Chicago police officers facing serious discipline can now take cases to arbitrator

CHICAGO (WLS) -- A new ruling will allow Chicago police officers facing the most serious disciplinary charges to bypass the Chicago Police Board, the ABC7 I-Team reports.

Instead, officers can take their cases to an arbitrator.

A Cook County judge said those hearings should be public, despite the police union's request for them to be held behind closed doors.

The Better Government Association weighs in a new ruling that allows CPD officers facing the most serious disciplinary charges to bypass the Chicago Police Board.

The ruling relates to cases where an officer could be dismissed or suspended for more than a year.

From now on, the city can only hold police board hearings in these instances if the officer agrees.

There was reaction from opposing opinions on the topic at Thursday night' Chicago Police Board meeting. The board president said he "respectfully" disagrees with the ruling.

Chicago Fraternal Order of Police President John Catanzara attended the meeting, and he weighed in in support of the decision.