Still Shrinking
Though Mayor Rahm Emanuel has repeatedly claimed that he’s been making big investments in public safety, the number of Chicago police officers has dropped in the last three months, and the force is now more than 700 officers short of where it was five years ago.
Most recently, during a widely-covered press conference Monday, Emanuel listed police staffing as one of the major accomplishments of his first 100 days, claiming to have moved “nearly 750 additional officers to Chicago’s neighborhoods.”
The mayor's announcement made for smart politics, but the police ranks are actually shrinking. Last October, 11,178 police officers were on the city payroll. By June, shortly after Emanuel took office, that number had dropped to 10,923. As of earlier today, it was down a tad more, to 10,918, according to payroll data.
Labels: department issues
posted by SCC at 12:07 AM
58 Comments:
What does 'on the police payroll' actually mean? Because I don't believe we have that many active sworn on the job. I just don't.
Retirement is GREAT, everyone should try it!!!!!
The layoffs and cuts really will not kick in until AFTER the G8.
So get your finances in order and don't go out on any shopping sprees.
Get your families health care in order while you still have coverage. Get those kids braces, etc...
Hey Mike Dumke:
If you really want a story, do a little more legwork and snooping around to find out the number of officers that were actually budgeted for each of the last 5 fiscal years.
Then, FOIA an itemized budget for each year, and I'm sure you'll see that even though we're "700 officers short of where it was five years ago", we're actually much closer to over 2,300 officers short of budgeted strength at any given time during that 5 year period.
And if you're really bored, crunch the numbers to see that 750 officers back to "the neighborhoods" translates to only ten (10) officers per watch (shift) for each of the twenty-five (25) police districts. Not too shabby - until you factor in days off, vacations, injuries...and the fact that a fair percentage of these officers will never set their ass into a beat car to handle assignments at a district level.
Next, go interview a handful of people in each of those 25 police districts and ask the respondents if they see a noticeable increase in police presence and patrols. I think you'll find that 80% will say "No", while most that are even minutely observant will say they haven't seen this few squad cars on patrol in about a decade.
Those that will say they see an abundance and increase of police will be those interviewed in ghetto and "depressed" areas. Now here's where the real story comes in...
Find the average cumulative taxes paid in all 25 police districts (income, property, sales, etc.) and compare the amounts of police service those in the ghetto and depressed areas receive as opposed to the other non-ghetto, non-depressed areas. "Lopsided" is a gentle descriptor of what your findings will be. In short, the non-contributors are receiving a disproportionate amount of police services, while those footing the bill reap minimal resources.
Crime statisticians will point out the need for more police in specific areas (and rightfully so), but there's a very real correlation between lack of police presence and the increase in crime. Susceptible areas need just as much attention to help keep a lid on things before they blow up.
So there's your assignment, Mr. Dumke. And when you're finished blowing open this story, maybe you can segue into how certain segments of society also reap the lion's share of social services while many of our seniors and military personnel go without basic necessities.
Rahm was on some WTTW program tonight. If you missed it, you should have heard the spinning!
He went on and on about his bringing "new" police officers to the street and when Ponce redirected Rahm that these weren't really "new" officers, they were simply re-purposed, Rahm moved the conversation back to his putting more officers on the street.
He did say, however, that Areas 1 & 2 generate/produce most of the violent crimes and now that they've received this influx of coppers, commanders can no longer claim that they don't have the resources (personnel, anyway) to get the job done.
Ponce didn't press him too hard, especially when asked about the bodyguard details and he went on a five-minute rant about how he wasn't going to be "distracted" by that when he didn't want to have to call another mother about her dead son...(Since when is it the mayor's job to make these calls??)
Rahms quite the actor, too. He almost shed tears during his monologue!
He also succeeded in "distracting" Ponce from pressing him further on the bodyguard question, though in fairness, Ponce was out of time.
He also spun the purpose of the casino. While he admitted saying during the campaign that shoring up the pensions was something he'd "look at", he's now going with not using the money to pay "old bills", but to use it for schools, infrastructure, etc.
