Record #: R2015-972   
Type: Resolution Status: Failed to Pass
Intro date: 12/9/2015 Current Controlling Legislative Body: Committee on Public Safety
Final action:
Title: Call for Committee on Public Safety to hold hearing(s) exploring entrance testing, procedures and training of Chicago Police and Fire Departments
Sponsors: O'Connor, Patrick, Reboyras, Ariel, Burke, Edward M.
Topic: COMMITTEE/PUBLIC HEARINGS - Committee on Public Safety
Attachments: 1. R2015-972.pdf
Related files: R2019-362
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City Council December 9,2015


WHEREAS there are certain tests that applicants to the Chicago Police and Fire Departments must undergo in order to gain entrance to the respective academies; and

WHEREAS those tests include a psychological evaluation which asks certain questions that pertain to the use and knowledge of firearms; and

WHEREAS the purpose of the tests is to determine whether an applicant is fit and qualified to serve the citizens of the City of Chicago; and

WHEREAS not all applicants have the same experiences when it comes to the use of firearms; and

WHEREAS, there may be numerous other questions on these psychological evaluation exams that will necessarily be answered differently by former military personnel than by civilians; and

WHEREAS the portion of the population that has served in the United States military will necessarily answer the questions pertaining to firearms differently than those individuals who are members of the civilian population; and

WHEREAS the United States is engaged in past and current conflicts around the world where numerous service members have been stationed; and

WHEREAS service members have returned home to Chicago with unique and valuable skills and training which could be beneficial to the Chicago Police Department, Fire Department, and the citizens of the City of Chicago; and

WHEREAS these service members may never have the opportunity to utilize their skills as members of the Police Force or Fire Department because of their truthful answers to questions on the entrance exams involving firearms; and

WHEREAS the tests were likely not drafted with past military service in mind; and

WHEREAS residents of the City of Chicago who served our nation should not be excluded from serving the citizens of this City because of that service; and

WHEREAS it is necessary that the City of Chicago assess the purpose and nature of the entrance exams to the Police and Fire academies and determine whether those tests unnecessa...

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