HAPPY NEW YEAR
The Chicago Police Lieutenants Association Board of Directors and all the Area Representatives would like to wish you and your families a happy and healthy New Year.
2009 General Handbook
I just today received the new 2009 General Handbook. I will be sending them out to you over the next few days along with your 2009 vehicle window stickers. There is a delay in getting the membership cards from the printer so I will send those to you as soon as I get them from the printer.
JAMES L. O'NEILL & TMOTHY NOLAN SCHOLARSHIP DRAWING
The scholarship drawing was held at the Decmeber General Membership and Christmas Party. Six $500 scholarships were awarded. The following Lieutenants' children won:
| John Magruder | unit 019 |
| William Mullane | unit 017 |
| Joseph Schober | unit 016 |
| James E. Jones | unit 620 |
| Steve Regnier | unit 013 |
| James Maloney | unit 606 |
These Lieutenants need to provide proof of their childs enrollment in school. Please contact Dean Stone at
for further information.
Conratulations to the winners.
December General Membership Meeting and Christmas Party
The next General Membership meeting and our annual Christmas Party will be held on 9 December at the Home Run Inn, 4254 w. 31st St. The meeting begins at 6 PM. We will also be drawing the winners names for the James L. O'Neill and the Timothy Nolan 2008 Scholarships. I hope to see you there.
CON-CON Voted Down
Thanks to everyone the refferrendom to hold a new Constitutional Convention was voted down by more than a 2 to 1 margin. Our pensions are safe, at least from this attack.
Membership Update
All active duty Lieutenants need to click on Membership Update and complete the update form. We will be mailing several items of great importance to your home address and we need to make sure we have a good mailing address for you. It will take only moments to complete the form and will make sure that we can reach you.
Area Representative Elections
The opportunity for members interested in running for the Area Representative positions on the CPLA board has expired. We have received letters of intent from each of the current Representatives. No other members have sent letters of intent; therefore there are no contested elections for Area Representatives. The current Representatives will be declared winners and reelected for another two year term which will be effective January 01, 2009.
Dean Stone
Secretary
Pension Board Cases
The Chicago Police Pension Board often hears cases for Credit of other Service and Prior Service issues. These cases have involved a wide range of officers who were former City of Chicago employees and other agency employees.
Chapter 40, ACT 5 Article 5 of the Illinois Compiled Statutes covers the Policemen's Annuity and Benefit Fund of Chicago. The statute that is referred to for Credit for other Service is Section 5-214. Click for the file
The Pension Board Attorney does an outstanding job. When I make a decision, it is based upon the facts of the case, The Pension Statute and the advice of the Board Attorney. Decisions are often deferred until the Pension Board Attorney has written an order and the Board votes upon it.
I cannot comment upon any outstanding cases before the Board.
I thank you all for your support.
James Maloney
CPLA Pension Board Representative
PENSION BOARD REPRESENTATIVE
On September 25, 2008 Lieutenants running for the position of Pension Board Representative and seeking the endorsement of the Chicago Police Lieutenants Association each had an opportunity to speak to the Board. We were impressed with the sincerity and professionalism of both Lieutenants. After discussing the merits of each candidate we chose to support and endorse Lt. James Maloney for the position of Pension Board Representative.
Lt. James Maloney has done an excellent job representing the Lieutenants, Captains, and Exempt Ranks for the last several years. He fought, successfully, to be included as a member of the Blue Ribbon Committee investigation of the pension fund. Jim brings with him the education and experience that we need looking after our pensions.
When you receive your Pension Board Ballet in the next few weeks we strongly urge you to cast your vote for Lt. James Maloney.
Vote No on Constitutional Convention
Illinois lawmakers are trying to get the voters of Illinois to agree to a new Illinois Constitution. They want to hold a convention that would write a new constitution. We urge you to vote no blocking a Constituional Convention. We stand to loose more that we have to gain. Currently our Illinois Constitution protects our Pension with the following:
PENSION AND RETIREMENT RIGHTS
Membership in any pension or retirement system of the
State, any unit of local government or school district, or
any agency or instrumentality thereof, shall be an
enforceable contractual relationship, the benefits of which
shall not be diminished or impaired.
