Police, union make plans for peaceful picket

Police don't expect a group of suburban educators to get rowdy, but they're preparing for the scenario nonetheless.

Palatine, Schaumburg and Hoffman Estates police have met with Palatine-Schaumburg District 211 officials to develop a contingency plan should the teachers union go on strike.

"One major thing we ask (police) to focus on is to try to ensure the safety of those who will be striking," Superintendent Roger Thornton said.

Palatine police would have the most ground to cover, with Fremd and Palatine high schools and the district's McElroy Administration Center under its jurisdiction.

The department's response would likely include patrols and an increase in officers, Sgt. Alan Stoeckel said.

"We'd certainly require additional staffing," he said. "But how many would depend on the number of people striking."

Thornton declined to speculate on how many protesters, counter-protesters and supporters might be expected at pickets.

But if last week's school board meeting was any indication, there could be a sizable crowd manning each building. The teachers union estimated close to 900 teachers and supporters showed up, though the district put the number at closer to 400 or 500.

Teachers union President John Braglia said the union has a good rapport with the police, and he himself contacted local authorities last week regarding the prospect of a strike.

Braglia said teachers plan peaceful protests if they do strike.

Teachers could walk out any day now, having passed a 10-day waiting period. No specific strike date has been set.

As for the basic rules of lawful protesting, no picket can take place on school grounds but rather the easement from the sidewalk to the curb. There's also the question of where hundreds of teachers are supposed to park -- it won't be on school property.

"(Police) can advise regarding traffic and be available as people cross highways," Thornton said. "There could be a traffic slowdown as people read signs."

The towns don't require the teachers union to have a permit to picket, so police are essentially relying on a gentlemen's agreement that members will act in an orderly manner.

"They have to be sensitive to pedestrians and can't impede traffic in any way," said Schaumburg Sgt. John Nebl, adding it would generally take something extreme for an arrest to take place.

That could involve provoking a breach of peace or alarm or disturbing another person. No physical altercations would be tolerated between protesters or against anyone trying to cross the picket line.

"I can't imagine teachers would go to that extent," Nebl said. "But we've asked them to carry on a certain type of behavior."

He added: "It's not a problem to picket, just keep it within certain boundaries."

Hoffman Estates police declined to comment and referred questions to the district.

• Daily Herald staff writer Ashok Selvam contributed to this report.