Chicago Police Department Weblog

Cops for Kids - Thank You

Thank You, to all of the CPD members, family and friends who made this year’s “Cops for Kids Bowling Tournament” a huge success. A total of 1,100 people participated at 6 different establishments during the two days of bowling. Due to the combined efforts of all participants we were able to raise $85,713 for Big Brothers/Big Sisters. This is an increase of over $17,000 that was raised at last year's event. Once again thanks for all of your hard work and dedication to this worthy cause.

Officer Jim Rybolt

Special Activities Section

VOLUME 8        29 February       2008 NUMBER 1

As the Chicago Police Department moves forward with new leadership, allow me to take this opportunity to thank all of you for a job well done. I am honored to lead what I consider to be the best police department in the country.

The department’s shared goals and accomplishments would not be possible without the daily perseverance and willingness of the more than 13,500 Chicago Police Officers who courageously serve and protect this city everyday. You should all be very proud.

Many changes have occurred over the past month, and as new leadership evolves, new ideas will be embraced. But now, it is up to each of us to move the department forward. We must not lose sight of the principal mission at hand and continue to set even higher goals to reduce crime.

Recently, several departmental changes have made news headlines prior to an internal formal notification process. Please be assured that it is my goal and desire to ensure that, whenever possible, members are notified about changes that may have an impact on their day-to-day operations and responsibilities.

For example, the Deployment Operations Center (DOC) meetings have been temporarily suspended while we take the opportunity to closely examine its effectiveness, structure, and continuity for improved efficiencies in our intelligence sharing and crime fighting strategies.

Also, revisions to General Order 06-01 “Department Organization for Command” will be effective 29 February 2008 moving certain organizational and functional responsibilities within the new Bureau of Professional Standards and the Office of the Superintendent.

I anticipate additional changes in the near future and with your commitment, I am confident that if we continue to be strategic and innovative, we will continue to move the department forward to fulfill our mission in preventing and lowering crime.

It is a privilege to serve as your Superintendent, and nothing could be more important to me than the safety of our communities and the officers who risk their lives everyday.

Keep up the good work, be safe, and stay focused on the mission.

Jody P. Weis

Superintendent of Police

Educational Opportunities

A Lewis University representative will be available at the Education and Training Division on Tuesday, 4 Mar. 08 from 1200-1700 hours. Registration for Summer and Fall classes will start soon so this is the ideal time to apply and begin either your Master or Bachelor Degree. To schedule a meeting or obtain additional information call John Roberts at (815) 836-5342 or via email at jlpss@lewisu.edu.

North Park University of Chicago, is currently offering a Bachelor Degree completion program, for working professionals. Applications are now being accepted for the Spring session which begins 17 Mar. 08. For more information contact Leslie Bertholdt at (773) 244-4577 or by email ibertholdt@northpark.edu. Visit the school website at www.northpark.edu/goal.

Team Work and Game Planning Pay Off

On 17 Feb 08, a family member voluntarily came to the 016th District Station and informed Tactical Team 1661 Officers that his father has been threatening family members and has numerous firearms, including a fully automatic 9mm machine pistol in his Northwest side home. Furthermore, the adult son related his father has a 10-year history of mental illness, is now off his medications, has extensive (military and personal) experience in handling and firing firearms and would possibly become violent if police went to his residence. Based on his information and background check of his 59-year-old father and his residence, a firearm related search warrant was prepared. Based on the father’s mental history, his recent violent threats and firearm knowledge, a “no knock” search warrant was issued. Under the direction of the Tactical Lieutenant beat 1660, Tactical Team 1661 notified the SWAT team to assist in a “high-risk” entry. Following extensive planning, coordination, logistics, which included a reverse 9-1-1 calling to evacuate the residents immediately adjacent the “target” single family residence, and the establishment of inner and outer perimeters, the father, when called by SWAT negotiators, voluntarily and without incident exited his home to the awaiting SWAT Officers. After SWAT secured the home, Tactical Team 1661 Officers recovered 12 firearms. These guns included one (1) machine pistol, six (6) rifles, three (3) shotguns and two (2) handguns. Subsequently, the father was charged with multiply counts of firearm violations.

