Indiana invited Chicago cops facing vaccine mandate to switch departments and states

As thousands of Chicago police officers negotiate the city's new COVID-19 vaccine mandate, officials from Indiana are attempting to recruit those ready to quit instead of getting vaccinated or comply with routine testing.

As of last week, all Chicago police officers are required to disclose their vaccine status. Those who are not vaccinated must get tested for the virus twice weekly.

"I want to make sure that our officers who are literally working their tails off every singly day, risking life and limb, are absolutely able to take advantage of this lifesaving vaccine," said Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot. 

Those who fail to comply with the new rules could have their pay and powers suspended, consequences that have hit at least 21 officers so far. 

Last Thursday, an Indiana State Police spokesman tweeted, "Hey Chicago police officers, we're hiring!"

"No vaccine mandate ... lower taxes, great schools, welcoming communities," the tweet continued.

"My office stands ready to help connect Chicago police officers to an Indiana police department that is hiring now and doesn't have a vaccine mandate," wrote Senator Mike Braun (R-Indiana), lauding police for doing "the hardest job in the world," and adding that they should not lose pay or be fired "for refusing to comply with a ridiculous vaccine mandate."

Thus far, close to 4,000 officers have not yet shared their vaccine status. The Chicago Fraternal Order of Police has publicly spoken out against the COVID-19 vaccine mandates, encouraging officers not to comply.