Chicago City Wire

The Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), representing Chicago police officers below the rank of sergeant, has appealed two rulings from a March 21 Cook County Circuit Court decision. This decision allows officers to opt for arbitration in serious disciplinary cases instead of having them heard by the Police Board. The union contests the rulings that require arbitration proceedings to be public and allow for accused officers to be suspended without pay while their case is pending.

The FOP submitted its opening brief to the Illinois Appellate Court in late July. The deadline for the City's response has been extended twice and is now set for later this month. A decision from the Illinois Appellate Court on this appeal is not expected soon.

Currently, there are no updates on the 13 cases before the Police Board where officers have requested arbitration. The Board has yet to receive confirmation from either party about an agreed-upon public arbitration process. These cases remain inactive, with no hearings scheduled until such a process is established or unless an officer consents to a Police Board hearing.

Additionally, four new disciplinary cases involving FOP members were filed with the Police Board earlier this month following investigations by CPD Internal Affairs. Three involve positive drug tests, while one pertains to an alleged residency violation. Details will be available on the Board’s website once charges are communicated to the accused officers, who can then choose between public arbitration or a Police Board hearing.