EWS

ELEASE

Chicago Police Department

Jody P. Weis Roderick Drew

Superintendent of Police Director312-745-6110 · 3510 South Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60653 · Fax 312-745-6999

For Immediate Release Contact: Office of News AffairsMay 26, 2009 312-745-6110

Statement by Superintendent Jody P. WeisRegarding Officer Bolling

First let me say how sorry I am for the family who lost their young child. A tragedy like thisshould not have happened, but it did, and as the Superintendent of the Chicago PoliceDepartment, you have my deepest condolences.It is important to determine what actually happened, and I have directed my team to conduct athorough investigation into this matter. At this preliminary stage of the investigation, there is noevidence or information that makes me believe that the officer in question received preferentialtreatment. However, our investigation will determine whether department orders were followedafter Officer Bolling was stopped by police. We are reviewing the existing DUI stop policy andhow officers are trained to handle incidents involving officers in the field. If deviations fromestablished policies and protocols are uncovered, immediate and appropriate action will betaken. I have also directed that a committee be formed to look at new ways to reach out to ourofficers in terms of discipline, education, prevention, and intervention in alcohol related issues.We must strive to do everything possible to prevent such an incident from happening again.Finally, with regard to the release of the officer's name, I would like to remind the public thatour Office of News Affairs abides by the City's collective bargaining agreement with theFraternal Order of Police which states that they cannot release the names of officers until theyare convicted or found guilty by the Police Board.Again, on behalf of the Department, I would like to express my deepest sympathy to all of thefamilies involved with this tragic incident. Many lives will be forever changed due to this veryunfortunate accident.