Page 35 - November 2019 FOP

The president’s visit to Chicago took on additional historical significance with his announcement about the new Commis- sion on Law Enforcement and the Administration of Justice. The commission will be tasked with providing concrete recommen- dations to address some of the systemic challenges that burden law enforcement, and provide concrete recommendations for best practices to recruit, hire, train and provide for the health, safety and well-being of officers.
Yoes noted that the FOP will have a seat at this table, too, where he promises discussions will be had about rebuilding trust with the community and fixing the parts of the judicial sys- tem that are allowing repeat offenders back on the street.
If there was any remaining doubt that President Trump is along for the ride with Chicago Police Officers, Graham lent some additional evidence. After they finished their meeting of the minds on the O’Hare tarmac, the president asked if Graham was joining him on Marine One to fly from the airport to Mc- Cormick Place.
While it turned out that there probably wasn’t any room for Graham on the helicopter, he was again smiling when the pres- ident took off. Graham fought the traffic and arrived in time to take a place stage right and hear Trump throw one last jab at the superintendent and fire one last salvo of support.
“Police officers of Chicago are entitled to a police superin- tendent who has their backs and knows what he’s doing,” the president cheered. “You’re entitled to a police superintendent who sides with you, with the people of Chicago — the people want this — and with the families of Chicago, not the criminals and the gang members that are here illegally, and not the stupid politicians who have no idea what the hell they’re doing.”
And then he concluded with a call to action:
“We’re waiting for a call from Chicago,” Trump reminded. “Be- cause there’s no place that we would rather help than Chicago.”
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