Chicago’s Mayor Lightfoot really showed off her oppressive side this time. She sent out a memo to the police saying that if they don’t get the jab and decide to retire instead, their retirement benefits could be at risk. The Police Union told officers exactly what to say.
The Memo:
“TO BE READ AT ALL ROLL CALLS FOR SEVEN (7) CONSECUTIVE DAYS. This AMC message informs Department members of the consequences of disobeying a direct order to comply with the City of Chicago’s Vaccination Policy issued 8 October 2021 and being the subject of the resulting disciplinary investigation. A Department member, civilian or sworn, who disobeys a direct order by a supervisor to comply with the City of Chicago’s Vaccination Policy issued 8 October 2021 will become the subject of a disciplinary investigation that could result in a penalty up to and including separation from the Chicago Police Department. Furthermore, sworn members who retire while under a disciplinary investigation may be denied retirement credentials…”
NEW tonight: warning disciplinary action for CPD not vaxxed #Chicago pic.twitter.com/VHeyVzvx9e
— Mary Ann Ahern (@MaryAnnAhernNBC) October 18, 2021
“The FOP (Fraternal Order of Police), in response, sent a document to its members that provides language officers can use should they be asked to go to Internal Affairs and given a direct order to report their vaccination status through the city portal, according to multiple law enforcement sources.
“Complying with this INVALID order and the violation of MY Bargaining, Constitutional and Civil Rights has furthermore caused me severe anxiety while challenging both my religious and moral beliefs. I am in fact complying with this because I am being forced to do so under complete duress and threats of termination,” the document reads.
The union told members who receive a direct order from a supervisor to have that supervisor add their name to the FOP-provided document and advised members to keep a copy for themselves and send another to the union. According to a law enforcement source, the union also is urging members to turn on their body cameras and record the encounters, a call Catanzara has made before.”
They are likely going to get a lawsuit ready to fight back.
This is beyond oppressive. If someone has put in enough time to retire, they should have the right to without the risk of losing their benefits. Police Officers put their lives on the line every day, and Lightfoot here is just crapping on these heroes.