Page 11 - July 2017 Newsletter

First Vice President’s Report
The times have changed
How has policing in Chicago changed in the past 25 years? Probably the most drastic changes have occurred in both technology and public perception. Today, Police Offi- cers have to deal with many more obstacles that hinder them from performing their regular duties.
Cell phones, GPS, car and body cameras, negative public perception and ISRs have basically changed how we police today. What else has changed? Kel-Lights, paper reports, furlough by districts, rotating shifts, duty availability for all officers, watch par- ties, 6-2 work schedules, contact cards and easy elective
time off are all things that have been eliminated. Twenty-five years ago, you could sneak out of your dis- trict after roll call with your partner and grab a few Fat Johnnie’s hot dogs to get the “edge off.” Today, you sit in your car and sign on to your in-car camera, sync your microphone and turn on your body camera. At any time your sector sergeant could check your location while
you’re working.
Whenever Police Officers make a stop today, they must
be cognizant of not only the person(s) they have stopped but also everyone in their immediate vicinity. There is a growing danger to Police Officers, who must not only pro-
tect themselves from the subject they have stopped but also the increasing number of people who attempt to in- tervene in their investigation of this person. Far too many of these people have a negative attitude toward Police Of- ficers.
The negative perception of Police Officers has grown in- creasingly in the past several years. At one time, a Police Officer’s testimony was enough to obtain a conviction. To- day, that is not the case.
My job today deals with the legal defense of Police Offi- cers both active and retired. On a daily basis, the FOP re- ceives phone calls from numerous officers at all different hours. Many calls deal with elective time off, grievances, suspensions and all questions that pertain to our contract.
The ISR has become a report that officers must com- plete thoroughly. It’s much easier to complete one than try to explain why you didn’t do one. Police Officers today must dot their i’s and cross their t’s.
One young officer stated one time to me that there “wasn’t a camera in the area.” The cameras are every- where! It doesn’t matter today what the “bad guy’s” rap sheet looks like; he is given the benefit of the doubt! You cannot assume anything today and must always be wary of each situation. Remember that if you need help or are unsure, please call us for assistance. We are here to help. d
PAT MURRAY
CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ JULY 2017 11