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Copihue
Citizen
Username: Cop
Post Number: 136
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 19, 2003 - 11:18 pm: | 
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"I want the cops here to be happy and want them to stay but people need to remember that there were a lot of people in the last 3 years who did not get pay raises, got pay cuts or lost there job just the nature of our economy."
Sgt Case, You bring a new twist to this story. Are you saying that some of the policemen lost their jobs due to the economy or are you speaking in general terms about the American labor force? Please clarify.
"Mem I hope you are not seriously ready to lead a witch hunt agianst the chief of police because of 3 cops on this board's posting. There are 60 cops on the force this in no where close to a majority."
Furthermore, are you claiming that the policeofficers vote of no confidence was 3:57 against/for the chief?
I think we all believe in due process, right now we are searching for the facts. If the Chief wants to state his side of the story, just tell him to create an account on MOL and start writing. If not, should the TC decide to take action, I'm sure he'll get the chance to state his case.
Pack your own chute.
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Montagnard
Citizen
Username: Montagnard
Post Number: 259
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 19, 2003 - 11:53 pm: |
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Isn't the first step to sign the collective agreement?
Is there a summary of the outstanding issues somewhere?
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Former Mpd
Citizen
Username: Former_mpd
Post Number: 7
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, November 20, 2003 - 1:13 am: |
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News Flash: Another Officer is leaving Maplewood to goto another dept and a second officer will be leaving very shortly. For the record that makes apprx 10 officers this year and 8 last year. How many must leave before something is done? For the record the vote of no confidence was 52:4 against/for the chief. I just had a thought, what has changed in the last couple of years that is creating a mass exodus from Maplewood. The building was an issue but not enough to cause officers to leave. The schedule was always a problem but guys still managed to deal with it, even though it's unfair and outdated. Maplewood Cops never made a lot of money, which is par for Essex County. The only major change within the dept is the change in Leadership. Suddenly there is a new Sheriff in town and everybody is trying to get out of Dodge. Leadership as we all know can make or BREAK a dept. If the people believe in their leader and believe that he is going to do what's best for them then they will follow him to the end of time. Again look at the Fire Dept, I have been looking up and down this website for a chat room about disgruntled firefighters. I can't seem to find the room maybe somebody could point me in the right direction.
Again nothing is being done, the TC has time and time again slapped the PD in the face. They won't meet with the PBA, the TC agreed to a schedule but the chief is against the new schedule. The TC has canceled the last two meetings with the pd and the contract looks like it won't be settled anytime soon. I'm not sure but I believe the FD settled their contract with the town, I again applaud the Fire Chief. I have been told and observed first hand that the Chief of Police does not care about his men. I understand that as the Chief of Police he works for the TC and for his men, but he is selling out his men in order to look good in front of the TC. The men can and will never trust the Chief because he has lied to them time and time again. SgtCase I would recommend that the next time you have the opportunity to talk to a current MPD officer I suggest you take advantage of the opportunity. For some reason you are under the impression that it is only a small handful of disgruntled officers, you are very wrong. I speak from first hand experience, I don't know who you are but I remember going to work time and time again and I don't recall anybody saying "I love working for Maplewood and this is the best PD in the state and I want to finish my career at this dept." I spent several years with the dept and those words NEVER came from any of my co-workers.
I understand that their are a lot of people who haven't recvd raises in a couple of years, or those who lost their jobs. I can only hope that things will improve for them, I can only hope that somebody would stand up for them like I'm trying to stand up for my fellow co-workers and friends.
Each day that passes and nothing is done is another wasted day. The men are tired of being mistreated by the Chief, they are tired of being lied to and being kicked in the face. Have you noticed that as miserable as they are they still continue to do their job. If you need them they are at your service in a matter of seconds. The administration has done nothing for the men yet they say the officers want everything. The administration forgot where they came from, because they were in the same position as the officers are in now. Pls don't take my word contact K&K and ask them about the situation with the PD. Crime is getting worse in Maplewood, I noticed that there is a chat room concerning gang activity in Maplewood. Correct me if I'm wrong but I was told(I know better) that there was no gang activiy. Even though my eyes and arrest records said otherwise. Gangs are the major reason why Irvington and the other surrounding communities are having a problem with crime. It's sad because if you are a cop in Irvington you are more likely to get shot at or worse killed, but yet these same cops who would not want to come work for Maplewood. What does that say about the dept?? Something has to be done, no more committee's to form a committee to look into forming a committee to set up a committee to help establish a committee, who will then take a survey to see if they have the right committee that could help the current committee decide if they should even form a committee. Whew!!!! I'm frustrated and I no longer work for the dept. If I'm a resident I would have to wonder what is going on with this former cop. He no longer works for the dept but yet he's trying to do the right thing for his fellow officers/friends. People I have no hidden agenda, I work for a dept that I enjoy and I Iook forward to spending the rest of my career at this place. If the PD is taken care of and supported that only enhances the town's appeal to new business and residents. I challenge anybody in this room to disprove anything I have said, I want somebody to say this guy is an idiot everybody loves the Chief of Police (I know everybody loves the Fire Chief). Ask yourself one question, what do I (former_mpd) have to gain and what do you have to lose? |
Copihue
Citizen
Username: Cop
Post Number: 137
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, November 20, 2003 - 6:52 am: |
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Former Mpd,
Nobody is questioning your motivations. We know you are trying to help your friends. You have written extensively here, and the sincerity comes through very clear. Don't get paranoid! it's OK.
