Police board rejects push to move misconduct cases behind closed doors after arbitrator’s decision

Fraternal Order of Police President John Catanzara has argued that other public workers are already afforded the option of going to an arbitrator, and police are being held to another standard. (Scott Olson/Getty)

The Chicago Police Board voted Tuesday to retain jurisdiction over nearly two dozen disciplinary cases that the Fraternal Order of Police sought to move to arbitration following a nonbonding decision that would allow cops to keep serious misconduct proceedings out of public view. 

In a 10-page ruling, the police board said it doesn’t currently have the authority to transfer the 22 cases because the decision by independent arbitrator Edwin Benn hasn’t been ratified by City Council. The board also rejected the FOP’s stopgap request to stay the cases.