Chicago Police Sergeants' Association
Alerts & Bulletins
Lt’s Promotion Exam: UPDATE 03 July 2008
Our attorneys have completed the formal complaint addressing the numerous issues surrounding the exam and examination process. We anticipate filing the lawsuit in Federal Court within the next couple of weeks.
John Pallohusky
President
Chicago Police Sergeants’ Association
Lt’s Promotion Exam: 11 May 2008
Our attorneys have drafted a complaint addressing the numerous issues surrounding the exam and examination process. It is our intention to have this finalized within the next several days and file our lawsuit in Federal Court.
John Pallohusky
President
Chicago Police Sergeants’ Association
08 Feb 08
Intra-District Bids
Per Article 32 B-1 of the Contract the following vacancies will be posted for Intra-District Bids on 08 Feb 08 (Friday). Expiration is 96hrs from the posting of the bids.
| District | 1st Watch | 2nd Watch | 3rd Watch |
| 001 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| 002 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 003 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| 004 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 005 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| 006 | 3 | 1 | 1 |
| 007 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| 009 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 010 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 016 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 018 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 023 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 025 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
Lt’s Promotion Exam: UPDATE 02 February 2008
Several of our members who participated in the 2006/2007 Lt’s Promotional Examination have inquired into the current status of the ongoing challenge in addressing the issues surrounding this unfair and bias testing process.
The C.P.S.A., through our attorneys continues to challenge this examination and have recently (Jan 08) forwarded additional information to Ms Noelle Brennan, the Federal Court Appointed Monitor. As of this date we are still awaiting a response from Ms Brennan. In addition, our attorneys are reviewing if there are sufficient grounds to address our case in Federal Court.
Some of the concerns and allegations that have been brought to the attention of the C.P.S.A. include the following;
- At least 51 participants still have not been notified or identified that they either did not have or only had a partial score prior to administering the “re-do” test.
- How much of the final test score and placement was based on the “re-do” portion of the examination.
- “Subject Matter Experts” held small private study groups prior to the administration of the “re-do” portion of the oral examination.
- Several test participants that participated in the “re-do” are assigned to positions that gave them an unfair advantage to exempt command staff and subject matter experts.
- During various stages of the testing process some participants were allowed to take the examination off-site and unauthorized ranking members of the C.P.D. were present during this process.
- Merit promotion process is by “invitation only” and not all participants have the opportunity to be considered.
- At least one participant was on the recent promotion list that had an incomplete test score.
- Participants with “connections” had inside information and/or were promoted.
- Technical and administrative problems that were experienced during the “re-do” test still have not been addressed.
These are only some of the issues surrounding this blatantly unfair testing and promotional process that our continuing challenge is based on.
John Pallohusky
President
Chicago Police Sergeants’ Association
2008 Calendar / General Handbook
22 Dec 2007
The 2008 Calendar / General Handbooks, along with two vehicle decals have been sent out via Department mail. All active members should receive them at their Districts / Units within the next few days. If you are detailed or temporally assigned to a different District or Unit, please verify that your packet is not at your permanent District or Unit of assignment before contacting the CPSA Office for a replacement.
Please respect and watch out for your fellow sergeants who may be on furlough, IOD, medical or just taking some well deserved time off during the holidays to be with their families and secure their packets for them.
I would like to thank our Vice-President and Chairman of the Membership Committee, Robert Kirchner and our Southside Retiree Representative, Don Januszyk for all their work in compiling and getting out the 2008 Calendar / Handbook.
Sincerely,
John Pallohusky
President – C.P.S.A.
Lt’s Promotion Exam: UPDATE 23 October 07
The results of the controversial 2006 Lieutenants Promotional Exam have been mailed out via the U.S. Mail by Ernst & Young. It is anticipated that all participants should receive their results within the next few days.
John Pallohusky
President
Chicago Police Sergeants’ Association
Lt’s Promotion Exam: UPDATE 12 October 07
Once again, the City of Chicago and the Department have further complicated the lieutenant’s exam promotional process. On Friday, 5 October 2007 the Department announced that it would begin the process for merit nominations for the position of lieutenant from the 2002 eligibility list. On Thursday, 11 October 2007 this announcement was rescinded pending the issuance of the test results from the 2006 Lieutenant’s Examination Test.