This clause has been interpreted by the Courts to mean that once a public employee vests in a pension plan their benefits cannot be diminished later on.
We don't want this changed, you don't want this changed, but our lawmakers want this changed. To learn more and to see more reasons why we do not want to change the constitution please click on the following link:
http://www.protectillinoisconstitution.org/
While you are there sign up to get updates and to show your support.
Area and At-Large Representative Elections
In accordance with Article V (Elections), of the CPLA by laws, Area representative and the at-large member elections shall take place in November of even numbered years and assume office on January 1st in the odd numbered years. Any Active Member seeking office must submit their name to the Secretary (Dean Stone) by October 15th or the first business day thereafter. Only Active members shall be eligible to vote or hold office.
Anyone interested in running for one of these positions please let our secretary know immediately in writing. All current representatives who wish to run for re election must also submit their name to the Secretary.
PENSION TRUSTEE
The Pension Fund is holding Trustee elections again. In the past we have have endorsed a Lieutenenat for trustee and currently Jim Maloney is representing us. As a pension fund trustee he automatically has a seat on the CPLA board as well. Jim is planning on running for re-election. If any other Lieutenants plan on running and would liked to seek our endorsement please contact Bob Weisskopf at
. We will give you an opportunity to address the board.
CONTRACT UPDATE
Talks have continued on a weekly basis until recently when both sides stepped back from the table after the city’s last proposal. So far, while asking a lot of us they have offered little. Early in the negotiations the city asked us for a list of three items that we considered to be the most important. They also told us what they have considered to be the most important of their issues as well. They asked that we step up to the table and take a leadership role. We have and they know it. We have worked long and hard to develop something that approaches the cities goals while protecting Lieutenants rights, both on and off duty. The City so far has not moved forward on any of our three priorities in spite of the fact that they led us to believe that they would. Now keep in mind this may be the cities negotiating tactics or just pure arrogance. Time will tell.
We have met with our labor attorneys several times recently and have been preparing a counter proposal to present at our next meeting in August. We feel that it is not only reasonable but do-able for the city. We have not asked for the sky. We have realistically asked for a little more control of our careers and lives.
I am not going into the details of what items we are actually negotiating because we don’t want other unions and the media getting hold of this information. If anyone has questions please contact me and I will be glad to talk to you. I can be reached at p
Bob Weisskopf
President
MAILING ADDRESS
We have changed our mailing address. We have worked out an arrangement with the Chicago Police Sergeants Association to use their facility as a mail box. We do not keep offices there, nor will you be able to reach us by phone at their location. However if you need to send us mail through the US Postal Service you can mail it to:
Chicago Police Lieutenants Association
1616 W. Pershing Rd.
Chicago, Il. 60609
Auxilary Weapon Qualifications
The Department has agreed to ammend G.O. 07-01 and issued AMFM message 083340 on 15 July 2008. It states that if you have were hired prior to 01 Dec 1991 (revolver trained) and wish to qualify with a snub nose revolver the department will provide you with the ammunition. If the snub nose revolver is the same manufacture as your duty weapon then all you need fire is a 10 round accuracy and funcitionality test. If they are of different manufacture then you will be required to fire a 30 round course of fire to show your proficiency. Again the department has agreed to provide the 30 rounds of ammunition or ten rounds as needed.
If you need to qualify with more than one alternate or auxilary semi automatic pistol and they are of the same make, caliber and firing system you will only be required to show proficiency with only one in a 50 round course (you provide the ammunition). Additional weapons of the same make, caliber and firing system will then be fired in a 10 round accuracy and functionality test with department provided ammunition. An example of this is should you wish to qualify with both your Sig Sauer P226 and P239 you need only qualify with one of the weapons and the other must pass the 1 round accuracy and functionality test. Please read AMFM message 083340 for complete information.
