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CHICAGO -- Police officers in a Chicago suburb may be in line for $500 bonuses as a reward for a murder-free 2012.
With a 3-0 vote, the city of Aurora's finance committee on Tuesday approved the plan, which is expected to cost about $144,500.
The full council will vote on the proposal on Jan. 22.
Tale of two cities: Homicides plummet in New York, leap in Chicago
"It is important that we recognize this milestone and the men and women chiefly responsible for it," Mayor Tom Weisner said. "It is impossible to put a number to the value of what they have achieved, but even in this difficult economy, we should make the sacrifices necessary to reward this extraordinary accomplishment."
With a population of nearly 200,000, Aurora was murder-free last year for the first time since 1946. The last killing reported in the city was on Dec. 21, 2011, when a 21-year-old woman died in a domestic violence attack.
While sweeps targeting the most serious criminal suspects and gang leaders helped, Police Chief Greg Thomas said that community policing was key.
Read more stories on NBCChicago.com
"We have to have that trust with the community. You have to have that respect within the community in order to build those bridges and make sure that everybody is doing their fair sure to try to get that accomplished," he added.
Weisner said the city already has the money to pay the bonuses, which amount to 1/10th of one percent of Aurora's budget.
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These guys have never seen the wire obviously.
These kind of incentives will only lead to juking the stats. Classifying murders as something else like suicides.
Meh
@mnrqz: You make the best point out of everyone here as why it's a bad idea. However I'm inclined to believe that a TV Show should not be used as our moral compass. I highly doubt cops are going to fuzz stuff over a single $500 bonus. It's a reward after the fact, and you know they can't control every single thing. So to say they'll try to cover up stuff implies you don't believe they don't already on a significant scale. Large scale cover ups like you're proposing are really only possible in TV shows. Because eventually someone catches on. Yes cops do break the law and are probably outright corrupt in a lot of ways. But for the amount of money being proposed, it's more like a bonus for doing your job successfully and not a bribe like you're trying to make it out. As for $120k. Really not @!$%# to that police forces budget. That's like average level cops pay for a year. Not that much.
@Mike-416: everyone in America is on the hook anytime a murder happens in your world. We should all be brought up on charges too for not having ESP right?
But I thought it was the "tough gun laws" that were making the streets safe ... I mean isn't that why every liberal in our nation are screaming for more and more tougher gun laws?
They should give $500.00 to everyone who doesn't murder anyone.
I am very happy for the City of Aurora. It is nice to be able to say you have no homicides. I don't think Law Enforcement deserve total credit for this. It is what it is. The Law cannot take credit for preventing home domestic violence by driving up and down the road. The Law has cannot take credit for preventing a Mental case that decides through psychosis to kill. The Law gets paid for what they do. A pat on the back is appropriate for a job well done.
This is why we, the tax payer, need to STOP funding this killing machine!! And the left want to ban weapons!!! How about banning "planned parenthood"! 333,964 ABORTIONS of the innocent!!
Planned Parenthood Sees Record High Abortions, Taxpayer Funding | LifeNews.com
www.lifenews.com
lmao....good. the world is overpopulated enough
mnrqz $500 is not hardly enough money to juke (as you put it) the stats, to possible ruin ones own career.
utamegi25...you could help that problem if you would like. That would make 1 less. OH, SORRY, its like the terrorist "leaders". They send someone ELSE out to commit suicide huh!
ME, lmao now!
This is nothing but an incentive change possible homicides into non-homicide deaths. Clearly the people behind this idea are not readers of Freak-o-nomics! :)
@John, the medical examiner determines the cause of death, not the police officers.
truetex, how about you stay the *ff** away from MY body and get back on the subject!
amye...As much as I hate abortion, I guess I should rethink it because all it does is give us less idiot liberals. AND as far as YOUR body...I am talking about KILLING, KILLING or should I say murdering babies! I couldnt give a rats a$$ about YOUR body. It probably wouldnt produce anything worth while any way!
Great work!! well deserved!!!
If the cops are receiving credit for a murder free year then they must also share the blame when there are murders (which no cops will take responsibility for).
Sounds like a waste of tax payer dollars if you ask me.
If cops in the Chicago area are given a bonus for murder-free years, then weather men should be given a bonus for no snow.
Must be nice to live in a city that has surplus magic funds. You know, money that comes from nowhere (magically appears) and whose expenditure does not have to be justified to anyone. (hmmmmmm-do I smell a tax payer in the bushes?)
