I was rear ended on the way to work yesterday. I contacted police on the scene, and they informed…read moreme that I can continue to work and go to a police station when I'm able to. (Since no injuries / car is drivable)
I stopped by district 17 PD in Albany Park after work, to which an officer kindly advised me of the extended wait time, and informed me I had 10 days to file the report. Wanting to rest after work, I thanked him and decided to head back the next day.
Today, I went to this police station in lake view east, since it's closer to me. After entering, I was called over by one of the police officers. He was older-middle aged, and Hispanic/latino. He asked me where the crash occurred, and I gave him the intersection we were at. He told me he needed an address and to pull out my phone and get it. Sure no problem - I'm happy to do that. He then makes a comment that I should know traffic rules and laws before coming there. I felt that was totally unnecessary. I just moved into the city a few months ago, and this is the first time I was asked specifically for an address. Wanting to just get this report filed and done with, I gave the officer the address I found.
Next, the officer says since it's been a day since the accident, there's a chance the other party in the accident has filed a report already. He said he did not want two reports to be filed and instructed me to contact the other party to ask if he has filed a police report already. The other party was clearly at fault, and they sustained minimal damage to their vehicle. On the other hand, it's clear I will need at least a new bumper put on. I had already filed a claim with their insurance before coming in as well. So I questioned why it was necessary to contact the other driver. I couldn't imagine why the other party would go and file a report already, when they might not need any repairs at all and had already admitted fault.
Then, the officer sighs, shakes his head, and tells me it was necessary that we contacted to ask if they had already filed a report. He then said something along the lines of, "here - give me their number. I'll call them if you're too scared to do it."
I came for help but instead was bullied by a full grown adult. After that comment, I walked out, because I couldn't take any more of the cruel and unnecessary comments. I decided to make the 30 minute drive back to district 17, and was helped by a different officer than the one I had spoken to the night before. He was able to help me, without complaining or criticizing, and while treating me with the amount of respect and dignity that all people deserve. He was kind, helpful, and patient with me. It was so relieving after the experience I had just had at this station - in lake view.
I want to shout out all of the officers at district 17 PD for their friendliness and their willingness to help. That is how you protect and serve the public.
I'm so incredibly disappointed with how the officer at the district 19 PD on Addison street handled my request. His attitude and senseless cruelty is harmful to the community he has vowed to serve. Shame on him for his actions today.