Updating the Rules

Another example of the "over-regulation" mindset prevalent in Chicago and most large bureaucracies:

• Back in 1924, the Chicago Police Department's rule book could fit in the palm of an officer's hand.

  Now the rules are compiled in six ring binders -- a 16-inch stack of paper.

  "It's a mess," said Rachel Johnston, director of research and development.

  For the first time in 40 years, a team of officers and civilian employees is busy cleaning it up.

There seems to be a rule, order, or directive for just about everything. And these don't even touch on the Contracts, of which there are ones for Officers & Detectives, Sergeants, Lieutenants, Captains and AFSCME employees, each of which supersedes the General Orders, and some of which run contrary to each other.

Someone has just guaranteed themselves a job for the next five years.