(Court opinion corrected 8/12/16.) Chicago Police Board discharged two officers and suspended another after officers assaulted a pedestrian while off duty. On administrative review, the circuit court held that the Board violated the officers’ due process rights and the charges were barred by laches, because the superintendent waited over four years after the assault to bring the charges. Court incorrectly reversed the Board's ruling. While Plaintiffs have a property interest in their employment, they were given notice of the charges and a thorough and meaningful opportunity to be heard. Plaintiffs were not prejudiced by losing their employment since they were gainfully employed until charges were filed and were only terminated after a full and fair hearing. (NEVILLE and SIMON, concurring.)
Illinois Appellate Court
Civil Court
Laches