stay tuned more to come.
Well said.
Agree. They are hiring people we locked up. They are letting people on with criminal histories.
Dick’s always do things bigger!
Sounds like a hostile workplace.
Had nothing to do with Xmass party all the alleged coercion happened on the way to and post attendance at the STRIP CLUB! Not one of you mentioned that.
Another casualty of the police culture at war with itself.
Officers are hurting and self medicating and crying out for help. Nothing is being done.
Amen you are absolutely right. Made me spit out my coffee.
What stinks is the Superintendent’s office.
Mutual combatants. His defense is sex was consensual. Very difficult for her to prove it was not.
If they go as far as retrieving videos from bourbon street and the strip club, it could backfire on her depending on the content.
And if he drove her home the next morning, I'd like to know how she got to the Xmas party?
The commander isn't accused of anything, nor is he responsible for what two adults did hours after that party. Try knowing all the facts before just saying something.
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