Insights from Retired Officer Dave Case: Blog & More

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The Dave Case Journal


Explore reflections, stories, and insights from the streets of Chicago to the soul of a writer. Here, Dave shares the raw truths behind his novels, commentary on justice and society, and the moments that continue to shape his voice.

15. June 2026

The Unsung Heroes of Law Enforcement


The People Behind the Badge

When I worked for the City of Chicago, I encountered few, if any, civilian employees when I started in 1986. Sworn officers filled those roles that civilians were eventually brought in to work. Now, civilians are invariably overlooked for their presence in the law enforcement workforce.

I, for one, appreciate their effort and attention to detail, whether it was police clerks, timekeepers, or lockup keepers.

A New Perspective in Bridgeview

But now that I’m in Bridgeview, my appreciation for civilian employees has risen tenfold.

Namely because we don’t have any.

But that’s not entirely true anymore, as we have been allowed to bring on a couple of auxiliary officers: one full-time and one part-time employee who work the front desk, answer phones, help assemble subpoenaed materials, and file reports and arrest jackets.

We also have another auxiliary officer, now in his seventies, who comes in when we have an overnight prisoner.

Keeping the Department Running

All of them make an incredible difference in keeping this department functioning, and we, as a department, do a bad job of telling them how important they are.

It can’t be pleasant to be exposed to the many stresses faced by law enforcement and not receive recognition for it.

Thanks to the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police (ILACP) for bringing attention to that fact.

Even as I write this, I’ve tracked down our civilian employees and told them how important they are to the department.

Tomorrow, I’m going to give them a card.

Sometimes the people who make the biggest difference are the ones working quietly behind the scenes.

And sometimes, all they need to hear is, "Thank you."

— Dave Case

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