(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Mayor Lightfoot said she expects most Chicago police officers to report for duty as the COVID vaccine mandate for city workers takes effect Friday, even though the head of the police union predicts half will stay home.
The mayor said officers who don’t comply with the requirement or agree to the option of regular COVID testing through the end of the year will be placed on “no pay” status.
It will take time, she said, to verify the list of officers who are not in compliance, and so it should not be an issue until at least next week.
“My expectation is that people who swore an oath to serve and protect the city are going to honor that oath and they’re going to show up,” the mayor said at a Thursday news conference. “They’re going to report for duty and they’re going to comply with a legal directive from the city and an order from the police department. Anything less would be insubordination.”
First Deputy Supt. Eric Carter warned officers who do not comply would face discipline that may include “separation” from the Chicago Police Department.
Lightfoot said contingency plans would be in place in the event a great number of officers revolt. She would not offer details.
The mayor said she does not fear a legal challenge from the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 7.
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