Chicago City Wire

The Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), representing Chicago police officers below the rank of sergeant, has filed an appeal against two rulings from the March 21 Cook County Circuit Court decision. This decision permits officers to opt for arbitration in serious disciplinary cases instead of having them heard by the Police Board. The union contests the mandates that arbitration proceedings be public and that accused officers may face suspension without pay during pending arbitration.

In late July, the FOP submitted its opening brief to the Illinois Appellate Court. The City's response is due later this month. A resolution from the Illinois Appellate Court on this matter is not expected soon.

Currently, there are no updates on the 13 cases before the Police Board where officers have requested arbitration. There has been no communication from either party regarding an agreed-upon public arbitration process. Consequently, these cases remain inactive; no arbitration hearings will proceed until a public process is established, and no Police Board hearings will occur without consent from the accused officer.

Since the March 21 Circuit Court ruling, no new disciplinary cases involving FOP members have been brought before the Police Board. To date in 2024, only one new case against a CPD sergeant has been filed with the Board.