While we are at it, let's give bonusses to teachers whose students learn (novel idea-students learning that is)
How bout a bonus for a fire dept. that puts out a fire?
Wait, I see sanitation workers who actually put the refuse in the truck rather than dump it on the ground that have some sort of gratuity coming their way.
At what point did we go from paying to get a job done in a specified manner to giving bonuses for doing a job the way it should be done?
Could this be an incentive to indulge in extra-legal behavior by law enforcement?
No wonder Illinois is so far in the hole. Do they fully understand how illogical and wasteful this idea is? Such IDIOTS.
So, you're saying that money is more important than human life?! Hmmmm...
Creek dog Here is an IDEA. they get there yearly bonuses plus there pay, How is doing there JOB any different this year than any other year.
I do NOT see a need in these bonuses. If they wanted to give the 1-5 officers that talked people out of killing someone a bonus then so be it. 500 - 2500 dollars is a drop in the bucket compaired to the 144500 OF TAXPAYER DOLLARS that they want to piss away.
I am NOT saying that money is more important than human life. If they feel they need more pay for doing there JOB then let them ask for a raise.
But lets use your thinking if we give out free cash to those that commit MURDER maybe we can get them to not do it in the first place, Let's offer a BONUS to those bad people for NOT killing anyone, maybe we can get them to just wound them instead of killing them.
Creek I usually agree with you but this time-----Paying someone to do a job that they haved been hired to do is why they get payed (how's that for running in a complete circle)
How bout instead of bonus's the dept buying and issuing new service weapons to the officers (saw one officer's service piece that I would not use) - Tazers - bullet resistant vests (no such thing as 'bullet proof')
How bout upgrade communication equip? How bout a new specialty vehicle or equip?
This is tax payers funds not windfall from heaven. If they have such an excess of funds then they should lower the taxes rather than tinkle it away.
I can see rewarding particular cops for services above and beyond so to speak. Let's say they stopped a kid from killing another in a hostage situation, something like that.
But to give a blanket reward to each and every cop on the force I think is not right.
In the real world good job performance is rewarded by job opportunities (rank or job class). Being good means a promotion, raise, or other perks.
Cops (don't read me wrong they have a tough job and for the most part deserve more than they get) are reactive not proactive. If this group has some magical formula for murder prevention then they should share it with the rest of us (I know we could sure use it in DT)
maybe a little curbside justice is just what the doctor ordered.. it just may save the taxpayers some money that would be going in the pockets of attorneys anyways. Or community organizers. Should have been done long ago. if they made it $1000.00 and threw in another crime it would be even better- I'll trust the cops over attorneys any day.
So if there is at least one muder this year, the police will get fined for not doing their job? WTF?
Murder is going to happen with or without the policie. The police will always respond after the fact.
They have very little to do with whether it was a murder free year or not.
When they find a body they just drag it out of town. They just drop it in the river and three days later it turns up on the river bank in Chicago.
A gang banger will extort half the money or he will kill someone and prevent the bonuses.
There will be right wing outrage about this despite the fact it's a small town rewarding its police with a small reward and isn't their tax money. They don't bat an eye when Bush hands over 800 billion to millionaire bank CEO's when they meltdown but hate union cops getting a tiny bonus.
Sorry Larry but it is the left that hate law enforcement and views our police officers as the enemy. The right is more than glad to reward our heros on the street every chance we get.
Hey Larry if it was Bush that saved the banks & Auto industry, why is it that Oblamer is taking all the CREDIT for it.
But to your point Larry I do HATE wasteful spending, so to throw away those TAXPAYER DOLLARS on this is stupid. NOT because I hate UNIONS, it is because they are paid to do a JOB and they get a BONUSE each and every year. An extra bonus is so stupid when the economy is down like it is and the revenues are down in those suburbs anyway, WHY WASTE THE MONEY.
In detroit the po-po negotiate with the bangers for a truce on devils night.
TARP was passed October 3rd, 2008. One month before Obama was elected. Most was directed to banks and financial institutions but included 17 billion for GM and a total of 85 million for the auto industry. Obama never took credit for the banks but did for GM as the 17 billion by Bush wasn't enough and Romney opposed it. If you aren't even informed enough to know which president passed TARP you aren't bright enough to vote much less comment.
You're on drugs. It's right wingers that bash policemen, firemen and teachers because they're union.
