Chicago Police Board grants superintendent’s motion to withdraw charges against Lt. Kevin Keefe after resignation

The Chicago Police Board on Nov. 20 granted the superintendent’s motion to withdraw disciplinary charges against Lieutenant Kevin Keefe after Keefe resigned from the Chicago Police Department, removing the board’s jurisdiction over the case.

President Kyle Cooper told the board that charges in case number 25PB3049-1 alleged Keefe approved tactical response reports with "false and incomplete information," but that Keefe had resigned before a hearing. After members moved and seconded the superintendent’s motion, the board voted to grant withdrawal. "A written order will be entered as of today's date, sent to the parties, and promptly posted on the police board's website," Cooper said.

Cooper also provided an update on litigation tied to arbitration of serious misconduct cases. He said the Fraternal Order of Police has petitioned the Illinois Supreme Court to review an appellate decision requiring public arbitration proceedings in the most serious cases, and the board was waiting on the court's action. "We expect a ruling later this month. In fact, we expect a ruling, hopefully, next Wednesday," Cooper said.

Cooper told the board the litigation has paused consideration of many discharge recommendations; he said 21 police board cases were on hold because of the litigation, including cases described as eight unjustified-shooting cases, five domestic-violence cases, two excessive-force cases and one illegal-search case. He added that four discharge cases are moving forward because the officers in those matters consented to board proceedings.

The board said it will post the written order and notify the parties promptly and will continue to update the public on any developments in the arbitration litigation.