Chicago City Council Delays Vote on Police Misconduct Arbitration

Fraternal Order of Police threatens legal action as dispute over disciplinary process continues

Chicago City Council has again delayed a vote on whether to reject an arbitrator's ruling that would allow Chicago Police Department officers accused of serious misconduct to have their disciplinary cases heard privately by an arbitrator rather than through the public Chicago Police Board.
The decision to delay the vote was made by allies of Mayor Brandon Johnson, marking the latest chapter in a contentious dispute over the arbitration process.
The Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) has threatened legal action over the decision, with FOP President John Catanzara warning of a costly court fight.
Supporters of the public disciplinary process argue it promotes transparency and accountability in handling serious cases of police misconduct.
Despite warnings from the arbitrator and the FOP, the council Committee on Workforce Development rejected the arbitration award a second time, setting the stage for a final roll call vote at the upcoming Council meeting.