Page 36 - FOP September 2016

ON THE Beat
A Q&A with...
Lodge 7 Trustee Jay Ryan
Chicago Lodge 7 is built on members like Jay Ryan. A 20-year veteran come this November of the Department, he has been in patrol for all but three of those years, and those were spent as an instructor at The Academy. When Ryan, 48, moved to the 16th District eight years ago, he became a tactical unit representative, then became the unit rep, then ascended to the FOP Board as the trustee
Of all the jobs on all the shifts in all the districts, which one is the best?
Well, they all have had their good points and bad points, good days and bad days. I did take promotional exams earlier in my career, but I think the entry level position is probably my destiny. Patrol is the foundation of the city. We’re out there every day, 24-7. I worked all di erent shifts. You get out of it what you put into it. Whatever works best for you and your family.
What made you want to be a police o cer?
I come from a family of police o cers. I have
two older brothers who were on the job.
I was very small when they were already looking into a law enforcement career, so I’ve been around policemen all my life. My older brother, Randy Sr. (deceased), has a son Randy, Jr. who is currently a detective in the Department. And my other brother, Ron, has been retired for several years.
What do you like most about being a police o cer?
The variety. Every day is di erent. There is no routine. Helping people is what everybody comes on the job to do. We do more of trying to just keep up. And getting home safe. That’s the main objective at this point.
Do you feel like it’s easier to get home safe working in 16 than in other districts?
We don’t see the type of calls as other o cers do throughout the city. We have a high volume, but not the same kind of calls. They do an outstanding job in those districts where there is more violence. If they didn’t do what they currently do where they are at, I couldn’t do what I do where I’m at. I’m thankful for the job they do where they work every day.
What made you want to run for FOP Trustee?
I felt there was a need for a changing of the guard and that I could bring a fresh perspective, so I just threw my hat in the ring. I was very surprised I was elected, and very elated.
in 2014. Ryan has since been serving as chairman of the vital Uniform and Equipment Committee, which is working with the Department on the de- ployment of body cameras. He shared the latest information on that subject, a number of others and answered other questions about how he has put the trust in trustee.
What kind of change?
We’re trying to get the message out there that we’re here for them and not the other way around.
So what’s new with body cameras?
Right now, there are six districts up and run- ning. I do not have the schedule for who is going to get them in 2017. There has been a mixed response; some people like them and some people don’t.
What conversation has the Uniform and Equipment Committee had with the Department about a body camera policy?
President Angelo, myself and one of our attorneys sat down with the Department prior to the pilot program the Depart- ment ran for a year in the 14th District. We were presented the order, or a draft of an order, regarding body cameras. They were looking for our input with regard to how they would be implemented and concerned about disciplinary action for what might be construed as misappropriate use or failure to turn on the camera.
What have we learned about the usage?
The ones we’re using don’t record all the time, as we saw from recent events. That’s been a myth since the pilot program. That’s been put to bed since we’ve seen the video from the most recent incident in the 4th District. Everybody saw the footage, and I think they understand the capabilities and the limitations now.
Do you think body cameras will be good for mem- bers?
President Angelo and I have discussed it, and we think it will be a positive thing. Not only will it document what the o cer did but also what the o cer had seen prior to the incident. It captures both sides of the story instead of just one, and being condemned in the media for just one side of the story. d
36 CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ SEPTEMBER 2016