Recently, the Village has received multiple complaints from residents that they are being solicited over the telephone and in-person for donations under the guise of the “Burr Ridge Police Association”.  Some residents have reported threats and other aggressive behaviors by these solicitors and have requested police assistance on numerous occasions.  If residents or businesses are being threatened or unduly pressured they should dial 9-1-1 for assistance.

It is our understanding that the Metropolitan Alliance of Police, the union that represents the Village’s Police Corporals and Sergeants, is once again soliciting residents and businesses for contributions under the guise of the Burr Ridge Police Association. Please be aware that neither the Village of Burr Ridge nor the Burr Ridge Police Department is involved in or condones this action. The “Burr Ridge Police Association” is essentially a local affiliate of a police union known as the Metropolitan Alliance of Police (M.A.P.).

Members of the Burr Ridge Police Department are not allowed to participate in solicitations of this type.  In fact, the terms of their 2010-2014 collective bargaining agreement strictly prohibit Burr Ridge Corporals and Sergeants from soliciting or assisting in any way in the solicitation of any person or entity for contributions on behalf of the Burr Ridge Police Department, the Village of Burr Ridge or for any person or entity affiliated in any way with any police organization.  Burr Ridge Police Department Corporals and Sergeants are further prohibited from using or assisting others in the use of the Village’s name, shield or insignia, communication systems, supplies and materials for solicitation of any type or kind. 

Any contribution to this organization (M.A.P.), as with any other, should be made freely and openly on the basis of an informed, individual choice and should not be made as a result of undue pressure, lack of understanding of the nature of the group, misrepresentation or any other form of harassment. If residents or businesses have been contacted by this organization and feel that they have been misinformed or harassed in any way, it is suggested that they call the organization and ask for their money back. Also, it is suggested that they ask for the name of the person to whom they are speaking, so, if misstatements are made, they can be attributed back to those individuals responsible.

Burr Ridge has a fine and dedicated Police Department. Please be assured that they are well paid, well equipped and well trained.  For example:

- The Village completed negotiations for a collective bargaining agreement that provides for an increase in the maximum salary for Police Officers of 7.25% over a four-year period.

- Effective May 1, 2011 the current salary range for a Police Corporal is $59,383.10 to $86,943.08.  Effective May 1, 2011, the current salary range for a Police Sergeant is $65,824.36 to $95,464.11.  All Corporals and Sergeants are at the top of the pay range. 

- Salaries for Corporals and Sergeants will increase again by 2.50% beginning May 1, 2012. 

- In addition, on average Corporals and Sergeants earn over $10,000 per year in overtime.

- Burr Ridge Officers, Corporals and Sergeants participant in an excellent pension plan that allows them to retire as early as age 50 with 20 years of service.  $564,520 of property tax dollars paid to the Village of Burr Ridge are devoted to paying police pensions.

- The Village pays 90% of employee and 75% of dependents’ health and dental insurance for each employee.  In addition, the Village pays for a $50,000 life insurance policy for each employee.

- The Village supplies each Officer with a weapon, bulletproof vest and uniforms upon employment, and an additional $650 per year in the form of a uniform allowance.

- Based on requests from our Officers, the Village budgeted $5,060 in education/tuition reimbursements for Police Department employees in fiscal year 2011-12. Also, the Police Department’s training budget for fiscal year 2011-12 is $15,130.

Residents and businesses should keep these facts in mind when asked to make a contribution for specific purposes. If you have any questions regarding this matter please contact Steve Stricker, Village Administrator, at (630) 654-8181, extension 2000.