President’s Post

For many years, the “Rapsheet” had a section called “Chief’s Follies”. In this section, our former president would point out the many ridiculous, ludicrous, and outlandish policies and decisions chiefs would rain down on their subordinates. In an effort to be more positive, informative, and provide more educational content, the “Chief’s Follies” was retired. However, occasionally we run into a chief who makes us think we should resurrect this column. These acts of ludicrously serve as why MAP legal defense is critical.

One such chief, from a southwest suburb, would have been the poster child for Chief’s Follies. In good conscience, I feel compelled to give you a synopsis of why. But first, here is some background on why this chief’s actions are so egregious. In this era, when we have stressed the need for departments to be mindful concerning issues of recruitment, retention, and respect; this chief has gone out of his way to destroy any sense that management truly cares about their employees and their retention.

Here, two officers became the subject of an internal investigation and were accused of remaining stationary for extended periods of time while on patrol. Further, it was alleged the two officers were parked next to each other during these times. Unlike upper management sitting in each other’s offices for extended periods of time (who

I am sure are discussing police related topics and strategies). Nevertheless, the chief initiated an internal investigation and suspended the two officers for 30 and 20 days respectively. The alleged behavior was so horrendous, it took place in November 2020, January 2021, and February 2021, but the officers didn’t receive their suspensions until January of 2022. What were the officers doing during this time?

They worked in their full capacity as police officers without any restrictions and both worked as officers in charge.

Upon being notified of the officers’ potential terminations, MAP immediately assigned MAP attorney Raymond Garza who filed for arbitration on the officers’ behalf.

Management, on the other hand, employed 2 law firms and at least 4 attorneys. In addition, management presented over 3,000 pages of documents and exhibits over 3 days of hearings. After the close of testimony, the arbitrator issued his ruling: the chief did not meet his burden to justify the 30- and 20-day suspensions and reduced their punishment to written reprimands. He ordered the officer reinstated with commensurate back pay and benefits (unfortunately, one officer resigned to take a position with another department during this circus, I can’t say I blame them!)

At the conclusion of the arbitration, MAP filed a FOIA seeking the cost to taxpayers for this ridiculous boondoggle. Verified by

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY the documents received pursuant to FOIA, the village spent in excess $200,000 dollars. Yep, that is not a typo, two hundred thousand dollars-plus the arbitrator’s fees of $9,600. In addition, the officers’ settlement exceeded $26,000 as part of the make-whole remedy. My fuzzy math puts the chief’s overzealous pursuit of these officers in the neighborhood of $235,000. That my friends is truly amazing!!

Special thanks to MAP Attorney Raymond Garza for his masterful handling of the entire matter. His preparation, presentation, and execution of their defense lead to the exoneration of the officers

Several years ago, I was at a retirement party speaking to a couple of retired chiefs. During the conversation, “Chief’s Follies” came up. One of the chiefs confessed to me, his greatest accomplishment as a chief was he never made “Chief’s Follies!” So maybe we should consider bringing them back, for the chiefs who don’t get it and think they are untouchable? Maybe? Only time will tell.

WELCOME!

On a positive note, I would like to personally welcome our new Chaplain Pastor Tammy Roach. Pastor Tammy truly brings a unique perspective and experience to this position. I am looking forward to the insight she brings to our team.

If you are involved in a critical incident or need to contact MAP for any emergency, call 630-905-0663.