WE SHARE THE FRUSTRATIONS
(2 Sept 2010)
The Chicago Police Lieutenants Association the bargaining unit for Lieutenants of the Chicago Police Department wish to offer their support to the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 7 in its informational picketing scheduled for Wednesday, September 15, 2010.
The Chicago Police Lieutenants Association is well aware of the low manpower within the Chicago Police Department. We are well aware how dangerous this is for both the members of the Chicago Police Department and for the citizens of the City of Chicago.
Chicago’s strength has long been its work force. The city of big shoulders would never have been built had it not been for its organized labor. The men and woman of all police ranks are part of that work force. We share the frustrations which generate the need for this informational picketing. We share the sincerity of the members of the F.O.P. We also share the common goal of better serving the people and making Chicago a safer place to raise your family.
We encourage all citizens of this great city to respect this exercise in free speech.
Constitutional Rights Petition
(25 Aug 2010)
I am sure you have all heard, a fellow Lieutenant, John Andrews, has had the CPD take action against him for expressing his opinion regarding the actions and conditions in the Chicago Police Department. Most of you probably agree with him in spirit. but whether you agree or not a real problem exists here and that problem is the CPD's attempt to violate John Andrews' constitutional rights to free speech.
One of the basic foundations our country was built on was the right to free speech. The right to speak out and not be persecuted for what you say is something many Americans have fought and died for over the years. Additionally it is the right and perhaps even the duty of a sworn police officer to take action when something arises threatening the safety and security of the city we have all sworn to serve and protect.
With this in mind I ask you to read the attached petition, and if you agree, please sign it and send it the Chicago Police Lieutenants Association. We will collect the signed petitions and then present them to the Department. Retirees are welcome to send in a petition as well
You can get a copy of the petition for your signature here.
You can send your signed petition via department mail to:
Chicago Police Lieutenants Association
Unit 546
Or by US Mail to:
Chicago Police Lieutenants Association
1616 W. Pershing Road
Chicago, IL 60609
Please do this immediately so that we can present the package to the department as soon as possible.
Pre-age 55 Staggered Payout Option
(24 Aug 2010)
The department has agreed to allow a Lieutenant who is under the age of 55 and is retiring the option of receiving his compensatory time payout in a staggered payout plan. The payout would be under the same payout terms as outlined in our contract in the Memorandum of Understanding regarding Retiree Health Care Benefits Section C-2 Non FLSA Compensatory Time. While the retiree will still be responsible for their own health care insurance they will now have the option to spread their cashout of comp time over several years. This may be a substantial tax savings for some of our members. Please remember this is an option and not mandatory.
Our Next General Membership Meeting
(24 Aug 2010)
Our next General Membership Meeting will our Oktoberfest celebration on Wednesday 15 September 2010 at Mirabell's Restaurant located at 3454 W. Addison (Just east of the Kennedy Expressway). The meeting will begin at 6:00 PM with dinner to follow. If you plan on attending you must RSVP at
or call 312-307-3303. We hope to see you there.
Firefighter Christopher Wheatley, CFD
(10 August 2010)
The Chicago Police Lieutenants Associtiation offers our deepest and most sincere condolences to the family, friends, and fellow firefighters of Christopher Wheatley who was killed in the performance of his duties on Monday 9 August 2010. Our prayers will always be with you.
Candlelight Vigil (5 August 2010)
The Annual Candlelight Vigil to honor Chicago Police Department Members who have made the ultimate sacrifice will be held on Tuesday, 14 September 2010 at 1915 hours at Gold Star Families Memorial and Park. This year’s program will open with a dedication of the new monument honoring the living sacrifices of members of the department. We will also honor our fallen officers from the past year whose name will be inscribed on the memorial wall. All department members and their extended families are encouraged to attend this year’s vigil.
During the ceremony, we will read aloud the names of our fallen officers to let the world know that they will never be forgotten. Volunteers are being sought to read the officers names aloud. We will make every effort to accommodate special requests for those who wish to read specific names of fallen officers, with special consideration to family members and department members. To volunteer please contact Commander Frank Gross of the Special Events and Liaison Section via e-mail at
before 01 September 2010. Information should include your name, email address, telephone number and the name of the fallen officer you would like to read.
The Committee for the Annual Candlelight Vigil is seeking volunteer singers for 14 September 2010 at 1915 hours. Singer (or singers) can perform the National Anthem and/or a song befitting of this solemn ceremony. If interested please send an audio recording of your performance to Special Events and Liaison Section-Unit 136, 3510 S. Michigan, Attn: Commander Frank Gross no later than 19 August 2010. Include your name, star, unit of assignment, e-mail address, and phone number with each submission. There is no compensation for this performance. If selected, singers must also audition before the Committee on 26 August 2010 at CPD Headquarters. Extended family and friends of the Chicago Police Department are also encouraged to submit for this event.