He stopped short of blaming Tricky Dick Daley for Chicago's problems, but did make several references to these things being neglected for years.
Remain alert-our pension system is in his cross hairs!
Suntimes article will have people running for retirement.
Well according to the paper the Department is gonna eliminate all vacancies and that will save them about 98 million. Then they are still gonna cut another 100 million. Say good by to uniform allowances and duty avilability. Also in the mix is a max of 15 vacation days. I see how it is fuck the police and and keep building fucking flower pots. Fuck this city, their fucking G8 bullshit and nato
Dets next week I hear. NOT
These fuckers get 9.5 million for unused ( my ass ) vacation days. The police department get all vacant positions eliminated. Fuck this city. They could have hired about 180 cops and paid them for a year. Anyone who busts their ass out there for these fuckers is soft.
OT: Can't believe you haven't blogged about the CTA's scandal involving defective Brown Line platform renovations. Seems right up your alley.
I overheard rumblings in the hallways about a new unit starting up--some higher-ups were grumbling about it.
No other info except that. Anybody else? From what it sounded like, a lot of people know about it, including sgts.
Wish I had more to tell.
And yet, nobody calls the ballerino out on his b.s.
MOST OF THOSE OFFICERS WERE ALREADY ON THE STREETS!!!!
He's FULL OF SHIT!
Get those kids braces, etc...
What coverage do you have? I paid 6 grand for my kids braces!
Just on Ch. 5 news at 0530--Rahm forces CPD to cut $190 million from its budget...McStupe says half the cuts will come from unfilled positions--ballerino says cuts will not come by cutting police.
WTF?? WTF??? WTF???
I know at least 3 people who were going to retire later next year but will now be going before May!
And, I never got a gas mask@!#$
The ballerino hasn't done SHIT in 100 days except open his piehole every chance he gets...and shuffle the deck. Clout still rules, corruption still runs rampant, and mobsters still get contracts with the city. What people don't realize is that there are many city contracts out there now that have been awarded to the other element of organized crime--gangs.
Do some digging reporters--it's not that hard. Yes. City contracts going to gangs. Not many degrees of separation--Helen Keller could see it.
"Still Shrinking" or "City Hall is Full of Shit" !!!
Tiny Dancer 9.5 lies without stammering & stuttering, but he's no better than that fat little rumpled guy he replaced.
WARNING Anyone being detailed to G8 training will be sent to districts 003, 004, 005, 006, 007, after detail.
Where are all the labor unions to protest here like they did in Wisconsin. Chicago is worse to labor than Wisconsin is.
If you were paying attention to this ruthless little hamsters career the past 10 or 15 years, you'd have seen an arrogant, nasty little prick. These democrats fucking lie through their damn teeth and these idiot democrat voters just lap it up. Democrats don't deserve to live in a free country, they're not up to the chores necessary to live and breathe free.
To all of you that said this hamster couldn't be worse than Daley, I hope you are paying attention now, now that it's too late.
Now go be da police.
If I get laid off after the G8 protests, will the city still cover me for the federal civil rights lawsuit I got for fighting with protesters ?
According to todays suntimes looks like more cuts are coming,maybe they will CANCEL all recruit classes? We don't need more police nothing will ever happen. We have the g-8 and nato bullshit coming and dropped off my sister at Midway this morning and noticed something different. What was it? They have reinforced metal gates on the entrance ramps, so i asked a copper working what was this about? The copper stated "In case of emergency we can shut the ramps down," I thought ok then the 9-11 anniversary came to mind just wondering?? Are there things we are not being told??
The Reader has been really rocking stories the past few years. Between writing about smaller situations and following TIF's, guns, the Olympics, etc; they are doing more for Chicago than the other big papers, Chicago Tonight, and mags.
We should all be happy that someone keeps buying the paper when it is ready to go under.
And how many of the 10918 are assigned to one place, but detailed to another?
