In the private sector, workers typically get 12 sick days annually. But with new police contract talks now underway, the union’s vowed not to concede without a fight. Police-union vice president Bill Dougherty says the generous medical leave is needed because officers face special health risks, “like dealing with dead bodies.”
To bolster the ranks, the Chicago police since November have sent 1,000 desk cops into the streets on a rotating basis. Officials are now conducting surprise checks–ringing doorbells at homes of officers who called in sick. At least one suspected sandbagger was recently canned. This may be as effective in curing ailing officers as a flu shot.
