An arbitrator who ordered reinstatement of a police officer who called residents of a lower income neighborhood “fatherless,” “entitled thieves” using drugs and committing murder didn’t exceed his authority or violate public policy.
Peoria, Ill., failed to support its contention that public policy prohibited police departments from employing racist police officers, the Appellate Court of Illinois, Third District, ruled Tuesday. Even if it did, the arbitrator’s determination that Jeffrey Layman’s comments weren’t “overtly racist” meant he didn’t violate it, the court said.
Layman was investigated for violating an order regarding officer conduct and professionalism after a local pastor complained about ...