Police Board President Kyle Cooper's Statement on the Illinois Supreme Court Oral Argument

This morning's oral argument before the Illinois Supreme Court underscored the importance to all Chicagoans of whether arbitration hearings and decisions in the most serious police disciplinary cases will be open to the public. As I have repeatedly stated, I believe full public access is essential to accountability and to building community trust in the Chicago Police Department. That transparency benefits the public and the officers who put their lives on the line each day to keep our city safe.

While the Court considers the arguments, I again encourage officers facing the most serious disciplinary charges to choose a Police Board hearing. The Board is ready now to provide a prompt, fair, and public hearing that protects the due process rights of all parties.

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