OFFICERS’ SAFETY
With the recent killing of Officer Francis it might be time for all of us to do a little equipment check. Everyone should be wearing a Level 3 Safety holster. This requires 3 separate actions to remove the gun from the holster. If you do not have one, get one NOW. Once you get the holster you need to leave the gun in it for a few days to allow it to stretch. Then you need to practice drawing the gun from the holster until you become proficient in performing the three functions.
The second thing would be to check your safety vest. How old is it? When was the last time it was wiped off? Any rips or tears?
Next week everyone gets a Uniform check and it might be a good time to upgrade or replace our equipment. You owe it to your families and those who care about you to arrive home safely every day.
BY-LAW AMMENDMENT
The following by-law amendment was proposed at the 08 July 2008 CPLA Executive Board meeting:
ARTICLE III
MEMBERSHIP:
Membership in the Lieutenants’ Association shall consist of five distinct
classifications: A - Active; B - Exempt or on Leave of Absence; C - Retired and Duty Disability; D - Fair Share; and E - Fraternal.
A - ACTIVE: an active member shall be a full dues paying member of the Lieutenants’ Association, holding the Career Service rank of Lieutenant of Police. An Active Member shall be entitled to all rights and benefits of the Lieutenants’ Association, participate in collective bargaining and legal defense plans, vote on all business meeting matters, make motions, until such time as the member is no
longer eligible for membership in the organization, or becomes either a Class B member (Exempt or on Leave of Absence); a Class C member (Retired or Duty Disabled). Those Lieutenants who hold Confidential and Managerial positions within the department are prohibited from participating in matters related to collective bargaining agreement or run for elected office. Any active member that fails to maintain Class B membership during the period they are in an exempt position or on a leave of absence shall not be entitled to legal defense benefits for events occurring during the period they are in a non paying status.
ARTICLE IV
DUES AND ASSESSMENTS:
Section 1. Annual dues for all members shall be established by the elected officers of the Lieutenants’ Association. Any increase in dues must be approved by a majority vote of the Board of Directors.
Section 2. Annual dues for Active members and Exempt or on Leave of Absence Members shall be set by the Board of Directors to be collected through payroll deduction at a rate of 1/24 of the whole dues amount, paid each pay period. Any member that fails to maintain membership by paying the appropriate dues amount in full shall not be entitled to legal defense benefits.
The purpose of this amendment is to define who is covered by our legal defense as well as to when they are eligible for coverage. We have always allowed Exempt members of the CPD to maintain their membership; however when the City became unable to continue payroll deduction for the Exempts few continued to pay dues on their own. This By Law amendment will be voted on by the Executive Board on 07 October 2008 at their meeting.
At this time there is only one Exempt member. Any Exempt members of the CPD who where made Exempt from the rank of Lieutenant and wish to continue their membership need to contact the CPLA Treasure, Bob Stasch at
.
Work Schedule Survey Results
We have had 140 responses to the Work Schedule Survey. The results are interesting. 44% of respondents want to stay with an eight hour day. 55% of those who want the eight hour day prefer the new offer of work 5 / off 2. 45% chose the current schedule. 32% of the respondents prefer the 10 hour day option and 24% prefer the 12 hour day.
This information will greatly help us. Thank you for responding.
JOB OPPORTUNITY
The City of Chicago is currently accepting applications for the position of Program Aide in the Sale of Alcohol to Minors program administered by the Vice Control Section. Under immediate supervision, a Program Aide works with a Police Officer to test whether businesses are compliant with laws regulating the sale of alcohol to minors. Employees must attend and testify in administrative hearings on actions taken to test businesses and violations found. Applicants must be at least 17 years of age and under 19 years of age at the time of employment, and must be a current high school student in good academic standing. The starting pay rate is $9.00 per hour. For further information and to apply on-line for the position, please visit www.cityofchicago.org. Click on "I want to apply for a job", and then "Open Job Opportunities". Follow the link and enter 140541 in the JOB NUMBER field. Application deadline is 25 JULY 08.
Please contact Lt. Eve Gushes via email with any questions.
