Safety of CTA operators and customers is paramount

Your July 15 editorial concerning a fight between a CTA passenger and two bus operators, both of whom were fired because of the incident, failed to acknowledge a number of important aspects made clear in the video provided to your paper

The incident began well before any punches were thrown. As the video shows, the operators stopped their buses in the middle of an intersection to have a conversation — a violation of CTA rules. The video shows that the operator got off the bus to engage the customer — another violation of CTA policy. It was only after the operator exited the bus that a physical confrontation occurred.

After the incident was over, neither of the operators reported the incident to CTA management — yet another violation of CTA rules.

To be clear, the safety and well-being of our operators and our customers is paramount. Our operators face all sorts of challenges every day, and when confronted by unruly, disrespectful or hostile customers, our operators are expected to follow specific rules and procedures intended to protect not only the operator, but other customers and co-workers as well. The operators in this incident did not follow those rules.

CTA’s actions were not taken because of “the optics” of a bus operator body slamming a passenger. They were taken because our operators violated several longstanding work rules. Our operators are highly trained and competent, and held to a high standard of professionalism. In the rare occasions that doesn’t happen, our employees are rightfully held accountable.

Dorval R. Carter, Jr. president. Chicago Transit Authority

Right on the money

I thought the Chicago Sun-Times editorial on Eddie Johnson’s downfall was right on the money. True, it would be unfair to judge a man’s whole life and career on one incident. He has paid the price with a highly sensational demotion and forced resignation. However, there is another very important part of this entire affair. The initial officers on the scene did what they had to do and called a supervisor.

In the Department of Justice’s scathing report of Chicago’s Police Department, they mention that the supervision is loose at best. The entire city got a good look at just what they were talking about. The supervisor that arrived at the scene put his career and personal feelings before his sworn duty by letting an obviously impaired driver move along on his own.

A tough call for any supervisor, but it’s what supervision is all about. The CPD has far too long ignored the supervisors and command officers when it comes to accountability and holding them responsible for the actions of officers under their command. It’s ironic that a few years ago Eddie Johnson himself once said in his entire career he has never witnessed the code of silence.

I’m hoping the inspector general in his final findings will find more than the low-hanging fruit. Supervision is a function of command, and demonstrating a desire to hold supervisors responsible in the long run will benefit a department that for years turned a blind eye to its leadership responsibilities.

Bob Angone, Austin, Texas