To Stephen Hoke, chairman, River Forest Police Committee:
Though I have been a resident of Arizona for the past 20 years, working in law enforcement, I will always consider River Forest my home, where I raised my children and served your village for 19 years, from rookie patrolman to chief of police, ending my tour of duty in 1986.
While in Arizona, I have remained current with events associated with the River Forest Police Department via e-mail with active and retired personnel, newspaper articles and occasional return visits, including a meeting with President Frank Paris on Oct. 11, 2005.
I am saddened and truly distressed to learn that the long-unresolved complaints by the members of the FOP Lodge 46 (to which I still belong) had risen to the level of a “no-confidence” resolution, passed on June 26.
In reviewing some of the more serious issues of the resolution, I believe not a single one would have been included under my watch as chief, or under my two predecessors, chiefs Frank Ahrends and Albert Berry, or two successors, chiefs Richard Samuel and Joe Bopp. Specifically:
• Unfilled positions
A rare occurrence because the chiefs at the time met with the Fire and Police Commission on a regular basis in anticipation of vacancies.
• Allegations of wrongdoing and harassment
While infrequent, they were promptly dealt with and adjudicated.
• Rotation of specialist assignments
These assignments, such as detective, training officer, crime prevention, were rotated generally on a two-year cycle, resulting in a more professional – and thus effective – police force. Also very important was the positive effect on all-around morale.
• Promotions
These were consistently given to the most qualified, with seniority as an additional factor.
• In-house real estate transactions with subordinates
Not on my watch!
All of which, and others, depress department morale and have led to what I believe is now a chaotic management situation.
It should be noted that all five police chiefs mentioned above met frequently with the Police Committee of the time, which was, and is, essential to good police management.
Except for the real estate transactions, most of what I am now sharing with you had been previously shared with President Paris in detail on the morning of Oct. 11, 2005, at the Oak Brook Marriott, following a meeting with the FOP the evening before – particularly, the impact on the morale of the rank-and-file, the men and women in the trenches. It never crossed my mind that my effort of Oct. 11 would be ignored by President Paris as it represents the collective management experience of five consecutive chiefs, none of whom had to defend a charge of “no confidence.”
River Forest is still my home, and the men who served under me are still my family. Thus, I will be pleased to help in any way to assist your committee as you may see fit.
Nicholas M. Coscino
River Forest police chief, 1978-1986
