The City of Chicago and the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #7 have reached a tentative contract agreement, subject to ratification by FOP membership and assuming that, City Council approval.  This tentative agreement is in alignment with the Consent Decree, that includes historic accountability reforms, more support for officer wellness including a new ombudsman to support mental health for officers, and back pay for officers.  The agreement expands on the same historic accountability reforms that were achieved in the three Policemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association (PBPA) units contract. All of the items that the City was required to utilize its “best efforts” to win under the Consent Decree were achieved.  These reforms include: 

• An end to the 40-year ban on the investigation of anonymous complaints about police misconduct; 

• The elimination of the requirement to destroy disciplinary records older than five years, in line with the Supreme Court’s ruling; 

• Allowing the City to broaden its use of police disciplinary records in cases involving police misconduct, including verbal abuse, mirroring the PBPA agreement; 

• An end to allowing officers to change their testimony after viewing video;  

In addition, the tentative agreement includes the following enhancements: 

• The elimination of affidavits and an expedited process (“override”) for anonymous complaints where the complainant doesn’t want to be identified; 

• Recognition in the CBA that officers who report potential misconduct are acting in the highest traditions of public service, and a removal of the previous “ban” on rewarding/recognizing officers who report misconduct; 

• Investigatory agencies must advise every individual being interviewed that they need to be truthful.