Department Issues Rules To Prevent Officer Sick Out
Officers' Union Challenges New Plan
POSTED: Wednesday, June 29, 2005
DETROIT -- Detroit Police Department officials created a plan to prevent a possible fireworks sick out, but officers are challenging the new rules.
New rules have been outlined for officers who call in sick during a major event, such as the Target Fireworks planned for Wednesday night where thousands of people are expected to gather downtown.
An internal Detroit Police Department memo issued Monday stated that officers who call in sick must immediately report to a designated health clinic, where they will undergo a "fitness-for-duty" evaluation, Local 4 reported. There is also no paid time off for family sickness without documentation, the station reported.
"We're doing all that we can to make sure that we have a very safe environment," said Detroit police Chief Ella Bully-Cummings (pictured, left).
The Detroit Police Officers Association has challenged the new rules. The union had a Wayne County judge issue an injunction to prevent the police department from implementing or enforcing the new sick-leave policy until further notice, Local 4 reported.
Police department officials plan to revise the rules to accommodate officers and the department, the station reported.
There is currently no indication there will be a sick out involving Detroit officers Wednesday night, Local 4 reported.
City officials have heightened security for this year's event. Flood lights and surveillance cameras have been installed at Hart Plaza, where a shooting occurred during
last year's fireworks show.
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