PLANNING TO RETIRE THIS YEAR?
(3 August 2010)
To take advantage of the free medical benefits for age 55 to 60 you must file for retirement by submitting your PAR no later than 01 October 2010. That means your PAR form must have been submitted and approved by that date - no later. You must then retire between 01 November 2010 and 31 December 2010. If you fail to do so you will not be eligible to take advantage of the health care benefit until next year. Don't wait till it is too late.
Services for Lt. Sullivan (30 July 2010)
A wake will be held for Lt. Ken Sullivan on Sunday 01 August 2010 from 4:00 to 9:00 PM at Nelson Funeral Home, located at 820 Talcott, Park Ridge, Il. Funeral services will be held on Monday 02 August 2010 at 10:30 AM at St. John Cantius Church, 825 N. Carpenter, Chicago, Il. Internment will follow at All Saints Cemetary in Des Plaines, Ill.
Lt. Ken Sullivan (30 July 2010)
We just learned this morning that Ken Sullivan passed away during the night. Ken had been fighting cancer for the last several years. Ken served as our past President, and before that as Vice President and as many other postitions on the CPLA Board of Directors. Ken was instrumental in negotiating our previous contract. His assistance, guidance and friendship will be sorely missed by both the CPLA and all who knew him. We will post further details as we learn them.
RETRO CHECK UPDATE (28 July 2010)
According to the Department, Officers who have direct deposit will receive their Retro Pay by direct deposit on 06 August 2010. If you do not have direct deposit you will receive a live check on 09 August 2010. Retired members who are eligible for a retro check will be able to pick up their retro check in the lobby of Police Headquarters on 10, 11 & 12 August 2010 (from 0900 to 1400 hrs.). If your check is not picked up it will be mailed, via certified mail, to the last address of record for the retired officer.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE (27 July 2010)
Today Governor Pat Quinn signed SB 3022 – Military Buyback - into law. We are very pleased to announce this major victory for our veteran members. As most of you know this piece of legislation has been part of the PB&PA’s legislative agenda for several years. This new law demonstrates the value of the hard work and diligence of the PB&PA, and our legislative allies. Police officers that have prior military service will now be permitted to purchase up to 2 years of creditable service for pension purposes.
New Gun Registration Information
(26 July 2010)
Many of our members have had questions with the new rules regarding registering your guns. This Gun Registration link will provide you with both the forms and answer a lot of your questions
EXEMPT DUES DEDUCTIONS
(21 July 2010)
Yesterday we were informed by MLAS that the dues were finally being deducted from the Exempt members pay checks but unfortunately it was not being paid to the CPLA or CPCA. As a matter of fact they said that dues had been deducted from the last three checks.
Unfortunately until the CPLA actually receives these dues payments we cannot offer membership benefits and privileges to those exempts who are having the dues deducted. We have instructed our attorneys to file suit for breach of contract in this matter.
Perhaps if the Exempts who think they are paying dues were to put a little pressure on the Finance Division this might get taken care of sooner.
THE SUMMER OF BLOOD (20 July 2010)
An article by Bob Stasch, Treasurer, CPLA
P.O. Michael Bailey #13970 (18 July 2010)
Saddly the members of the Chicago Police Lieutenants Association offer our most sincere condolences and our deepest sympathies to the friends and family of P.O. Michael Bailey who was killed in the line of duty today. At a time when he and his family should have been looking forward to his retirement he is taken from them. Please remember them in your prayers and thoughts.
Unit Bids Open (16 July 2010)
As directed by our contract the Department has opened up Unit Bidding for the two available Unit Bid Spots, 005 and 008. You need to open the vacancy announcement and follow the procedure exactly. Because the Department waited to the end of the period you do not have time to wait on this. Good Luck
P.O. THOR SODERBERG #14767
( 7 July 2010)
All of the members of the Chicago Police Lieutenants Association offer our most sincere condolences and our deepest sympathies to the friends and family of P.O. Thor Soderberg who was killed in the line of duty today. Please know he will always be remembered by all of us who wear a star.
RETRO Pay Update (7 Jul 2010)
The Finance Section has a web page that may help answer many of your questions regarding your retro pay. Click http://167.165.254.163/RETRO_2010.htm for more information.