The unfortunate aspect of this current situation is that it serves to further divide and demoralize our members who are affected by their placement on the 2002 promotional list, as well as our members who are awaiting the results of the 2006 examination. The Chicago Police Sergeants’ Association, along with our attorneys have continually argued the fairness issues of certain portions of the 2006 examination process. During the recent months we have continually demanded that the City either release the test results or provide an explanation as to the reasons for the delay. It is now anticipated that the 2006 test results will be issued in the near future.
It has been and remains the position of the Chicago Police Sergeants’ Association to encourage the Department and City to maintain full staffing of these positions in order to provide the best possible service to the citizens that our members serve on a 24/7 basis.
John Pallohusky
President
Chicago Police Sergeants’ Association
PENSION FUND UPDATE: 26 September 2007
Recently, the Chicago Sun-Times has run a series of articles concerning pension funds that cover City of Chicago employees. The City of Chicago Policemen’s Annuity and Benefit Fund is one of the pension funds identified as awarding 15 million dollars to DV Urban Realty Partners.
At the April 25, 2006 Investment Committee Meeting of the City of Chicago Policemen’s Annuity and Benefit Fund, the first order of business on the agenda was to consider committing 15 million dollars to DV Urban Realty Partners. After a presentation to the Board and discussion concerning this investment a motion was made and seconded to commit 15 million dollars of the Policemen’s Annuity and Benefit Funds monies to DV Urban Realty Partners. The Motion passed 7 to 1.
The one dissenting vote was cast by Board Trustee, Sgt. Michael Lazzaro. Trustee Lazzaro is the elected representative for sergeants on the Executive Board of the Policemen’s Annuity and Benefit Fund. Trustee Michael Lazzaro is also a member of the Board of Directors for the Chicago Police Sergeants’ Association. Trustee Michael Lazzaro based his decision in part to vote against this investment citing the fact that DV Urban Realty Partners did not have an established track record and history for this type of investment. Further, Sgt. Michael Lazzaro did not believe this type of real estate investment with DV Urban Realty Partners warranted the risk verses the projected return.
Lt’s Promotion Exam: UPDATE 20 September 07
One year ago on 16 September 2006 the first part (written qualifying portion) of the Lt’s exam was administered. This upcoming 23 September 07 will mark three months since the Re-Test was conducted. As of this date the City has not issued any results or provided any information as to the status of the examination despite our inquiries. Through our attorneys we have brought this to the attention of the Federal Court appointed overseer. In addition, I have recently spoken with some Aldermen and requested that they make an inquiry into the status of this examination. We intend to stay focused on this situation and demand that the City, either issue the results or at the very least provide factual information as to the reason for the delay and the status of the examination.
This so-called testing process is not only an insult to our members that have put forth the effort in preparing for this examination, but further serves to demoralize our sergeants who serve as the first line of supervision for the Department.
John Pallohusky
President
Chicago Police Sergeants’ Association
Lt’s Promotion Exam: UPDATE 28 August 07
After the re-test was conducted on 23 June 07 several of our members contacted us regarding technical, administrative and procedural problems experienced during the testing process. Judging by information provided to us from our affected members it appears that the Re-Do Test did not come off much better than the original test.
In addition to the procedure the City used during the re-test to document any problems or concerns, we also requested that any of our affected members follow the same procedure that we utilized after the original test. This information was channeled through the Police Department – Personnel Unit, who in turn forwarded it to the City of Chicago Human Resource Division. Our attorneys also provided this information to the Federal Court appointed monitor.
It seems unimaginable that the City of Chicago and Ernst & Young would use the same video and audio equipment that malfunctioned during the original test, only to have some of the equipment once again malfunction.
As of this date neither the City nor Ernst & Young has responded to our inquiries or addressed the issues that have been documented. Our attorneys remain vigilant and will address any options that become available to us.
John Pallohusky
President
Chicago Police Sergeants’ Association
Lt’s Promotion Exam: UPDATE 26 June 07
We are, along with our attorneys still evaluating what options are available to us to address several unresolved issues. Prior to the re-test on 23 June 07 our attorneys did inform the Court Appointed Federal Overseer of our concerns regarding this examination process.
We have been informed that 415 applicants participated in the re-test conducted on Saturday 23 June 2007.
