Action Alert: Police Accountability

The new Chicago police contract includes a provision allowing officers accused of serious misconduct to have their cases heard by an arbitrator instead of the Police Board. While this may sound like a routine pro-labor provision, its adoption would make it more difficult to hold police officers accountable for their actions. Closed-door proceedings would replace the Police Board’s public hearings. Decisions would be made not by the independent Board but by a private arbitrator whose appointment depends on the consent of the union.

LWV Chicago opposes the inclusion of the arbitration clause and urges all League members to ask their alders to vote against it. LWV Chicago, working with the Coalition for Police Accountability and Transparency (CPAT), has submitted comments to the City Council ahead of their December 13 meeting asking alders to vote no on the ruling that would allow arbitration for serious cases of police misconduct.

Don’t wait. Contact your alders now!

Thank you for taking action!