Page 10 - November 2021

My reports given at monthly general members’ meetings include examples of arbitrators’ deci- sions issued at binding summary opinion arbitra- tion hearings. Over the past few months, it has be- come a popular suggestion by members to provide a few examples of these binding decisions as part of this newsletter.
Granted, each investigation has its own indi- vidual circumstances, and in most cases, there are multiple allegations as well as redundant alleged
“rule violations” piled on by the investigator(s). However, be- low are examples of dispositions that have been awarded by the binding summary arbitrator. The following discipline brief only provides a generalization of the allegations that were sustained.
Temporary restraining orders
One paragraph from the judge’s six-page TRO issued Nov. 1, 2021:
Narrowly Tailored Remedy. In weighing the traditional equi- table factors and balancing the equities, I am persuaded that the police unions have demonstrated a need for temporary injunc- tive relief as to the December 31, 2021 vaccination requirement. Mindful that judicial intervention in labor disputes is disfavored, my intention is to enter the narrowest possible order to preserve the unions’ right to a meaningful arbitration. The balance of the City’s vaccination policy remains fully in effect, including the re- porting and testing obligations.
Stripped versus no-pay
Most know the meanings and the differences of being on “stripped” versus “no-pay” status. But while the Department exempt ranks enthusiastically issued direct orders to officers over the past few weeks (regarding the vaccine portal), it be- came more clear there was still confusion about the two terms.
Being in a stripped status means one does not have police powers or the ability to possess a star and weapon, but contin- ues to work and receive regular pay, maintains seniority and medical benefits and contributes into the pension.
Being in a no-pay status means one is not only stripped, but does not report to work, does not get paid, plus medical insur- ance runs out and pension contributions are not made.
Length of stay
When was the last time you heard the mainstream media re- port the real number of criminally charged violent offenders on a program called “electronic monitoring”? The general public is led to believe that this electronic monitoring is strictly enforced; however, from our sources, the sheer numbers make it impossi- ble to monitor, let alone enforce.
A review of the Cook County Sheriff’s website “length of stay” documents reveals two forms of data. The first — and regular- ly updated — document indicates the total number of detain- ees in the Cook County system with the majority of charges of murder/intent to kill, predatory sexual assault, armed habitual criminal and home invasion. As of the date of this article, the 84-page document includes 5,382 detainees.
The second document is more concerning, with the to- tal number of criminally charged offenders who are out on electronic monitoring: approximately 2,666 offenders, most charged with violent crimes that include murder/intent to kill, predatory sexual assault, aggravated battery to a police officer, armed robbery, armed violence, armed habitual criminal, home invasion, aggravated unlawful use of a weapon and a relatively small number of burglary and narcotics offenses.
Just these public documents alone have approximately 8,048 violent offenders. This does not include all of the other offend- ers who never get identified, caught or charged. Cook County has a reported population of 5.15 million residents. That means 1 of every 640 Cook County residents is on the “length of stay” documents. Let that sink in.
Happy Veteran’s Day
Lastly, I’d like to say Happy Veteran’s Day to all who served our nation and Semper Fidelis to my fellow Devil Dogs.
SecondVice President’s Report
Discipline briefs
DAN GORMAN
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10 CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ NOVEMBER 2021