FOP Questions Safety at Harrison Police Station

Safety concerns at a police station on the city's West Side prompt the Fraternal Order of Police to file a complaint

The Fraternal Order of Police is questioning the safety at the Harrison police station on the West Side following a series of security problems.

"This station is less secure than a chicken shack," FOP spokesman Pat Camden said Tuesday.

The most recent incident was reported on Nov. 24, when a man walked into the station with an assault rifle.

"An offender walks in with an AR-15 with a 30-round clip declaring martial law," said Camden. "We were a heartbeat away from being Detroit, where they had a shootout in a police station."

Similar incidents were reported within the last few months at the station, located in one of Chicago's highest-crime districts.

Last February, an internal security assessment pointed out problems with security at the station, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. The review resulted in several recommendations, including the installation of a five foot high metal fence to restrict entry into the front office and an alarm system.

The FOP filed a safety complaint, saying nothing has been done to fix the problem and the organization is concerned about the safety of the officers.

In a statement, the Chicago Police Department said officer safety is "paramount."

"CPD has a safety committee which meets with the FOP on a regular basis to discuss any officer safety concerns they may have. We will discuss this with them," said police spokeswoman Sarah Hamilton.

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