Thanks for a Job Well Done.  Stay Safe!

Commander Ralph Price

Area #4 Detectives Salute 13th District Officers

Area 4 Detective Division Salutes 13th District Police Officers:

J. Rivera, G. Szeszol, R. Calixto and B. Rosado

On 4 Dec. 07, a robbery occurred in the 13th District with the offender causing serious injuries to the victim. Officers Calixto and Rosado were flagged down at which time they gave chase of the offender and broadcast a flash message. Officers Szeszol and Rivera on aggressive patrol responded to the scene at which time the offender was placed under arrest, the proceeds recovered, and a positive identification was made by the victim. Due to the officers immediate response, excellent investigative skills and dedication to duty, the offender was charged accordingly.

Thanks for a job well done.  Stay Safe!

Meeting Notice

The German American Police Association will hold its monthly meeting on Tuesday, 4 Mar. 08, 2000 hours at the Dank Haus, 4740 N. Western Ave. Refreshments and a buffet meal will be served. All members and interested parties are encouraged to attend.

Good Team Work in 16 & 25

Inter-District (016 & 025) Bank Robbery Arrests

On 16 Feb 08 at 1208 hours, the LaSalle Bank at 4825 N. Austin was robbed by a male and female “crew” which matched the descriptions of the Offenders responsible for multiply bank robberies in Area Five and the suburban Chicago area. At the scene, 2nd watch beat officers and supervisors immediately put out a “flash” message describing the wanted vehicle. In the 025th District near North and Kostner Avenues, 2nd watch 025th District Beat Officers observed a vehicle matching the description which contained a male and female white occupants. The vehicle was stopped, without incident, a large sum of money was observed inside and the two (2) occupants were returned to the Bank for a “show-up.” There, the male offender was positively identified as the person who had just robbed the bank. Further investigation revealed this husband and wife “team” had committed 13 bank robberies within the past month to support a $900.00 dollar a day narcotic habit. Both Offenders were turned over to the F.B.I. Bank Robbery Task Force and were charged with 13 counts of bank robbery. The Officers of the 016th and 025th Districts are to be commended for their professionalism, information sharing and keen observations which resulted in the immediate arrests of two habitual (2) bank robbers and the recovery of the cash proceeds.

Great Work Ladies and Gentlemen.  Stay Safe!

Meeting Notice

The Polish American Police Association will be holding the March General Membership meeting on Tuesday, 4 Mar. 08, at 1900 hours at the FOP Hall, 1412 W. Washington Blvd. A catered St. Josephs Day Table will be provided. Nonperishable food items will be collected for the St. Stanislaus Kostka soup kitchen at this meeting. Refreshments will be available and new members are welcome.

St. Patrick's Day Parade

The Irish American Police Association (Emerald Society) will be marching in the downtown St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday, 15 March 2008. All active members in dress uniform and their families/guests are encouraged to participate. We will meet at the Galleria Marchetti, 825 W. Erie (north of the Ohio St. feeder ramp, between Milwaukee & Halsted St., south of Ogden Ave.) at 1030 hours to board buses provided to transport marchers to our parade marching location. If you are making you own way to the parade, you can go to www.emeraldsocietyofillinois.org for our official parade assembly point. Our buses will transport marchers back to the Galleria Marchetti where a post parade celebration will be held.

Retired Police Officer Robert Heyrman, formerly assigned to Area 6 Youth Division, passed away 25 February 2008. Waked at Smith Corcoran Funeral Home, 6150 N. Cicero Ave., 28 Feb., 1400-2100 hours. St. Jude will meet at 1900 hours. Services St. Mary of the Woods Church, 7000 N. Moselle, 29 Feb., 1200 hours. Interment St. Aldabert Church.