And how many are Fallen Hero's that no one has taken off the Roll Sheets?
And how many are dogs that shouldn't have been hired in the first place?
Wow, the breaking news article on Finigan sure has the comment section open for a bunch of illiterate police haters to air their grievances. What a joke.
Kids braces? Mine kids were over $5500 each. I was trying to figure a way to make their braces IODs. My suggestion is get all the OT you can now because it's a strong possibility taking time will be the only option soon. But on a positive note- that means they will either have to pay you for those cu credit hours in the end or let you retire early while still paying your pension and health care.
Re-map the districts. Raise the minimum retirement age to 60. Raise the maximum to 67.
Any truth to lock up only serving half sandwiches and rain water because of the budget cuts?
Anonymous said...
Get those kids braces, etc...
What coverage do you have? I paid 6 grand for my kids braces!
8/31/2011 05:34:00 AM
Insurance may not cover the braces but you can put up to $5,000 into your FSA account each year. The good thing is that it lowers your tax rate.
My old partner told me "Retirement isn't everything it's supposed to be - it's better!" I can't wait. I just hope our pensions will still be there when I do pull the pin.
What coverage do you have? I paid 6 grand for my kids braces!
UIC Dental school, $1500-$2500, depending on the treatment.
Uniform allowance will be gone next contract , bfd's and paid holidays will be reduced .
Supervisors will lose their .75 a day comp time and quarterly free overtime checks .
Many sergeants work less than a full tour of duty , that's why McCarthy wants us to swipe in and out . If late you will be docked , that would save millions.
the fop ain't gonna say shit.... I have not heard or seen this sheilds guy since he got elected
Iam sure after the second great chicago fire in may, they will hire some more peeps
Get those kids braces, etc...
What coverage do you have? I paid 6 grand for my kids braces!
hahahahah yeah me too. You get $2000 worth of coverage if you're on a HMO though.
Not true all. The so called insiders may have been told to hit the streets but the bosses still hide them inside while they put them on paper so it appears they are on the streets. Check out the CAPS people, TACT sec.'s etc. etc. They are all still hidden inside. Smoke and mirrors and the public will never know.
Why not state the truth. The department is about 3000 to 4000 Police Officers short.
i work 2 jobs just to survive...while entitlement and freeloaders scam away.what a great city!
Fuck You Rahm....kiss my hairy ass.
Attention Anyone Who Gives A Shit:
The Chicago Police Dept. has about 8000 Police employed. We are dangerously short. Don't believe the numbers these crooked politicians and so-called media outlets give. Protect your family.
I overheard rumblings in the hallways about a new unit starting up--some higher-ups were grumbling about it.
No other info except that. Anybody else? From what it sounded like, a lot of people know about it, including sgts.
Wish I had more to tell.
Rumor, Rumor, Rumor
New city-wide unit.
Ryan to be commander.
based out of homan.
sometime in oct.
will utilize the same bullshit "interview" process that m.s.f. did in order to be able to claim transparency; however, most will be selected by supervisors well in advance of assignment.
nothing to see here, move along.
Get those kids braces, etc...
No kidding, what coverage do you have? I had my teeth cleaned and one cavity fixed and it cost me $450. I have a wife and two kids, wife has 2 cavities and the kids need a basic checkup. After all that I'm looking to pay at a minimum $1500 out of pocket so long as nobody has any additional cavities.
Keep the 55 and out rahmbo,guaranteed by Jan 01 2014 the ranks will dwindle even further,but rahm now you have to be sure to shore up the PROMISED PENSION FUNDS! CALL BARRY HE CAN BRING WHEEL BARROWS OF CASH QUICKLY DON'T BE SCARED "JUST DO IT!"
Who does Mayor Midget plan to have guarding the trenches next May when the G8 maniacs come to town. Maybe we can hire some of those mercenaries Libya used during their war with the rebels. I am sure we can rent some cop uniforms to make it look good. Just provide them with blank ammo and rubber bayonets so they won't hurt the poor little Anarchist.
