Arbitrator upholds Chicago's vaccine mandate for police

John Catanzara
Fraternal Order of Police President John Catanzara speaks to the press as Chicago police officers and their supporters protest the department's vaccination policy outside of police headquarters on October 26, 2021 in Chicago, Illinois. The city has started to place police officers on unpaid leave for refusing to comply with the city's requirements that they report their COVID-19 vaccination status. Photo credit Scott Olson/Getty Images

CHICAGO (AP) -- An arbitrator has upheld the city of Chicago's COVID-19 vaccine requirement for police.

Mayor Lori Lightfoot said Wednesday that she hopes it is a "signal for those members who are not yet vaccinated to get vaccinated."

The Fraternal Order of Police had vigorously fought the city's rules, which resulted in lawsuits.

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The ruling says officers must get their first dose of the shot by March 13 and the second dose a month later.

The vast majority of city employees are vaccinated but rates in the Chicago Police Department have lagged behind. The police union didn't immediately have comment.

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Featured Image Photo Credit: Scott Olson/Getty Images