Des Plaines wants to fire two police officers

The city of Des Plaines is seeking the dismissal of two patrol officers who were placed on administrative leave months ago as the city held an investigation into the conduct of one officer.

Des Plaines Acting City Manager Jason Slowinski would not detail the nature of the administrative charges, which were filed with the city’s board of fire and police commissioners this week following the investigation. The names and ranks of the officers are also being withheld.

Slowinski said he would not comment further on the advice of the city attorney.

According to a news release issued Friday, the investigation began after the city manager’s office received information last fall regarding the conduct of a patrol officer.

Per the city’s collective bargaining agreement with the patrol officer’s union — Metropolitan Alliance of Police Chapter 240 — the officers have the option of dealing with the charges through grievance arbitration instead of an public hearing. The officers have 21 days to decide whether to pursue arbitration.

If they choose to have a public hearing, the fire and police commission is required to conduct a hearing on the charges within 30 days of administrative charges being filed. The board has three members: Chairman Arthur Lukowicz; former mayor and police officer Mike Albrecht; and attorney Debra Lester.

Neither a spokesman for the Metropolitan Alliance of Police nor acting Police Chief Mike Kozak could be reached for comment so far Friday. All inquiries on the officers’ dismissal were being directed to the city manager’s office.