Chicago cops plan fundraiser for officer charged in fatal DUI (income, law)

[JoeyPants]

Cops plan benefit for officer charged in fatal DUI - Chicago Breaking News (http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2009/10/cops-planning-benefit-for-officer-charged-in-fatal-dui.html - broken link)

What a way to improve community relations

[skipcromer]

Originally Posted by JoeyPants

Cops plan benefit for officer charged in fatal DUI - Chicago Breaking News (http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2009/10/cops-planning-benefit-for-officer-charged-in-fatal-dui.html - broken link)

What a way to improve community relations

Yes, how dare they not turn their back on a friend.

[Avengerfire]

Why don't you post every time some benefit is held for the family of some gang banger killed or when a moron gang banger is arrested for murder?

[Drover]

Originally Posted by skipcromer

Yes, how dare they not turn their back on a friend.

Sometimes a person needs to twist in the wind a little. It's one thing to "stand by" a friend. It's another for those who "serve and protect" to raise money for one of their own who has killed and maimed.

Just once I'd like to see fellow officers not close ranks around one of the dirtbags among them. Until that day comes, they shouldn't be surprised at public perception of police corruption as systemic rather than random.

[skipcromer]

Originally Posted by Drover

Sometimes a person needs to twist in the wind a little. It's one thing to "stand by" a friend. It's another for those who "serve and protect" to raise money for one of their own who has killed and maimed.

Just once I'd like to see fellow officers not close ranks around one of the dirtbags among them. Until that day comes, they shouldn't be surprised at public perception of police corruption as systemic rather than random.

I can stand by a friend in trouble without defending all of the actions that got him or her there. A cop should be able to do the same.

[Drover]

Originally Posted by skipcromer

I can stand by a friend in trouble without defending all of the actions that got him or her there. A cop should be able to do the same.

You can stand by a friend without contributing to the financial means to try to evade responsibility for the harm they've caused to others. That's where I draw the line and say "you're on your own there, but good luck."

And like it or not, when the police act as a group even in an unofficial capacity, it shapes public perception of them as a group. The character of people we provide with the color and authority of law is important, and the public is well within its rights to make judgments about their character based on how they conduct themselves both in and out of uniform.

While I'm not quite scandalized by this fundraiser (though I certainly would be if Frugoli were accused of official misconduct), I have to say it sure doesn't improve my perception of local law enforcement either. IMO it doesn't speak well of their priorities. How about at least splitting the funds with the families of this creep's victims?

[Avengerfire]

Originally Posted by Drover

You can stand by a friend without contributing to the financial means to try to evade responsibility for the harm they've caused to others...How about at least splitting the funds with the families of this creep's victims?...

He will not be able to evade ****. He is going to jail. He will lose his job. The only thing he can hope for is a lenient sentence.

This benefit is more for his family that depended on his income.

I am sure his legal bills will not be cheap. You should know that.

When have you ever seen any remorse or financial restitution in any form payed to a murdered cop's family by the family and friends of the perpetrator(s) of the crime?

[Drover]

Originally Posted by Avengerfire

He will not be able to evade ****. He is going to jail. He will lose his job. The only thing he can hope for is a lenient sentence.

This benefit is more for his family that depended on his income.

I am sure his legal bills will not be cheap. You should know that.

The financial strain he has put on his family is one of the consequences of his actions. That's a consequence he gets to evade courtesy of this fundraiser.

Originally Posted by Avengerfire

When have you ever seen any remorse or financial restitution in any form payed to a murdered cop's family by the family and friends of the perpetrator(s) of the crime?

When's the last time such a criminal has called on public officials who are sworn to uphold the law to raise money as a response to breaking those laws in a way that two people ended up dead, and had that call heeded? I can't recall any such instance -- until now. This fundraiser is, at best, in remarkably poor taste and not very good for public relations.

[Chi-town Native]

Originally Posted by Drover

And like it or not, when the police act as a group even in an unofficial capacity, it shapes public perception of them as a group. The character of people we provide with the color and authority of law is important, and the public is well within its rights to make judgments about their character based on how they conduct themselves both in and out of uniform.

While I'm not quite scandalized by this fundraiser (though I certainly would be if Frugoli were accused of official misconduct), I have to say it sure doesn't improve my perception of local law enforcement either. IMO it doesn't speak well of their priorities. How about at least splitting the funds with the families of this creep's victims?

I have to agree - Chicago police do a remarkably good job of shooting themselves in the foot when this is what the public sees. Why on earth rally around a guy that killed two innocent kids? Aren't there plenty of cops injured in the line of duty while doing the right thing?

Sure, they have the right to throw this fundraiser, but it really isn't a good idea when they simultaneously are complaining about a lack of public appreciation for their contract limbo.

[MassVt]

Pretty questionable judgement here; if you're concerned with the family's ability to pay legal expenses, then do it internally, and quietly, without publicity. This just doesn't pass the "smell" test.