Chicago police union hires cop accused in Laquan McDonald slaying

Jason Van Dyke - the white Chicago police officer charged with murder after firing 16 shots into a knife-wielding black teenager in 2014 - has landed a job with the Fraternal Order of Police, the union president confirmed Wednesday night.

WFLD-Channel 32 first reported Wednesday night that Van Dyke was working at the FOP hall in the West Loop because he couldn't find another job.

The fatal shooting of Laquan McDonald prompted a U.S. Justice Department investigation of the Chicago Police Department - and the city's release of a video of the shooting in November led to the firing of police Supt. Garry McCarthy on Dec. 1.

Dean Angelo, president of the Fraternal Order of Police, said he decided to hire Van Dyke after receiving a call from the Chicago Sun-Times several weeks ago asking whether the officer was working for the union.

Angelo said he then considered the idea and decided to give Van Dyke a job.

Van Dyke, who is stripped of his police powers and is on unpaid status, makes $12 an hour from the FOP - slightly above what a typical unarmed security guard is paid - to be a jack-of-all-trades for the union.

The FOP's move drew quick criticism and sparked promises of protests.

The Rev. Michael Pfleger blasted the move, saying in part on a Facebook post: "The police union says to Chicago we don't give a damn what he did or what you think. He is one of ours, and we are going to take care of him.."

For details, check chicago.suntimes.com.