Several of our members who participated in the re-test conducted on Saturday 23 June 2007 have expressed concerns about equipment malfunctions, technical problems and procedural problems while taking the test.
Any sergeant who believes they have an issue that needs to be addressed is encouraged to once again, do the following:Prepare a DETAILED To / From Report stating what the problem was. Vague or general issues cannot be evaluated properly.
- Forward TWO (2) copies to:
Lt. Lyle Myers
Personnel Division – Unit 123 - Once received, Lt. Myers will forward one copy to the Human Resource Division. The second copy will be date and time stamped and returned to the initiating sergeant for their record.
- PLEASE do not delay in submitting your To / From Report.
- In addition, please forward a copy to the C.P.S.A.
Fax:
773-376-7344
Email:
Inter-Dept Mail:
Unit 545
U.S. Mail:
1616 W. Pershing Rd.
Chicago, Il 60609
Sincerely,
John Pallohusky
President
Chicago Police Sergeants’ Association
Lt’s Promotion Exam: UPDATE 22 June 07; 1215hrs.
The Illinois Appellate Court has DECLINED our appeal to issue an injunction against the City enjoining the City from administering the retest of the oral assessment portion of the promotional examination scheduled for 23 June 2007.
THE RE-TEST WILL PROCEED AS SCHEDULED ON SATURDAY 23 JUNE 2007.
Sincerely,
John Pallohusky
President
Chicago Police Sergeants’ Association
Lt’s Promotion Exam: UPDATE 21 June 07; 1830hrs.
Our Attorneys have presented our case to the Illinois Appellate Court. We have requested that the Appellate Court issue an injunction against the City enjoining the City from administering the retest of the oral assessment portion of the promotional examination scheduled for 23 June 2007. We are awaiting the decision.
As soon as the Court rules we will post the decision.
Sincerely,
John Pallohusky
President
Chicago Police Sergeants’ Association
Lt’s Promotion Exam: UPDATE 19 June 07
On Tuesday 19 June 07 our case was before the Honorable Judge Bernetta D. Bush in Cook County Circuit Court – Chancery Division. Case NO. 07-CH-13182.
Judge Bush ruled in favor of the City. Judge Bush refused to allow our attorneys to conduct a preliminary hearing and produce evidence to support our case. The Judge basically ruled that the City could do whatever they want when it comes to the promotional and examination process.
At the time of the hearing we presented to the Court 347 Affidavits signed by our affected members.
In court the City’s Attorneys stated the following:
- 51 of the original tests had technical problems.
- None of the tests had been scored.
- The City’s Attorneys stated this is a fair process. Additionally, there is the 30% meritorious process available to every eligible candidate.
Our Attorneys are in the process of requesting an emergency hearing in the Illinois Appellate Court Division. The purpose of this is to block the scheduled re-test on 23 June 2007.
Once again, I would urge all of our members to contact their respective elected officials and express their concerns regarding the promotional and examination process. This is the only way to effect change.
I want to thank all of our members who were able to attend today’s hearing in support of our case.
Sincerely,
John Pallohusky
President
Chicago Police Sergeants’ Association
Lt’s Promotion Exam: UPDATE 14 June 07
The Honorable Judge Bernetta D. Bush has set the following date to hear our case.
| Presiding Judge: | Bernetta D. Bush |
| Case NO. | 07-CH-13182 |
| Court Room: | Richard J. Daley Center – Rm 2008 |
| Date: | Tuesday 19 June 2007 |
| Time: | 10:00 a.m. |
So far we have received approximately 300 affidavits. I encouraged all of our affected members who are available, to attend this hearing.
Sincerely,
John Pallohusky
President
Chicago Police Sergeants’ Association
Lt’s Promotion Exam: UPDATE 10 June 07
There is apparently a rumor circulating that our lawsuit was dismissed in court last Monday 04 June 07. THIS IS NOT TRUE. In fact, last week our attorneys amended our original complaint. Our case is still pending in the Cook County Circuit Court – Chancery Division before the Honorable Judge Bernetta D. Bush.
We are making Affidavits available to anyone that is eligible to participate in the re-test. If you have not already received this Affidavit and are interested in obtaining one it is available via email as an attachment or by contacting the Chicago Police Sergeants’ Association at 773-376-7272.
Once again, as soon as a hearing date is set we will post it. If there are any questions, please contact the C.P.S.A. via email or directly M-F from 0830 to 1600hrs.
