Well This Explains A Bunch

Two weeks ago, a number of people pointed out that there were no bid openings for transfers. That was rare enough to provoke some pointed commentary in assorted posts.

Friday, the transfer order came out - eleven pages of it. Just about all "Code F - not subject to bidding" transfers. At first glance, someone just got rid of a whole bunch of paperwork. A deeper look reveals that this might just eliminate a whole load of "double counting" that went on in Patrol Division. For non-CPD readers, that was when a District Commander could claim they had no openings and everything was up to strength without mentioning the 50 or 60 or more people Detailed Out to TRU, MSF, Gun Teams, Gang Teams, outside agencies, etc. Districts that were formerly "up to strength" suddenly have a bunch of openings.

It also gives lie to J-Fed's PAX 501 that was e-mailed out last week:

• TASK FORCE ASSIGNMENTS
  
  Over the past two years, I have worked hard to ensure that specialized assignments and opportunities are made available to all of our members and that they are filled with the most qualified and deserving applicants, based on open, fair and objective processes.
  
  Few things are as damaging to morale and operational effectiveness as an environment where officers feel that their performance, work history and attitude are less important than who they know.

This coming from an individual who spent 20 years in one of the most insular law enforcement organizations in existence. An organization that shows no loyalty to the individual, but revels in the cover up and ostracizes anyone who doesn't blindly support the organization. Remember Robert Wright?

• In keeping with this philosophy, I have directed that vacancies on any and all task forces be posted Department-wide. Postings may include a description of the Task Force, required abilities and preferred qualifications as well as information required to apply (i.e., resume, writing sample, etc.), timeline for application and where materials should be submitted, as well as any other information deemed relevant by the submitting bureau.
  
  This process is intended to ensure that opportunities are made available to all members of the Department, and that the most highly qualified and best-suited officers are selected for positions. Networking and an ability to work well in a team with supervisors, peers and subordinates are important aspects of any officer’s character. However, who one knows should not be the defining factor in selecting a person for a position. Each and every officer of the Department deserves to know that what really matters are qualities such as; leadership ability, exceptional performance, attitude, work history, dedication to training and education.

"[P]referred qualifications" is legalese for "we're still going to let that commander's kid, the alderman's nephew and the hot chick in." But based on this PAX 501, is it safe to assume that each and every name on the transfer order re-applied for their old jobs at all these "Task Forces" so the taxpayers of Chicago have only "the most highly qualified and best-suited officers" working to eliminate criminal behavior across our fair city?

Or is this yet another case of "don't worry, it's all legit....from this point forward. We swear!"