Blamed for not doing their jobs, when crime or murders happen.Accused for being too aggressive or abusing their positions when they shoot anybody, anywhere. Damned if they do or don't.Ripped apart for not responding fast enough, drilled about where were they when you wanted them. Hated for giving tickets by those who speed, despite them knowingly breaking the law. Absolutely the last you want to see when you know you are wrong, but by golly they best be there when you do. Am I far off the mark? A job most would never want, yet how many folks assume to tell them exactly how to do their jobs the right way always>
It obviously takes some effort by law enforcement, especially in areas where gangs hang out, where drug trafficking,store robberies and places death is occurring, for statistics to lower. It is not simply a matter of the population themselves putting forth the effort alone.
When you have a closer relationship, one that has more trust, people talking with law enforcement, and a higher visibility, it surely has a positive consequence for the community at large.Which can't be dismissed. Those who engage in positive ways with the public, from the perspective of public servants, can effect over time, a huge difference. Criminals come to realize, they don't have as positive an outcome in certain areas. So, they move on to better pickings,where higher chances of success, and less chances of getting turned in or caught by vigilant police or other cooperative witnesses is almost guaranteed.
Just imagine, if other cities could get better relationships between police officers and citizens. Of course it takes hard work, but that isn't just a one sided deal either, however. Some of that must come from the media and Hollywood, which portrays cops so often in unfair, stereotypical very negative ways to make a buck. Like any other profession, there are bad apples, which harm all the good work and deeds of most of the decent ones. Negative comments get passed around untold times, but a positive deed only once.
With over 700,000 in the United States, there is bound to be a fair share. It is only when someone has done something bad, or shoots a person, they make the news. Not when they do something right, or helpful, practically. Good news doesn't sell.Personally, congratulations to these fine men and women for all the time and efforts devoted to making a difference in so many peoples lives.The reason the vast majority pursue such a career, helping others.KUDOS and I hope they are able to continue having such a positive results.Though never expected to gain anything additional to a regular paycheck.Not even a thank you, from an often unappreciative public
Yet when we give them the info they need to get the people that broke in to my parents house for the first itme in over 35 years, and we tell them that it was the neighbors that are new to the neighborhood, they do NOTHING they do NOT even ask to look inside there house to see if the Xbox is that of my neice that was house sitting while my parents are out of town. She was at work adn when she got home they had broken a window on there side of the house towards the back and stole cash(neices tip jar) beer and alcohol and they hook up the Xbox and they got a hit coming from my parents wifi as they were right next door 20' from the router still they do NOTHING.
I for one am glad to hear the police didn't murder anybody. I'm a cook and I didn't kill anyone last year either, I got a check for $250. Show me where and how they prevented murder.
Sorry talk to rocks - So you're a cook - did the chicken you put in the pot threaten you're life? Or maybe the pasta tried to strangle you while you were on a domestic violence visit - or better yet the live lobster you boiled had a hidden hand gun
Am I going crazy - but I grew up with the so-called cops and everyday they put their life on the line - the most that threatens you is a wet floor or an irate customer - but you got $250 and you begrudge these men and women $500
I for one think it should be ten fold!
barbara..you grew up with them..most of us have not...you ever had a cop come park in the street call you off you own porch and put a gun in your face? I'm a marine corps vet and college graduate..dont let your life blind you to the rest of ours..by the way when the officer ran my name and saw i was clean..he wanted to shake my hand..i wanted to spit in his..Im a marine..do you know how i act about "my" life being threatened?yes you do..you live free everyday because of it..
Ignorant...I could go on and talk about how our freedoms that you protect are only being attacked by our own government not a hostile country but I won't. Apparently you had a bad experience with an officer. I don't know any details about the situation other than he had a gun on you. My guess is that he was going on information given to him or trying to sort out the situation at hand and you probably didn't make that any easier for him with your attitude. Again, I don't know the situation but it is no different than the innocent people of foreign lands that are killed, yes by our very own marines, and other service members that were just going by the information they had. Others outright murdered but in a war zone and the shielding practices that seems to be used in other countries I sort of get it.
Thank you for your service to me. At any given moment you may give your life for our freedom, or in more recent history oil or to protect innocent lives from tyrannical leaders which I think is a duty of this great nation. Just too bad its only in oil rich lands...
Well stupid1, at least you picked an appropriate name to ID yourself.
well stupid1 your appreciation is heartfelt. Actually there was no information given to him..he was just cruising my neighborhood..back and forth down my street..he said he saw me ransacking "my" bmw in "my" driveway. I was looking for some paperwork i'd lost. Said he knew the former residents of my nice house on the lake..guess he didnt know them well enough..or they would have told him they were moving..of course you can imagine what race i am...