I feel like the Rahm is just putting up smoking mirrors and everyone is feeding right into it.
The department is down officers a lot more then Rahm is saying. Anyone can fake payroll numbers. All I have to say is every month when I receive my FOP newsletter I see at least 25-50 officer retiring at once and with the city not hiring officers how do we still have about 10,000 offficers
When the G8 is here we will see how safe this city is then
"Anyone who busts their ass out there for these fuckers is soft.
8/31/2011 02:04:00 AM"
Check the arrest indexes for Areas 1& 2. This department is inundated with Softballs & their dummy one bager, reckless conducts, bag of chips retail thefts & selling loose cigarettes.
Anonymous said...
OT: Can't believe you haven't blogged about the CTA's scandal involving defective Brown Line platform renovations. Seems right up your alley.
8/31/2011 02:36:00 AM
The contractor on that was the Vanecko & Daley Rapid Transit Station Renovation and Sheep Fleecing Company.
No fear people. Rahm says he's going to weed wack the budget and still increase the amount of beat cops.
Rahm wouldn't lie would he? Politicians always tell the truth right?
Carry on sheeple.
12:11 Payroll is who they are paying and the pension board also comes up with approx the same amount of po's The pension board knows exactly how many sworn personnel there are because they paying into the pension fund. Alot of po's believe we are 2500 down, but it just isnt true. Read your pension newsletter when it comes out. It gives the number paying into the pension
Something we should really be worried about is who is going to make up for the 3,000 cops paying into the pension. Our pension relys on money coming in every month to keep the fund solvent. We are already underfunded so having less cops is going to hurt.
Anonymous said...
the fop ain't gonna say shit.... I have not heard or seen this sheilds guy since he got elected
8/31/2011 08:41:00 AM
He's been taking acting classes and preparing to be a public speaker!
12:11 Payroll is who they are paying and the pension board also comes up with approx the same amount of po's The pension board knows exactly how many sworn personnel there are because they paying into the pension fund. Alot of po's believe we are 2500 down, but it just isnt true. Read your pension newsletter when it comes out. It gives the number paying into the pension
8/31/2011 03:33:00 PM
--
Okay, but there are a lot of folks paying into the fund but they work at other agencies, with the excuse they are 'law related' jobs; CTA comes to mind, but there are a lot of others.
Also, we have hundreds 'detailed elsewhere - DEA, task forces, etc.
Last year I posted about defaulting on my mortgage and was accused of being a fake and censored by SCC, no problem. I still love this blog.
I was able to reduce my monthly costs by over 2000 by squatting in my home for 31 months by hiring an attorney to fight my foreclosure.
So glad I did.
Rahm couldn't care less about our underfunded pension fund. He considers anyone working a 2nd job or anyone hoping for a decent honest pension to be greedy.
Didn't this fuck have an $18-20 million dollar banking deal handed to him on a silver platter? And he considers us greedy??
Rahm GFY!
Funny, the ex and current mayors both hate us, but they sure like us protecting them!
"Dets next week I hear. NOT"
Yeah, if it ain't dressed in blue driving a car with flashing blue lights and PO-LEECE emblazoned on it's sides, it ain't gonna happen.
All the peripheral services (things that make the patrol officer's jobs easier) are going to be cut to the bone. You may not notice it immediately, but it will be painfully evident in the coming year.
They're already talking about doing away with ERPS' afternoon shift. We'll have to pick up our evidence on 2nd watch only - when all the dogs are picking up their property after they've been released. Midnights has already been eliminated.
I expect longer waits and poorer service citywide.
Anonymous said...
Not true all. The so called insiders may have been told to hit the streets but the bosses still hide them inside while they put them on paper so it appears they are on the streets. Check out the CAPS people, TACT sec.'s etc. etc. They are all still hidden inside. Smoke and mirrors and the public will never know.
8/31/2011 09:05:00 AM
Couldn't be more true. Just because it's on paper doesn't mean it's happening.
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