Planning to Retire this Year?
(3 June 2010)
If you plan to retire this year and take advantage of the age 55 health care benefit you need to start planning early. To take advantage of the benefit you must file for retirement by submitting your PAR no later than 01 October 2010. That means your PAR form must have been submitted and approved by that date - no later. You must also retire between 01 November 2010 and 31 December 2010. If you fail to do so you will not be able to take advantage of the health care benefit. Don't wait till it is too late or you will have to wait a full year.
Retro Checks (2 June 2010)
Retroactive pay checks should be out by August 15th. Should be is the key word here. It is however the Departments target date. If you are a retiree who is expecting a retroactive pay check please contact the CPD Human Resource Division and the CPD Finance Section and make sure they have a good address for you.
Administrative Lieutenant’s Grievance Status (20 May 2010)
Currently, the C.P.L.A. is filing an unprecedented increase of grievances as a result of detailing administrative lieutenants from their assignments to vacant Watch Commander assignments in District Law Enforcement. Vacancies, that only exist as a result of the city’s refusal to promote Captains and Lieutenants to fill these positions, in an effort to save money. This policy has resulted in our ranks depleting to a point where District Law Enforcement is unable to staff Watch Commander positions, in a growing number of districts on a daily basis, and it is only expected to get worse with summer furlough season just getting underway. The Department is currently filling these vacancies with administrative personnel and is refusing premium pay for the necessitated watch and day off changes to provide coverage in these essential positions. This is a monster that the city has created and only the city can resolve by either promoting, or by offering these vacant positions to lieutenants that are either R.D.O. or on furlough as a special employment opportunity. As we are all very much aware of, over the last several years, the lack of supervision has resulted in several high profile cases of police misconduct that has directly stemmed from a lack of supervision, yet the city has elected to pursue this course of action.
As a Union, we have elected to aggressively pursue this matter and are asking that each lieutenant affected by this policy, file a grievance. A separate grievance should be filed for each and every date where a lieutenant has been required to change their day off or watch to comply with this mandated policy. We realize that the Department is currently not returning overtime slips as “denied” and this will require you to check with your timekeeper to determine if the premium pay was approved or not. A statement by the timekeeper relating that they have a policy of not approving or paying the premium pay for the date is enough to file a grievance. Be sure to include the timekeepers name, date, and time that you were informed. After filing your grievance, scan it in and email it to either myself () or to C.P.L.A. President,
and again after your first exempt commander’s response. We are then forwarding it to our attorneys who are demanding arbitration in each of these cases. Unfortunately, the grievance process is a slow process and resolution of this issue could take several months before an arbitrator issues a ruling.
Jack Gibbons
Grievance Committee Chairman
Pension Legislature (10 May 2010)
The spring legislation season is over in Sprinfield. The next session isn't till fall. No new legislation was passed. We dodged a few bullets but unfortunately we were unable to gain anything either. The attached press release sums up what happened in the last week of this session. This release is from the Public Safety Employee Coalition. We are a member of this coalition through the PBPA.
ME-TOO (20 April 2010)
Last Friday the FOP arbitration ruling was announced. Due to the Me-Too clause of our contract we will benefit from several of the primary issues in the ruling. As soon as the City ratifies the arbitrators ruling we will begin to benefit from the following:
Wages
| Effective Date | Increase |
| 7/1/07 | 1% |
| 1/1/08 | 3% |
| 1/1/09 | 2% |
| 1/1/10 | 1% |
| 1/1/11 | 2% |
| 1/1/12 | 1% |
| Total | 10% |
Duty Availability Allowance
| Effective Date | Increase Benefit | PerQuarter (Currently $730.00 / quarter) |
| 1/1/11 | $25 | $755 |
| 1/1/12 | $50 | $805 |
Physical Fitness Incentive
Increase from $250 to $350 effective upon ratification.
Life Insurance
Increase from $25,000 to $75,000
Quarterly Differential
The quarterly differential shall be increased by the same percentage increase as the base salary.
Retro Pay
We will receive a check for all retro pay probably within 120 days of ratification.
Flower Fund Challenge Coins
The CPLA sends flowers whenever there is a death of a member either retired or active or in the event an immediate member of their family passes away. This can easily run over $3000 per year. If you would like to make a $10 donation to our flower fund please contact a member of the CPLA Board. For your $10 donation you will receive a limited edition Chicago Police Lieutenants Association (year 2010) Challenge Coin. Only three hundred coins have been minted. No more will be made for 2010.
The History of Challenge Coins and a photo of our coin can be found at this link.
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
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