Update on arbitration of police disciplinary cases

President Kyle Cooper's update at the April 16, 2026, Police Board public meeting:

I now have a brief update on the issue of arbitration. As I reported previously, the Supreme Court of Illinois accepted the appeal filed by the Fraternal Order of Police challenging the court ruling requiring arbitration proceedings for the most serious police disciplinary cases be open to the public.

The FOP filed its opening brief on February 4 and the City recently received a second extension to file its brief. The City's brief is now due on May 20. Each side will then have an opportunity to file an additional brief, with oral arguments to take place after all briefs are filed. It will therefore looks like it will be toward the end of this year or later when the Supreme Court decides the case.

As a reminder, all Police Board cases in which the accused officer has elected arbitration remain on hold until the Supreme Court rules and an arbitration process is established. A total of 24 cases are on hold-13 cases filed with the Police Board in 2023, 3 filed in 2024, and 8 filed in 2025. Two cases against CPD supervisors-a sergeant and a lieutenant-are moving forward because the arbitration option does not apply to them.

The Police Board website Chicago.gov/PoliceBoard lists all cases currently before the Police Board and will continue to provide updates on the arbitration litigation.

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