By Nick Gale, WLS News
(CHICAGO) An arbitrator has ruled that a policy within the Chicago Police Department that has officers cover up their tattoos violates the police contract.
Five months after a federal judge ruled that the internal policy does not violate First Amendment rights, the arbitrator upheld a grievance filed by the Fraternal Order of Police.
The independent arbitrator says the appropriate remedy is for the department to restore the prior policy, and make employees whole for any discipline issued.
The policy change, implemented by former Top Cop Garry McCarthy last summer, required officers to cover up their tattoos “while on duty or representing the department, whether in uniform, conservative business attire or casual dress.”
@ 2016 WLS-AM News