Pack your own chute.
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sgtcase
Citizen
Username: Sgtcase
Post Number: 38
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, November 20, 2003 - 9:09 am: |
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Copihue, I apologize if I was not clear I was talking about the labor force in general, and up until Former MPD post of a no confidence vote of 52 to 4 we did not really know how big a problem the cops had with the chief. Former MPD I have talked to a lot of cops in the short time I have been in town and so has my wife and I can tell you from my experience with them I think they are true professionals. They have been quick to respond to calls and very open to suggestions and very kind and courteous. I have heard them complain but most of it was towards the TC. I understand they would not want to openly criticize the Chief to the public and now I understand a little bit better how his job is dictated in part by the TC. The cops backed K&K and they were elected I truly hope they can help remedy the problem. Thank you former mpd for bringing these problems to light you definitely open my eyes to the situation I hope we can help. |
mem aka "toots"
Citizen
Username: Mem
Post Number: 2288
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, November 20, 2003 - 9:12 am: |
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Joan,
Your caring and common sense could be used on the TC. If you run you have my vote.
I have special dispensation to sit in judgment on the lives of everyone, particularly on those I disagree with politically.
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algebra2
Citizen
Username: Algebra2
Post Number: 1427
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, November 20, 2003 - 9:15 am: |
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Hey Toots -- I agree, Joan would have our vote too! |
Harry Callahan
Citizen
Username: Callahan
Post Number: 1
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, November 20, 2003 - 9:41 am: |
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Thank you, Former MPD, for going to bat for the team. I just signed up today. I'm working on my introductory post.
WAIT 'TIL THEY GET A LOAD OF ME... |
Copihue
Citizen
Username: Cop
Post Number: 139
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, November 20, 2003 - 12:33 pm: |
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Joan, have you experience with civil service tests for policement? who creates those tests? what is the reliability and above all, the validity of the tests? have any numbers for us?
Pack your own chute.
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Joan
Citizen
Username: Joancrystal
Post Number: 2179
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, November 20, 2003 - 4:39 pm: |
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Can the police contract problems be resolved through binding arbitration? If so, this may be the way to go if either or both of the affected parties won't come to the bargaining table. |
Joan
Citizen
Username: Joancrystal
Post Number: 2180
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, November 20, 2003 - 4:55 pm: |
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Copihue:
I don't write police examinations. They are prepared by the other examining team in my department.
The written test is generally prepared by city employees in the title for which the examination is being given. Police sergeants prepare an examination for appointment to police sergeant, police lieutenants for promotion to police lieutenant, etc. They work under the guidance and supervision of one or more members of our examining staff who help to identify the skills, knowledge and abilities to test for, work with the item writers to help them determine the amount of weight each skill, knowledge or ability should be given on the test, teach the item writers how to frame their questions, select and edit the final questions and put them booklet form. In addition, seniority and performance in the lower title are weighed into the final score. Veterans preference may also come into play.
The exact weights should be available at our website: WWW.NYC.gov.
Reliability figures are difficult to come by for civil service examinations because we only hire those who pass the test and in the case of uniformed officers, only those who achieve really high scores.
The tests are very valid because they test for a good composit of what the job actually requires. |
thelight
Citizen
Username: Thelight
Post Number: 109
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, November 20, 2003 - 5:14 pm: |
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Joan,
The Maplewood Police are MORE THAN willing to sit down with the T/C to hammer out a new labor contract, but the last three times in two months that we did have scheduled meetings with the T/C, they have cancelled at the LAST minute! The Maplewood PBA is ready to talk and settle our contract, the T/C just wants to keep stalling, and stalling in order to break our spirit. (It's an old Management ploy used to disshearten the workforce) I believe that the T/C and our PBA have a meeting scheduled in December, who wants to take bets that they will cancell again!?
The PBA wants to settle NOW, the T/C wants to prolong the settlement for months, and months, so they can continue to A-try and break our spirit, and B-Earn interest on all of our monies owed us by the Township. The T/C is not hard to figure, the only thing they hold dear is the almighty dollar!
To the T/C. Settle our contract soon, or you will be responsible for causing further irrepairable damage to our once-great Department!
Thank You,
The Light. |
Joan
Citizen
Username: Joancrystal
Post Number: 2183
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, November 20, 2003 - 5:20 pm: |
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The Light:
It takes at least two sides sitting down at the bargaining table to enter into meaningful negotiations. Is a request for binding arbitration was an option for the PBA?
