Open Hearing
A court decision has been appealed by the largest police union in Chicago, which has made the announcement in a formal manner. Additionally, that would have allowed the public to attend hearings on significant disciplinary cases. Lawyers for Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 7 announced in court that they would appeal a ruling made last month by Cook County Judge Michael Mullen.
Mullen’s order rolled back a 2023 labor arbitrator’s decision that allowed officers facing long-term suspensions. Additionally, termination to have their case decided by an impartial arbiter rather than the Chicago Police Board. The arbitrator’s decision also mandated that the city compensate suspended officers while their cases were pending, a provision that Mullen’s order also rolled back.
Mullen had previously stated that he expected neither side to be pleased with his decision. Mullen upheld officers’ rights to have an arbitrator decide their fate in serious cases. Nonetheless, he stated that the hearings could be open due to public interest in police misconduct.
Chicago’s largest Police Union Appealed
Chicago’s largest police union filed an appeal against a Cook County judge’s decision to allow police officers accused of serious misconduct. Additionally, to ask an arbitrator — rather than the Chicago Police Board — to decide their fate, but only if the proceedings were held in public.
Judge Michael Mullen’s decision upheld the city’s largest police union’s effort to overhaul the system used for 60 years to punish officers for serious misconduct. Additionally “split the baby,” said Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 7 President John Catanzara in a March 22 video posted to the union’s social media accounts.
By appealing Mullen’s decision, the union hopes to overturn his decision. That said it is “against a dominant and well-defined public policy”. Additionally cases involving the possibility of officers being fired or placed on indefinite leave of absence to be heard behind closed doors.
Police Disciplinary
One of the main points of contention surrounding police disciplinary proceedings has been transparency. This is highlighted by the consent decree that oversees police reform. Mullen referenced this decree’s mandate for accountability and openness within the Chicago Police Department in his decision.
He stated, “There is an extraordinarily strong public policy interest in favor of transparency in cases alleging serious misconduct. By Chicago Police officers serious enough to result in dismissal or suspension re than excess of one year.” According to WTTW News, this citation demonstrates an understanding of police officers’ unique role. Additionally, it includes the authority to make arrests and, in some cases, use lethal force against civilians.
The police union’s decision to file an appeal opens a new chapter in the conflict between union-backed protections and police accountability. Citing the ongoing nature of the case, the city’s Law Department has remained silent as the litigation moves forward.
Case in Court
On Wednesday, almost a month after the city council rejected the proposal, Chicago’s largest police union argued in court that misconduct allegations should be arbitrated privately. The legal gambit was expected: Chicago John Dineen Lodge #7 leader, John Catanzara, made it clear he intended to challenge the ordinance in court . Immediately as possible after the union’s attempts to privatize misconduct proceedings. Additionally, were soundly rejected by the Chicago City Council in an 18-to-32 vote against the ordinance.
which would direct all complaints of wrongdoing by police to private arbitration as opposed to the civilian police board of the city. Attorneys for the city and the Fraternal Order of Police presented their cases to Cook County Circuit Court Judge Michael Mullen on Wednesday. Mullen has stated that he plans to rule as soon as Thursday. Additionally, nearly two months later the union filed a lawsuit against the city. Criticizing the city council’s rejection of private arbitration.
According to Franczek, parties who timely apply to modify an arbitration award have 90 days from the arbitrator’s disposition. Additionally to request vacatur in circuit court regardless of whether the modification was granted or denied. Judge Mullen stated that he expects to rule on the matter before the end of the week, but he also stated that he believes the result will not please either side. Is this the last thing that will happen? Not in my opinion,” Mullen declared.
Written by Shontasia Gregory
Source
chicago.suntimes Chicago police union files notice of appeal in case that would open serious discipline cases to the public
courthousenews Chicago police union, thwarted by city council, asks judge to allow private arbitration of misconduct claims
hoodline CHICAGO POLICE UNION FIGHTS FOR SECRECY IN MISCONDUCT HEARINGS, APPEALS TRANSPARENCY RULING AMID ONGOING ACCOUNTABILITY BATTLE
Featured Image Courtesy of alaina buzas Flickr Page -Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy of Daniel X. O’Neil Flickr Page -Creative Commons License