Sincerely,
John Pallohusky
President
Chicago Police Sergeants’ Association
Lt’s Promotion Exam: UPDATE 04 June 07
Our case is scheduled to be heard before the Honorable Judge Bush in the Chancery Division of Cook County Circuit Court. Once a date is set by Judge Bush to hear the case we will post it.
I urge any of our affected members, who have not yet done so to contact the Chicago Police Sergeants’ Association A.S.A.P. at 773-376-7272 for details concerning this lawsuit.
Sincerely,
John Pallohusky
President
Chicago Police Sergeants’ Association
Lt’s Promotion Exam: UPDATE 03 June 07
We ask that any of our members who have not yet contacted our Office that have scheduled a 7A furlough, furlough extensions or other scheduled plans that conflict with the 23 June 2007 Re-Test date , please contact our Office A.S.A.P... For information, please call the C.P.S.A at 773-376-7272 or email at
.
Our Attorneys are amending the complaint. We are moving as expeditiously as possible. As soon as the judge sets a date to hear our case we will post it, so that as many of our members who are able to can attend the hearing. We expect to have further details available within the next few days.
If you wish to forward your comments you may do so by any of the following:
Police mail: CPSA - Unit 545
U.S. mail: CPSA 1616 W. Pershing Rd. Chicago, IL 60609
Fax: 773-376-7344
Email attachment.
Sincerely,
John Pallohusky
President
Chicago Police Sergeants’ Association
Lt’s Promotion Exam: UPDATE 16 May 07
On Wednesday, 16 May 2007 we filed a lawsuit in Cook County Circuit Court seeking an injunction blocking the City of Chicago from conducting a Re-Test on 23 June 07. Some of the issues addressed in the complaint are based on the proposed format of the test to utilize the same test scenarios, fairness of the process, participants’ unavailability on the test date, and scores not made available to participants.
In addition, The Chicago Police Sergeants’ Association issued a Press Release stating that we feel this proposed Re-Test is grossly unfair to our affected members and challenges the integrity of the promotional process.
If you wish to forward your comments you may do so by any of the following:
Police mail: CPSA - Unit 545
U.S. mail: CPSA 1616 W. Pershing Rd. Chicago, IL 60609
Fax: 773-376-7344
Email attachment.
Sincerely,
John Pallohusky
President
Chicago Police Sergeants’ Association
Lt’s Promotion Exam: UPDATE 13 May 07
Our attorneys have prepared a lawsuit and our intention is to file this complaint in court within the next couple of days. The purpose of the complaint is to challenge the City’s intention to conduct a Re-Test on 23 June 2007. There are several issues we intend to address in court and once the complaint is filed we will provide additional details.
Once again, please remember, this is a public site and we do not want to compromise our position by posting details before we have officially filed the complaint.
If you wish to forward your comments you may do so by any of the following:
Police mail: CPSA - Unit 545
U.S. mail: CPSA 1616 W. Pershing Rd. Chicago, IL 60609
Fax: 773-376-7344
Email attachment.
Sincerely,
John Pallohusky
President
Chicago Police Sergeants’ Association
Lt’s Promotion Exam: UPDATE 09 May 07
In response to the numerous concerns and issues raised by our members affected by the City’s announcement to conduct a Re-Test of the promotional examination, the Chicago Police Sergeants’ Association WILL BE taking legal action. There are several issues to consider in mounting this legal challenge. We believe, as do the majority of our affected members, the current proposed “re-test” is grossly unfair on several points. As details become available we will post them.
I want to assure our members that we understand the urgency and importance of addressing this situation. I urge our members to stay united in this effort and continue to provide their valuable input.
Please remember, this is a public site and at this time, I would rather not disseminate detailed information that could compromise our position.
If you wish to forward your comments you may do so by any of the following:
Police mail: CPSA - Unit 545
U.S. mail: CPSA 1616 W. Pershing Rd. Chicago, IL 60609
Fax: 773-376-7344
Email attachment.
Sincerely,
John Pallohusky
President
Chicago Police Sergeants’ Association
Lt’s Promotion Exam: UPDATE 03 May 07
As most of our members are aware on 01 May 07 the City of Chicago announced that there would be a RE-TEST for the previously administered oral portion of the Assessment Exercise.
