Cincinnati lawmakers didn't object when a two-year contract was signed with the police union last month.

        But after revelations that 10 out of 10 officers fired for improper conduct in the last five years had been reinstated after they took their cases to arbitration, City Council members now say they want to change the way disciplinary actions are handled.

        “A few officers should not be allowed to besmirch the reputation of the police department,” Councilman Pat DeWine said Thursday. “We did just approve a (police) contract. But it's not too early to start thinking about changes.”

        He and other council members question why outside arbitrators, hired to be impartial judges, have ruled against the city in every case involving a fired police officer.

        Fraternal Order of Police President Keith Fangman said Thursday that the move “smacks of political grandstanding.”

        He said it was the city that asked for binding arbitration seven years ago, not the union.

        “No one, including Mr. DeWine, said a word about arbitration during the vote,” Mr. Fangman said of the recent contract.

        He said the union doesn't support bad cops. The real problem with arbitrations, he said, can be found in some harshly-worded decisions by arbitrators who have said the city's cases are not always well-prepared.

        “That's not the FOP's problem,” Mr. Fangman said. “That's a city problem, and council members should focus on cleaning up their own house.”

        Council members don't dispute that arbitrators alone are not to blame. They cited problems with written police policies, police investigations, presentations by city attorneys and uneven discipline.

        They unanimously supported a letter sent by Mr. DeWine to City Manager John Shirey that asks for an extensive review of the discipline process within 60 days. The eight-point letter also calls for a meeting with the police union about finding ways to address the problem.

        Councilman Phil Heimlich said the city made a mistake when it agreed to use arbitrators.

Crowd mourns Braun's passing
Museum getting $1M
Coroner inquiry proceeds
One twin born on I-275, other in parking lot
RADEL: Art matters
Trucker not guilty in deaths
Baby shaker adjudicated a killer
Kings Island keeps price
Thespians provide vest for K-9 cop
Antiques show tries new lure
Cops want murder suspect's bail revoked
Police cruiser hits, injures suspect
Villa Hills to discuss mayor
Who was the skeleton? State expert to tell today
Three-year average to decide farm payments
Barge eateries shuffle on
City Council wants review of arbitration
Feds eye 23,000 W. Ky. acres as good spot for wildlife refuge
Gas users complain to city, utility
Goodbye, President Clinton: We love/hate to see you go
Jackson backing strong locally
Kentucky's McConnell to play central role in swearing-in
Planner offers ideas for downtown Covington
Property owners get tax break
Proposed UC mansion draws fire
Racetrack owner reaches a deal to return to NTRA
School leaders outline changes
Shirey won't get pay raise
Spill prompts study
Walgreens can wait, city told
Kentucky News Briefs
Tristate A.M. Report