For Immediate Release: September 27, 2023
Contact: media@colorofchange.org 

In Chicago, the Police Board Denies Proposal to Move Police Misconduct Cases Behind Closed Doors

Yesterday Chicago’s Police Board voted to retain jurisdiction of 22 serious police disciplinary cases, following Chicago’s Fraternal Order of Police’s request for these cases to be considered behind closed doors, Color Of Change released the following statement from Michael Collins, Senior Director of State and Local Government Affairs:

“This decision by Chicago’s Police Board is a serious milestone for public safety and police accountability. The Fraternal Order of Police’s desire to seclude police misconduct hearings was simply a move to protect police, not the people of Chicago. Transparency must be one of the highest priorities for any police board, as they have the power to account for the brutality faced by community members at the hands of officers sworn to protect them. In any of these cases, the people of Chicago deserve to have a public record of consequences afforded to officers when they commit gross misconduct.”

“In Chicago, and across the country, police unions have long wielded disproportionate local political influence. The Police Board’s vote to deny the Union’s request in this circumstance is no small victory, this is a huge win in the fight for a model of public safety that no longer allows police officers to act without any fear of retaliation. Color Of Change will continue to challenge toxic police unions as we press for public safety reform that works for all people, not just those with a badge.”

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