Accountability problem isn’t solved by firing aviation cops
Will the city of Chicago ever learn when it comes to accountability? Regarding the firing of two Chicago aviation security officers and the resignation of another who was involved in removing Dr. David Dao from United Flight 3411 on April 9, the term “low- hanging fruit” comes to mind.
Without question, there is more to this incident, and it goes directly to supervision and accountability. The airline called the security officers — a supplemental layer of security of about 250 unarmed officers. Their orders were to remove an unruly passenger. He resisted, and they reacted. It was an ugly scene, no question. The confusion over authority and just what their role is at O’Hare became apparent at the city’s hearings on the matter when the thenchief of security could not produce general orders for his department’s marching orders.
Anyone who thinks this mess of confusion is going to vanish with the firing of a few lower- ranking individuals is asking for big trouble. The CTA solved this problem in 1989 when it started a “special employment” program that assigned Chicago Police officers to patrol their rolling stock and bus routes on their days off and vacations. Supervisors assigned to that unit were permanently assigned so there would be no confusion on assignments and general orders.
It would seem to me that the powers that be at O’Hare should take a serious look at the CTA’s program, which will end the confusion and leave no doubt about who is responsible for the day- to- day security.
Bob Angone, retired Chicago Police lieutenant,
Miramar Beach, Florida
Go with flow of river
In seeing “Water Wait” in the print edition of the Sun- Times ( Oct. 17), I hope the submersion of the Riverwalk finally convinces the public that this waterway complex is only a conveyance to carry wastewater. Its recreational value has limitations, and it’ll never be a swimming pool, so accept it for what it is.
Fred J. Wittenberg, Evanston