No Connection Between Police Hiring Lag And Rising Crime: Daley

Mayor Richard Daley on Saturday dismissed the notion that his administration's failure to make good on a pledge to hire more police is affecting public safety, even as Chicago combats growing violent crime.

"No, no," said Daley when asked about the lack of new hires and the impact on safety. When pressed, Daley bristled and said, "It just won't."

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Comments

[1manisland]

Crime is up because of unemployment and the economy - plain and simple. I am by no means a cop basher. I totally respect what these people do. But the Police Union needs to understand that there is no money, plus they are not the only union fighting to preserve if not increase jobs. In fact, as talk of layoffs linger in the City, Police and Fire Departments have better chances of their members surviving the cut, then other City Workers. These workers also have families. To say we should take jobs away from existing employees to make room for New Policeman seems unfair to these families.

The City has made promises to hire a full range of people in all unions and capacities. They have made promises to many that they can't fulfill. All departments are hurting, even before considering the fact the economy sucks. Unfortunately, all unions do not stick together for the most part. When they stand up for the whole idea of being in a union, that only means lookout for your members only. I believe being in a union means also looking out and respecting another unions needs. I believe all the unions should stick together. When you lose respect for each other, then you have no right being in a union. What's my point ? There are a lot of people sinking in the same boat. We can all sink or swim together.