(WBBM NEWSRADIO) – The Chicago City Council has -- for the second time --voted to reject a contract provision that would allow police officers accused of the most serious misconduct the option of closed-door arbitration.
The city council’s 32-18 vote likely assures a court battle between the city and the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 7.
Alders who opposed the component of the police contract said it would represent a major step back for a city known for police misconduct cases. Currently, the Chicago Police Board considers the fate of officers accused of serious wrongdoing; the change would give the private arbitration option to officers facing firing or a yearlong suspension.
“This is inconsistent with the interests and the welfare of the public,” said Southwest Side Ald. Michael Rodriguez, 22nd.
But other alders supported the arbitration option.
Ald. Silvana Tabares, 23rd, said the measure is about workers’ rights. And 41st Ald. Anthony Napolitano, a former police officer, said: “This isn’t a movement for what’s right or what’s wrong – this is a movement against police, and it has been that way for years.”
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