CHICAGO — A growing controversy has emerged within the Chicago Police Department as over 50 new recruits continue their training without receiving a single paycheck nearly a month after being hired, according to their union.
The Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) has raised alarms that this payroll failure is causing severe stress among recruits — including one officer who may resign due to personal financial hardship.
Hired in Mid-May — Still Waiting for First Paycheck
According to FOP President John Catanzara, the recruits were hired on May 16, and were supposed to receive their first paycheck by May 27. But as of mid-June, they remain unpaid.
“They should have gotten a paycheck on the 27th,” Catanzara told NBC Chicago. “They were told they were going to be made whole. We are still waiting for corrections to be made. Everybody is making promises, nobody is getting anything done.”
He emphasized the emotional and financial toll this delay is having, especially on those with family obligations.
One Recruit Contemplating Leaving the Force
Among the recruits, at least one is considering leaving the department entirely, citing the inability to support her special needs child without income.
“There’s no benefits, no salary,” Catanzara said. “There’s one recruit who has contemplated resigning and going somewhere else for money.”
The issue reflects broader concerns about how the city handles onboarding new officers during a time when public safety remains a hot-button political issue.
Unpaid Recruits Told to Purchase Equipment for Officer Rivera’s Funeral
Adding to the frustration, the police department has reportedly instructed the recruits to purchase new uniforms and equipment to attend the funeral of Officer Krystal Rivera, who was killed in the line of duty earlier this month.
“The department, in its infinite wisdom, is having these soon-to-be officers purchase new equipment and uniforms so they will be in compliance at the expected funeral services next week,” Catanzara said.
This demand has intensified criticism from the union, which argues it’s unacceptable to require additional expenses from officers who have yet to be compensated.
City Departments Pass the Buck
When NBC Chicago’s Charlie Wojciechowski attempted to reach out to the Mayor’s Office for answers, he was redirected to the Police Department. That department then pointed him to the Office of Budget and Management.
As of now, no clear answer or official explanation has been provided by any city agency regarding when the recruits will be paid or what caused the delay.
Broader Context: Ongoing Staffing and Morale Issues
This incident comes amid broader staffing challenges and morale issues within the Chicago Police Department. Officer retention and recruitment have both been flagged as areas of concern, especially following nationwide scrutiny of law enforcement practices and the ongoing pressure of violent crime in urban centers.
Unpaid training periods only further jeopardize the department’s ability to attract and retain qualified individuals.
Should Recruits Train Without Pay?
What are your thoughts on this situation? Should new police recruits be expected to continue training without timely pay? Have you or someone you know experienced a similar issue with a city agency?
Share your story with us in the comments at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
