Unions against troopers hunting Chicago fugitives
Police unions are speaking out against a plan to deploy Illinois State troopers to Chicago to help hunt down wanted criminals.
Beginning this week, 40 state troopers will join teams of Chicago police officers serving warrants in high-crime neighborhoods for a month. Mayor Rahm Emanuel requested the extra help.
According to the Chicago Sun-Times, unions are calling for the plan to be modified.
Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 7 President Dean Angelo says the troopers should be used for traffic enforcement only. He says that would free up Chicago officers more familiar with the territory to chase fugitives.
Mike Powell of the Fraternal Order of Police Illinois Trooper Lodge No. 41 agrees.
Chicago Police spokesman Martin Maloney says the troopers will work side-by-side with city officers, ensuring safety.