Sounds like one of those racist police officers in a white neighborhood.
No murders, well it is not because of the cops, this is crazy, But it is great to here that there wasn't any murders in any town. This will just give the cops a bigger ego, as if there was no murders because of them.
I'm confused....if the police don't help prevent murder/crime, then why do we need them at all?
For incase they do have a CRIME in the area. Police do NOT make the crime disapear they just enforce the LAWS.
So you do not see them as a detterent (sp)? I for one would think twice about committing a crime if police were present. My guess is that if police were only there for after the fact more people would be committing crimes because they have a better chance of getting away with it....
Cops dont deserve a bonus for anything..if anyone deserves the bonus..its the people of the city..do the cops get fined for wrongful arrests? which the make plenty of.
You're so right. There are 200,000 people to split the $500.00 so, they will all get the 4 cents that they so truly deserve...
You are retarded..if you think i meant to dole it out to each person..spend the 144,000 and change..(not 500) on something for all the community..like my name says..dont do it to yourself..man..lol
Hell Creek then lets split that 500 up between the officers in that case I say go ahead with the payout.
They would get almost 2 dollars each. Sned out the check you moron. The city has to split 500 and the officers get 500 each what a assbag.
LOL, it was sarcasm dude......
I'm not retarded so don't be ignorant! LOL :-)
Wayne's World, Wayne's World, party time, excellent !
Let me bring you up to speed. My name is Wayne Campbell. I live in Aurora, Illinois, which is a suburb of Chicago — excellent. I've had plenty of joe-jobs; nothing I'd call a career. Let me put it this way: I have an extensive collection of nametags and hairnets. OK, so I still live with my parents, which I admit is both bogus and sad. But at least I have an amazing cable access show! And I still know how to party! But what I'd really love is to do "Wayne's World" for a living. It might happen!Shyeah, and monkeys might fly out of my butt!
barbara..you grew up with them..most of us have not...you ever had a cop come park in the street call you off you own porch and put a gun in your face? I'm a marine corps vet and college graduate..dont let your life blind you to the rest of ours..by the way when the officer ran my name and saw i was clean..he wanted to shake my hand..i wanted to spit in his..Im a marine..do you know how i act about "my" life being threatened?yes you do..you live free everyday because of it..
oh yeah..and i went to internal affairs to report it.....haha the cop LIED and said he never drew his weapon..yet there were 4 backup cars that came after that..what a coward..do you think i Imagined a weapon in my face..Cowards
Stifle it! The police have a very tough job to begin with, a profession that many people wouldn't want. I hope this city goes another year without a murder, whether or not the police can prevent them. Less homicides is always a good thing for any community.
most people wouldn't want it cause they don't like the idea of having to lie and ruin someone's life to back up their partner's lie.
And the police Chief gets 1.5 million dollar bonus for baby sitting....Mean while back at McDonalds.........
Give the citizens a bonus for playing nice.
Chicago area?...I wouldn't worry about anybody getting a bonus!(That's Obama country)
What the police officers are getting paid by the tax payers. Now the tax payers are giving them a bonuses for what doing a law enforcement job. Well i going to put in a application maybe i can get a bonus for looking good in a uniform.
Reading your post justicejc1, I suspect you're incapable of filing an application.
I take it Aurora must be the rich area where they have private armed guards since Chicago had over 500 murders this year. The money should be given to the cops that have to work the high crime areas
Aurora is 40 miles West of Chicago. Back when I lived up there it wasn't even considered close enough to be a commuter community, but that may have changed by now.
OH, PLEASE DON'T ROB AND SHOOT ME! I gots no weapon Mr. gangabanga and de cops wont be gettens deys $500 dolla bonus if yous do!
Well hell, I cant be a taken anyones money from dem now can I. I sorry I thoughts about cappin yous azz.
Its not that the police doesnt need a bonus but what about teachers and school reps. They go through all kinds of things and even lately getting murdered, May they Rest in peace. We as a society need to get our priority right. If we educate our kids we wont have to arrest an adult. Police need to get bonuses but our teachers need it first. Im just saying.
They already get a paycheck and bonus each and every year. Why do they need more bonuses on top of the bouns they already get.
roughly 300 cops for 200K citizens or 60 more cops than all of Deetroit. Next year bonus for no accidents; why not. They helped people drive better, not want to commit fender bender right ??