Chicago's Mayor Brandon Johnson is facing increased scrutiny following an arbitrator's decision on police disciplinary cases. This decision allows those cases that result in suspensions of a year or greater, or dismissals, to bypass the Chicago Police Board. Johnson's administration is in strong opposition to this decision, according to Mayor Brandon Johnson's tweet.
My full statement issued earlier this evening on the arbitrator’s ruling on police disciplinary cases. pic.twitter.com/UB9voaKJfU
— Mayor Brandon Johnson (@ChicagosMayor) October 24, 2023
As noted by WTTW News, Johnson has requested that the Chicago City Council reject the arbitrator's conclusion, which he describes as a "significant setback for police accountability and reform."
Originating from issues yet to be resolved in the 2021 police contract, this decision ensures that Chicago officers suspended for at least a year or terminated must have their cases decided privately by an arbitrator rather than by the Chicago Police Board in public. While the Chicago City Council retains the authority to accept or reject Johnson's first labor agreement since taking office in May without major changes, substantial modifications could force the city and the police union back into negotiations.
Previous to his statement calling for the Council's rejection of the agreement, Johnson had commended the deal, calling it "fair and consistent with the current law enforcement needs, economic atmosphere, and budgetary constraints of Chicago."
Johnson's sudden shift in stance has led to speculations of his intentions to boost transparency while respecting the rights of the police union, but his decision was met with criticism. Some have queried why Johnson would request part of a deal he previously lauded and which included a contentious provision. Meanwhile, advocates of police reform argue this provision could reduce transparency and impede officer accountability. As reported by WTTW News, despite a federal judge ordering changes to the city's methods of training, supervising, and disciplining officers, only 5% of its requirements are currently met.
Policing accountability and misconduct continually take center stage while the City Council deliberates whether to accept or reject the labor agreement.
