Hundreds of Chicago police officers descended on City Hall Wednesday, as the relationship between local law enforcement and Mayor Rahm Emanuel continues to deteriorate.
“The members feel as though the city has turned its back on police in many ways,” said Chicago police union official Martin Preib.
“The sentiment is prompted, in part, by a lack of progress on a new police contract, the union says. Only two negation sessions have been held during the past 11 months since the former deal expired. Union president Kevin Graham said the lack of a deal hasn’t affected overall police performance but added the city could be doing more to reach a deal,” CBS Chicago reports.
Graham believes City Hall officials aren’t doing enough to reach an agreement with Police Union leadership.
“They certainly could be meeting with us more if they wanted to be.”
According to the Chicago Tribune, Mayor Emanuel says he’s remained even-handed during the negotiations.
The move to protest City Hall follows reports indicating officer Robert Rialmo was placed on a no-pay status stemming from his involvement in the deadly shooting of Bettie Jones and Quintonio LeGrier back in 2015.
Footage of the protest has begun circulating on social media.
CBS Chicago reporter Vi Nguyen published a video of protesters confronting Fraternal Order of Police members on City Hall’s second floor.
Outside of City Hall, both current and former police officers were seen chanting “Rahm must go,” near City Hall.
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