CAPS Lieutenants
Recently several CAPS Lts. have contacted us regarding being sent all over the city as visiting watch commanders. If you have volunteered to be the CAPS Lt. you have, unfortunately, sold your soul to the devil. By volunteering for a position where they can adjust your starting time without having to pay you premium time then you have given up your union protection regarding starting times. If you are the CAPS Lt and you have not volunteered for the position then they must pay you when they adjust your starting time more than two hours.
NEW SURVEY
At the top of the right side column we have placed a new survey for Lieutenants. Please take it and let us know what you want as far as a new work schedule. The city has proposed several different work schedules. In the survey we want you to list in order of preference your choice. The first choice is the current rotating day off group schedule that is the current program. The second choice is work five 8 hour days in a row then two days off (you change your day off group once a month, for instance that means for one month you are off Tuesdays / Wednesday after a month you change to Monday / Tuesday.) The third choice is you work four ten hour days in a row then you are off three days. This may be a fixed day off group like Friday/Saturday/Sunday. The final choice is you work three 12 hour days then are off four days. This may be a fixed day off group like Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday.
Please take your time and read the instructions. We want to get an accurate idea of your interests.
SUCCESSFUL UNIT BIDS
There were 4 Lieutenants who bid for 017. The successful bidder was Lt. Joseph Villarreal (#3 on Lt.s Seniority List) from 013. He will assigned to 017 effective 19 June 2008. There were four bids for the position.
SUCCESSFUL WATCH BIDS
Effective 19 June 2008:
| DIST | 1ST WATCH | 2ND WATCH | 3RD WATCH |
| 001 | Lt. Barbara O’ Sullivan #613 | ||
| 002 | Lt. Edward Richards #240 | Lt. Scott McClain #328 | |
| 004 | Lt. Steve Schwieger #594 | Lt. Dave Kristovic #750 | |
| 005 | Lt. Greg Mitros #503 | ||
| 006 | No Bids | Lt. John Francis #205 | |
| 007 | Lt. George Augustyn #413 | ||
| 009 | Lt. Robert Kero # 506 | ||
| 010 | Lt. Dean Stone #313 | ||
| 011 | Lt. Linda Flores #233 | ||
| 014 | No Bids | ||
| 015 | No Bids | ||
| 022 | Lt. Patrick Good #201 | ||
| 024 | Lt. Allison Schloss #239 |
All current watch bids remain in effect.
Letters from Lieutenants
You may have noticed we have a new section to our website. Click on Letters from Lts. at the top of the page and it will take you to our new section. Our first letter is addressed to Superintendent Weis. This is a good opportunity to bring an issue to view, praise someones performance, or point out a foible. All we ask is that you try to use good judgement in what you say and how you say it. After all we are Lieutenants and must act like it. We reserve the right to reject any letter that we feel is inappropriate. No anonymous letters will be posted.
Voluntary CAPS Lt.s
Recently a notice came out from Headquarters looking to identify those Lietenants who are voluntarily filling the position of CAPS lieutenant. Remeber this, when you are asked to be the CAPS Lt it is no longer voluntary. There is always the threat of reprisal should you say no. If you go to the Department and ask to be the CAPS lieutenant it is then voluntary. If you voluntarily take the position you can have your watch changed or day off group changed daily without premium pay. If the commander comes to you and says "I would really appreciate it if you would volunteer for the CAPS Lt position" it isn't volunteering. If you have any questions please call your CPLA Representative or send him an email.
Headquarters Representative
Brigid Forlenza was promoted to the rank of Captain. As she was our Headquarters Representative this left a vacancy on our board. At the 13 May 2008 Board Meeting and in keeping with the Chicago Police Lieutenants Association by laws Jeff Mappa was nominated by our President for the position and the board unanimously approved the nomination. Jeff will finish out the remainder of the position left vacant. This position as well as the rest of the board will be up for election in November of this year.
For those of you who do not know Jeff, he was promoted to Lieutenant in December 1999. He has been assigned to 017 until recently when he was brought down to Headquarters in unit 112. We all look forward to working with Jeff.
BIDS?