I really don't know how collective bargaining in the public sector works in NJ. |
xavier67
Citizen
Username: Xavier67
Post Number: 306
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, November 20, 2003 - 7:09 pm: |
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Mr. Light: RE: Your desire for a quick settlement with the TC.
Isn't it in your (and PBA's) interest to wait till your political backers K & K to get on the TC in Jan before negotiating an agreement? Or are you guys at this point just itching for an agreement--any agreement--as a matter of principle and respect? |
thelight
Citizen
Username: Thelight
Post Number: 110
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, November 20, 2003 - 7:37 pm: |
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xavier67,
It is a well-known fact in Town, that the present T/C Administration has no intention of settling our Labor Contract! They will stall a settlement until they are all gone (Good riddance). I hear through the grapevine that Michell Meade will be going as well. With the entire Police Department crumbling around us, I think that our Contract should be settled A.S.A.P.! The longer it takes, the more Officers we will lose, and the greater the bitterness within the involved groups, will grow. I don't think that many people realize the lasting damage that this delay in reaching an agreement will cause. We are very clearly at a critical point in time over these stalled talks. I cannot see anything good or productive coming from the T/C's utter refusal to settle this contract.
Once again, let's sit down and agree upon a FAIR contract that will ultimately, benefit all involved.
Thank You,
The Light. |
sbenois
Citizen
Username: Sbenois
Post Number: 10453
Registered: 10-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, November 20, 2003 - 7:47 pm: |
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quote:They will stall a settlement until they are all gone (Good riddance). I hear through the grapevine that Michell Meade will be going as well. With the entire Police Department crumbling around us, I think that our Contract should be settled A.S.A.P.! The longer it takes, the more Officers we will lose, and the greater the bitterness within the involved groups, will grow.
Dearest Thelight,
If I might, this statement is illogical. It is November 20th - 42 days from a new administration taking shape in Town Hall.
Given that the PBA endorsed K&K, I would think that any officer who is really interested in staying would automatically invoke their own 42 day cooling off period to let the new administration take shape and then begin negotiations anew.
So what's the urgency about? I understand that there is frustration and anger. But in the scheme of things, isn't it wise to just chill out for another 6 weeks?
---> Brought to you by Sbenois Engineering LLC <-
Please check out Fringe's Excellent Website:
http://hometown.aol.com/njfabian
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Joan
Citizen
Username: Joancrystal
Post Number: 2184
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, November 20, 2003 - 7:56 pm: |
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The Light:
I'm confused by your statement as well. Throughout this thread, you and your fellow officers (past and present) keep saying that salary is only a small part part of the problem. Wasn't it claimed that most of the officers who left are receiving lower salaries in their new jobs?
The expressed problems with the administration: TC, Ms. Meade, and the Police Chief, are not going to be solved at the bargaining table. |
Flt
Citizen
Username: Flt
Post Number: 112
Registered: 3-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, November 20, 2003 - 8:15 pm: |
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quote:But in the scheme of things, isn't it wise to just chill out for another 6 weeks?
Unless he's realized the police backed the pols least likely to issue fat raises.
DOH! |
Callahan
Citizen
Username: Callahan
Post Number: 4
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Friday, November 21, 2003 - 1:05 am: |
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This has been a great thread.
Please also check out "THE UGLY TRUTH ABOUT MAPLEWOOD POLICE DEPARTMENT"
You will be shocked. |
thelight
Citizen
Username: Thelight
Post Number: 116
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Friday, November 21, 2003 - 5:23 pm: |
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People of Earth!
I believe that the time has arrived to cease my postings on this forum. I have stated what I think are major problems within the Police Department of Maplewood. I will now sit back and let the superior minds involved in this fiasco, take charge. To those who support the Police, I thank you, to those who have run afoul of the law, and hold bitter resentment towards its Officers, I say lighten up! (No pun intended).
I can only hope that everyone involved will do the right thing, and do it in a timely fashion.
Goodbye,
The Light.. |
Joan
Citizen
Username: Joancrystal
Post Number: 2191
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, November 21, 2003 - 5:42 pm: |
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The Light:
Thank you for doing such a wonderful job of bringing the problems facing the MPD's rank and file officers to the public's attention through your comments in this forum.
I hope you will give into the urge to contribute further to these discussions especially if you spot any serious misconceptions on the part of the rest of us who are wrestling with this problem. |
Duncan
Citizen
Username: Duncanrogers
Post Number: 1172
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Friday, November 21, 2003 - 7:41 pm: |
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People of Earth??
And we are to take you seriously.
Adieu
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take"
Wayne Gretzky
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thelight
Citizen
Username: Thelight
Post Number: 117
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Friday, November 21, 2003 - 8:09 pm: |
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duncan,
Stop crying.
Bye. |
Duncan
Citizen
Username: Duncanrogers
Post Number: 1174
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Friday, November 21, 2003 - 8:46 pm: |
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bye.
Lights out
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take"
Wayne Gretzky
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