The Chicago Police union ripped Mayor Daley over reports that he would leave hundreds of police department vacancies unfilled as he attempts to close the city's projected $420 million budget shortfall.

"It's a stupid move at a time when violent crime is on the rise in Chicago. We recently lost two police officers--and now, the mayor is gonna further reduce the numbers," said Fraternal Order of Police President Mark Donahue.

"This mayor -- or somebody in his administration -- needs...