Several people have asked why so few open unit bid positions when there are districts with unit bid vacancies. According to our contract, Article 32 (page 72), the Department has to recognize a vacancy only when there are two or more bid vacancies in a district, when there are new Lieutenants promoted or when they want to. In this case the Department had to recognize the vacancy in 006 (there were two). In addition they decided to also recognize two additional vacancies (021 & 025). They do not have to recognize the others unless the other requirements come into play.
As of today there are 252 Lieutenants. The Department needs 274 to be at full strength. It would be wise for them to promote Lieutenants now and be ready for the hot summer ahead of us. As soon as they do promote the remaining vacant bid positions will be open for bid.
Watch Bids will be open in the 6th period and will be filled for the 7th period.
Contract Update – 29Apr08
We attended a negotiation session on 23Apr08 where the city presented it's counter proposal to our rather substantial offers. The city put forth a poorly drafted nonresponsive proposal. It had a slight (and I mean extremely slight) wage increase, and modification of our uniform allowance, and many sections of "rejected, current language". We thought we had made substantial progress in changing things that were of paramount importance to the city and its new superintendent, in spite of this, the city has ignored all of our issues, those that you thought would greatly affect you and your families. Most of the changes requested by us would not have cost the city any money, they would have in fact saved themselves money down the road. The city is being shortsighted as usual and refuses any attempt by this organization to help them plan for the future. We are meeting on 02May08 with our attorney to discuss whether to, or how to respond to this latest offer. We will meet again with the city on 06May08, but I don't expect a very productive session. We are trying, but now that the city got its concessions from us, they are not willing to hold up their end of the negotiations. We may have to remove some previously agreed upon items from the table to get movement on their part. I will keep you informed.
Steven Regnier
Vice President
Congratulations to the New Captains
Good luck to the 9 new captains. We know you will be great after all you used to be Lieutenants.
Headquarters Representative
Thanks go to Bridgid Forlenza who served as Headquarters Representative until being promoted to Captain. That however opens up her representative position. We are looking for anyone interseted to take the over the reins of the Headquarters Representative. If you are interested in the postition please contact Bob Weisskopf by email at
.
Kid – this job ain’t what it used to be…
When we went through the police academy we all had someone tell us "kid – this job ain’t what it used to be." Well it ain't. No matter when you came on the job it is never the same as it used to be. However, some things do stay the same.
In 1968 after the Democratic Convention the Chicago Police were blasted by the media across the country as thugs and the enemy. The Chicago Police Officers at the convention were ordered there. They did not freely choose to be there like the demonstrators who attended the Battle on Michigan Avenue. The Officers were there doing their duty. Politicians and Officials called for federal indictments. Eight Chicago Police Officers were charged with civil rights violations, forty one officers were disciplined after an internal police investigation. Oh, by the way 119 Police Officers were injured during the convention.
In the last two years there have been a few incidents regarding Chicago Police Officers. Modern electronic and print media have sensationalized these events. Television stations have played over and over the same video clips. Newspapers have rehashed old stories. All this is in an attempt to raise ratings and sell ad space. What better way for someone who wants media coverage right now then to stand on the podium or pulpit and to slam the police, to call for indictments and investigations.
Don't let a little thing like due process stand in the way. To these people seeking media coverage little things like a statute of limitations mean nothing. Pleading guilty to a crime and serving your punishment is no longer protection from further prosecution. It is apparent that the bigger the city and the bigger the organization the more it is susceptible to political correctness and less concern it has for actual justice.
There is an old adage in criminal justice studies that says "Society gets the police it deserves."
Keeping this all in mind, we as Chicago Police Lieutenants have several responsibilities. First we need to ensure that the officers who are in our charge have the knowledge, training and leadership to help them make the proper decisions as they go about the performance of their duties. Give them the tools to help them make it through their off duty lives without jamming themselves up. Let them know that, truly, this job ain’t what it used to be. We need to show them the correct way to do things and we need to set the example for them to follow. We need to take care of our people! Those of us who are fortunate enough to rise further in rank need to remember this.
