It seems a can of worms has been opened up. We're doing this follow up to address some of the comments, clarify some of our positions and make a few points.
First up, either you believe us or you don't. We related the story exactly as it was told to us. We didn't choose to use the word "indicted." That was told to us. We specified in the post that we didn't know the purpose of the proposed change. Neither did our source, but they felt strongly enough about it to bring it to our attention. We trust them. They trust us.
Second, a number of people have been speculating in the comments about the purpose of removing the Department from shooting investigations and eliminating the Round Table process completely. Some are interesting. Some are way out there. Some are beyond unbelievable. Here's the thing - we have certain contract protections, certain processes that have been in place for years. If you want to restructure the methods in place, wouldn't it make sense to have the FOP contribute to the changes? To get the rank and file involved? Maybe, oh we don't know, EXPLAIN what the hell you're trying to accomplish?
Evidently, J-Fed is taking a page from all the bosses and the Administration that doesn't take input or suggestions or pay any attention to contracts and such. They want that adversarial relationship intact and fuck all you little people.
To those people saying it can only help to have people in front of a Grand Jury and get their stories nailed down so when they recant, the State can go after them we ask the following:
First up, either you believe us or you don't. We related the story exactly as it was told to us. We didn't choose to use the word "indicted." That was told to us. We specified in the post that we didn't know the purpose of the proposed change. Neither did our source, but they felt strongly enough about it to bring it to our attention. We trust them. They trust us.
Second, a number of people have been speculating in the comments about the purpose of removing the Department from shooting investigations and eliminating the Round Table process completely. Some are interesting. Some are way out there. Some are beyond unbelievable. Here's the thing - we have certain contract protections, certain processes that have been in place for years. If you want to restructure the methods in place, wouldn't it make sense to have the FOP contribute to the changes? To get the rank and file involved? Maybe, oh we don't know, EXPLAIN what the hell you're trying to accomplish?
Evidently, J-Fed is taking a page from all the bosses and the Administration that doesn't take input or suggestions or pay any attention to contracts and such. They want that adversarial relationship intact and fuck all you little people.
To those people saying it can only help to have people in front of a Grand Jury and get their stories nailed down so when they recant, the State can go after them we ask the following:
- When has the State gone after anyone who lied on a sworn affidavit? We'll give you a hint - it's less than once. Don't expect them to go after anyone who lies in front of a Grand Jury.
- Shooting on a Friday night, Grand Jury doesn't meet until Monday. CPD detectives are required to tell witnesses that they aren't under arrest and can leave at any time. How many people are going to stick around all weekend just so they won't be influenced by friends, relatives and "reverends" looking for the big payout?
- In front of a Grand Jury, who asks the initial questions? Answer - the State. What about the accused? Answer - they aren't present. How are the questions phrased? Answer - in a form that usually requires a single word answer and that answer is usually "yes" so as not to fuck up the indictments. Now let's say that there is a shooting that is the tiniest bit questionable. How are those questions going to be asked in front of the Grand Jury...a Cook County Grand Jury, mind you.
Sorry for not believing the current Department leadership. Sorry for not walking into this crap blindfolded. Sorry for not trusting the political machine to be looking out for our best interests and the best interests of our fellow officers. But trust is earned and so far, nothing verbalized, written or demonstrated by J-Fed and his people has merited even the tiniest iota of trust.
In fact, it's just the opposite.
In fact, it's just the opposite.
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