Chicago, IL-Okay, I have had my differences with the Windy City’s administration over fraud, waste and blatant corruption. I think we all understand the function of police in America. They are the first responders responsible for suppression of violent crime and the apprehension of persons accused of crime.
We also know and understand that criminals are presumed to be armed and that’s why we spend billions to train and arm police.
In Chicago there exists an actual police agency with properly screened, trained and sworn officers that patrol Chicago’s two major airports. It’s the men and women of the Chicago Aviation Police Department.
This police department’s law enforcement for some unexplainable reason their duties are limited to observing and reporting all crime incidents to The Chicago Police Department.
The duties of this outfit would be more logically delegated to the untrained, uneducated, unarmed and minimally screened people from the ranks of the hard corps unemployed. The pay rate for observe and report guards is at minimum wage level.
Under state law, the Chicago Aviation Police must undergo all standard police academy training including qualification with firearms. This department owns no firearms and they forbid their officers from carrying them! Yes, that is at airports, that are at the highest level of potential terrorist targets!
Since the officers are sworn they are allowed to carry firearms while off duty and away from the places they are sworn to protect. They can carry guns anywhere but where they’re needed most, at the airports!
The most amazing part of this insanity is that the airport officers must call the police if police services are needed. Why must taxpayers foot the bill for both departments?
The simplest answer is to mandate that the aviation officers carry the firearms they’ve been trained to actually handle and to prepare them for the protection of the public and incredibly expensive property.
Isn’t this really just part of Mayor Daley’s gun control folly? We need to ask how taxpayers are being served by maintaining a police agency that won’t and can’t protect them. Is the insane intent of Chicago’s politicians to simply provide terrorists with a larger pool hostages and victims?
It’s only a matter of time before the first officer an armed terrorist will see will be a Chicago Aviation cop. How many must needlessly die as a result?
Comments
I wouldnt say that.I went thru the academy with DOA guys and they were all political hacks.They were "passed" and got their little irish welfare jobs.I wouldnt let them carry guns either.
So to give even more already deserved credibility to your post, tell us about your personal experiences while you were there.
Many cops in America carry UNLOADED AR-15 rifles as well.
Then again, maybe they forbid them firearms because they might try the hot dogs with the blue, yes blue, pickle relish and would consequently be tempted to gun down the vendors.
It is stupid to send them to the police academy, certify them in all the laws and other requirements of Illinois, then leave them toothless.
I am sorry, I don't like to put down other departments, but they are just like TSA........... Hired with guns.......... Makes me sick....................
They hate the regular police, but want to be the "real police" but refuse to go through all of us went through.
Dont' bet me started Paul. It will get ugly.
Gives you a hug.
ITS REALLY FUNNY HOW YOU GUYS SAY DOA POLICE ARE NOTHING BUT SECURITY GURADS, BUT EVERY TIME THE NEWS REFERED TO THE CHICAGO POLICE OFFICER THAT CAUGHT THE INMATE HE WAS CALLED A SECURITY GUARD
July 14, 2009 11:32 PM
Thats because he was a security officer.The CPD detail to Mayor Daleys home in Michigan has no police powers.They can carry their firearms due to HR218,thanks to the NRA.
So in reality they are private security.
I've been bitching about this for years. I'm CPD and my wife is DOA Police. NO CLOUT. At O'Hare they have them making traffic stops on city streets around the airport unarmed. Do people realize the DOA Police are stationed at the gates with immediate access to the airfields. A terrorists dream. But it has been brought to the Mayor's attention after 9/11. What did King Richard reply, we don't need more people with guns. Years ago Channel 7 news also did a story regarding this, but still it stays the same. I have wriiten every news agency trying to get them to do a story about this and the fact that it is a tragedy waiting to occur. But nobody cares. The one thing you didn't mention, is even though they are unarmed, they have to follow the State mandate and pass a yearly weapon qualification. How ironic. Years ago it was a clout job, but now the clout positions are just the high ranking bosses. I thought Maurer would do something when he became their boss, but still the same old song and dance. Except Maurer has them doing even more police duties while unarmed. Until one of the DOA officers is shot or killed, I can't see our Mayor doing anything different. Truth is if they did arm DOA, we could free up some of the CPD officer's who are badly needed on the street. Maybe you can make some noise. I've tried to no avail. It's Chicago politics at it most ludicrous point.
Arming them will do little to stop determined and trained for real bad guys.Just because you went thru a police academy do not think you are trained.
If they want REAL airport security then get real about it and stop doing the Crook County shuffle.
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Not "trying to bad talk CPD." The agency you wre not trying to bad talk is DOA. You did not say one negative thing about them. So I guess you are right-you are not trying to bad talk CPD, it just comes natural. I am one who feels they should be armed but they knew they would not be when they took the job. I had an encounter with a DOA employee where we needed to go on the runway for something. This guy just let us in without asking for ID. We could of been anyone with any intention and we were given permission to go on the secure runway. Yes, yes, I KNOW-Chicago Police make mistakes also. It just sounds to me that if they want to be armed officers, they knew they would not be. If they still want to be DOA, then they need to fight to be armed but not on a blog. If they really feel the system is wrong they should get an attorney of go to their union as I am sure many have. Maybe just start with changing this little city ordinance:
The duties and powers of a special police officer are laid out in the Special Policeman and Security Guards Ordinance of the City of Chicago. ("SPSGO") sec. 4-340 Chicago City Code (1993)
I don't know what bothered me more about your post, all CAPS or the word THERE instead of THEIR.
Anonymous said...
I'M NOT TRYING TO BAD TALK CPD.
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Not "trying to bad talk CPD." The agency you wre not trying to bad talk is DOA. You did not say one negative thing about them. So I guess you are right-you are not trying to bad talk CPD, it just comes natural. I am one who feels they should be armed but they knew they would not be when they took the job. I had an encounter with a DOA employee where we needed to go on the runway for something. This guy just let us in without asking for ID. We could of been anyone with any intention and we were given permission to go on the secure runway. Yes, yes, I KNOW-Chicago Police make mistakes also. It just sounds to me that if they want to be armed officers, they knew they would not be. If they still want to be DOA, then they need to fight to be armed but not on a blog. If they really feel the system is wrong they should get an attorney of go to their union as I am sure many have. Maybe just start with changing this little city ordinance:
The duties and powers of a special police officer are laid out in the Special Policeman and Security Guards Ordinance of the City of Chicago. ("SPSGO") sec. 4-340 Chicago City Code (1993)
I don't know what bothered me more about your post, all CAPS or the word THERE instead of THEIR.
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Did the Mayor or Commisioner Maurer write this?