Second we need to ensure that we make the proper decisions ourselves both in our role as Lieutenant as well as when we are off duty. No longer can you rely on the city or police department to watch your back. You have to watch your own. We all have too much to loose. Society is no longer happy with a mere pound of flesh in retaliation for what it perceives to be a wrong by a police officer. Now they want to ruin that officer’s life completely and are not satisfied until that happens.
The podium and pulpit have not mentioned the fact that, in spite of, the recent media thrashings that Chicago Police have taken, when shots ring out in the neighborhoods and they are ducking for cover behind their podium and pulpit that it is the members of the Chicago Police Department that are racing to their aid. For some reason that poor slob of a police officer who races to the call is protecting the very same people who gave them dirty looks, called them fat and sloppy, called them thugs and enemy.
We had a Lieutenant back in the late 80's that always ended roll call with "run low and zig zag." Well kid - that ain’t changed. It isn't just the bad guys who are taking shots at you today. Be safe.
The Representatives and Executive Board of the Chicago Police Lieutenants Association
17Apr08 Contract Update
The city canceled this weeks meeting which was scheduled for 16Apr08. This coupled with the fact that we have not received any counter proposals from the city, seems to highlight the problem with these negotiations. The city would like to have sweeping concessions, and a quick resolution, and yet they will not put forth anything of substance. We cannot be expected to lead with no cooperation from the other side. The city cancels due to the graduations of recruits, I am sure that this graduation was not a surprise, we had contract meeting scheduled weeks ago. Hopefully next week, 23Apr08, I will keep you informed.
Vice President
Steve Regnier
Corned Beef & Cabbage Dinner
We had a great turn out for annual Corned Beef & Cabbage dinner. This year it was held at the Irish Heritage Center 4626 N. Knox. The food was great, the company was wonderful and we even were entertained by excellent Irish dancers. The pictures from the evening are now in our PICTURES section.
Police Related Shootings
If you are involved in a shooting, on or off duty, you should know that the CPLA will respond as soon as we are notified. Our Board of Directors work and reside throughout the city and have been provided with reference manuals to aid you during the investigation. We will have a union representative there as expeditiously as possible. In addition to a Board Member, a lawyer from our firm will also respond.
To best protect your rights it is important that you follow the department guide lines concerning police involved shootings. Familiarize yourself with these. Remember that you are required to provide the ranking member on the scene (one on one) with a synopsis of what happened. For instance, the following is a valid response to the boss prior to consulting with your union representative and attorney:
"I responded to the suspicious person call. I tried to stop the subject who refused to comply with me after I told him I was the police. He produced a gun. I was in fear for my life and I had no other choice so I shot several times at him and hit him. I shot in a southerly direction and there are no other suspects."
This type of response provides the investigators with the information that there are no other suspects and that if you missed with any shots they went in a direction that can be checked for evidence and/or someone else shot. You provided the required information that you identified yourself, the offender had a deadly weapon, you were in fear of death or great bodily harm and you exhausted the Use of Force Model. A more detailed report will be filed later once you have had a chance to consult with your union representative and your attorney.
Since the new IPRA now responds promptly to any shootings, stand your ground if they intend to query you in more detail. Tell them you wish to consult with the union and your attorney. They are required to abide by the department orders and our contract in providing you with your rights.
You should also know that a "U Number" will be obtained. This documents a referral number to an individual incident where Chicago Police Officers fire their weapons. A Log number will also be obtained and more than likely will be converted to a CR investigation down the line.
Your General Handbook has the 24hr. contact number (312-332-7432) you should call if you are involved in a shooting or are investigating a shooting where a fellow lieutenant is involved. Make this notification as soon as possible so we can get someone to assist you in this traumatic time.
If you respond to a police shooting as a field lieutenant or watch commander remember these same suggestions. You would not be out of line to tell an involved officer that the U Number, Log number and possibly a CR number will be obtained and that he has a right to representation by his union (no matter what rank is involved).
I hope that none of you ever has to use this advice or recommendations. Be Safe.
Robert H. Stasch
Treasurer