The Chicago Police Sergeants’ Association WAS NEVER contacted or consulted with regards to this decision. In fact, it only came to our attention shortly before the teletype message was disseminated.
Many of our affected members have contacted us expressing their concerns of how the City of Chicago and the Department, along with the accounting firm of Ernst & Young could once again, administer a promotional examination that at best could be described as flawed. This latest step is grossly UNFAIR and raises major concerns of the INTEGRITY of the entire testing process.
Our affected members have expended a tremendous amount of energy, monies, and personal sacrifices, including time away from their families while preparing for this lengthy exam process.
We are currently in the process of discussing with our attorneys what options are available to us and how best to proceed on behalf of our members.
I appreciate the professional demeanor that our members have displayed when contacting the Association, along with their constructive suggestions and comments. I would encourage anyone who wishes to forward their comments to do so.
We will continue to post updates on our Web site as they become available.
If you wish to forward your comments you may do so by any of the following:Police mail: CPSA - Unit 545
U.S. mail: CPSA 1616 W. Pershing Rd. Chicago, IL 60609
Fax: 773-376-7344
Email attachment.
Sincerely,
John Pallohusky
President
Chicago Police Sergeants’ Association
25 April 2007
By John Pallohusky
President – C.P.S.A.
Community / Police Partnership Day
Designated Holiday for Sergeants is Saturday 28 April 07 per Article 11; Section 11.1 of the contract.
The 2007 Calendar / Handbook incorrectly show Sunday 29 April 07 as the holiday.
17 February 2007
By John Pallohusky
President – C.P.S.A.
Proposed F.O.P. Insurance Program for Retirees:
On Thursday 08 Feb 07 I met with representatives of the Retirement Board Policemen’s Annuity and Benefit Fund for the City of Chicago, along with a representative of United HealthCare Insurance Company. The purpose of this meeting was to discuss the proposed Dental and Vision insurance programs for retirees that were previously presented by the F.O.P. The previous proposal included a requirement that interested retirees join the F.O.P. as an associate member and pay a membership fee.
While I commend the F.O.P. for presenting this proposal, I do not feel that a retired sergeant or the annuitant should be compelled to join the F.O.P. and pay any type of membership fee to be entitled to enroll in either of these plans.
The Dental and Vision Plans presented by United Healthcare are designed to allow eligible participants to obtain coverage at attractable group rates.
It was agreed at this meeting that exclusive membership and payment of a membership fee to the F.O.P. would NOT be a condition to be eligible for participation in this program for a retired sergeant or the annuitant.
05 February 2007
UPDATES by John Pallohusky
Proposed F.O.P. Insurance Program for Retirees:
We have recently had a few inquiries from our retired members over the proposed F.O.P. insurance program. We have addressed this issue with the Pension Board and the proposed insurance provider. We have scheduled a meeting later this week to discuss this program. Additional information will be provided after we have had an opportunity to discuss this matter with the respective parties.
Update Beneficiary Information with Prudential Life Insurance Company.
All members need to check their beneficiary information. Information that was previously on file with Bankers Life & Causality Company may not have transferred over to Prudential Life Insurance Company. Contact the C.P.D. Personnel Records Division at 312-745-5290. Members can also contact Prudential Life Insurance Company for additional information at 1-800-778-3827.
I would like to thank Sgt. Kathryn Warner who brought this situation to our attention.
UPDATE TO PART II OF THE LT’S EXAM:
Several of our members have inquired if there was a formal process for addressing issues concerning Part II of the Lt’s exam. This is the best information I have been able to obtain thus far. Any sergeant who believes that they have an issue that needs to be addressed whether it was due to mechanical failure of the equipment during the oral presentation, problems with the proctors or some other aspect of the process needs to do the following:
- Prepare a DETAILED To / From Report stating what the problem was. Vague or general issues cannot be evaluated properly.
- Forward TWO (2) copies to:
Lt. Lyle Myers
Personnel Division – Unit 123 - Once received Lt. Myers will forward one copy to the Human Resource Division. The Human Resource Division will then forward it to Ernst & Young for review. The second copy will be date and time stamped and returned to the initiating sergeant for their record.
- PLEASE do not delay in submitting your To / From Report.
- In addition, please forward a copy to the C.P.S.A. as we are still evaluating any other options that may be available through the Association on behalf of our members.