Attorney General Kwame Raoul filed an amicus brief on June 2 with the Illinois Supreme Court, calling for continued public access to hearings in serious disciplinary matters involving Chicago Police Department officers. Raoul said that moving these hearings behind closed doors would undermine both the state’s consent decree with the city of Chicago—a court order mandating broad police reform—and public confidence in the department.
“Increasing transparency is a cornerstone goal of the state’s consent decree with the city to reform policing practices,” Raoul said. “Eliminating this longstanding transparency measure would be a step in the opposite direction and would ultimately result in a loss of public trust.”
The issue arose after an arbitrator, tasked in 2023 with setting terms for a new collective bargaining agreement between Chicago and a union representing most CPD officers, adopted a proposal allowing officers facing serious discipline—such as termination or suspension over one year—to choose private arbitration instead of public hearings before the Chicago Police Board. A Cook County Circuit Court judge vacated this part of the arbitrator’s award, stating that closing proceedings conflicted with Illinois’ policy favoring transparency. The Illinois Appellate Court later affirmed that such proceedings should remain open to the public. Raoul is now asking the Illinois Supreme Court to uphold this appellate ruling.
In his brief, Raoul argued that holding disciplinary proceedings out of public view contradicts principles and specific mandates of the consent decree, which require increased transparency and greater information for misconduct complainants about their cases’ status and handling. He further said that closing these proceedings could erode trust between CPD and community members.
Raoul’s position aligns with views from policing experts and federal authorities who say transparency is essential for fostering trust between law enforcement agencies and residents. Eliminating long-standing measures like open disciplinary hearings could undercut those efforts.
The office of Attorney General has advocated for vulnerable groups including workers, immigrants, and seniors; handled thousands of consumer complaints annually; aimed to protect consumers while promoting safer communities; extended advocacy across Illinois; partnered with law enforcement to support crime victims; promoted open government; and offered services such as complaint filing for consumer fraud and civil rights, according to the official website.
