The Chicago Police emblem is pictured at the Public Safety Headquarters in this file photo.

Edwin Benn, the independent arbitrator who last year in a ruling opened the door for Chicago police officers to have serious disciplinary decisions decided in private instead of in front of the Chicago Police Board, issued a ruling Thursday that upheld his original decision after the City Council voted to kick the issue back to him last month. 

Last month, the City Council voted 33-17 to reject a portion of a new contract between the city and Chicago chapter of the Fraternal Order of Police that would allow officers to have serious disciplinary cases decided through arbitration instead of the Police Board.

Related: City Council approves most of FOP contract, rejects arbitration option; Council also approves Garrit police shooting settlement after July rejection