A judge blocks Chicago from enforcing its vaccine mandate for police officers.

CHICAGO – A Chicago judge on Monday prevented the city from enforcing a December 31 vaccination mandate for police officers until the issue can be addressed in arbitration. The ruling was a blow to Mayor Lori Lightfoot and a victory for a police union that has been embroiled in an increasingly scathing battle with the City Council over the rule.

In Chicago, Judge Mitchell’s ruling put into effect the requirement that officers inform the city of their vaccination status, which the police union has opposed, and that they undergo periodic testing if they are not vaccinated.

“The reporting obligation itself is minimal intrusion, especially considering that police officers are already required to provide medical information to their employer,” the judge wrote.