BPD could soon become highest-paid law enforcement agency in Maryland - Fox Baltimore
BALTIMORE (WBFF) — The Baltimore Police Department could soon become the highest-paid major law enforcement agency in Maryland. A new labor agreement will raise the starting salaries for new recruits to just over $60,000, and the package has other incentives.
Some Baltimore residents are reacting to the news, with one man saying: “I think it’s long overdue, absolutely. These guys put their lives on the line every day.“
Another woman said: “If it’s not going to help fight this crime, then there’s no sense in giving them a raise.“
The deal also includes educational pay incentives. Members who have an associate’s degree will earn an additional $1,500 bachelor’s degree, $3,000 or $4,000 with a master’s degree.
On top of these initiatives, officers with more than 11 years of service will receive a 2% raise. Members with more than 19 years get a 3% annual increase beginning on July 2023.
Commissioner Michael Harrison since this new agreement will help them attract new officers while also helping to keep experienced officers with the department.
But in a late night tweet Thursday, the FOP, the officers’ union, call the department statement related to the retention of officers misleading, saying veteran officers’ pay drops significantly in comparison to surrounding jurisdictions.
The union added: “BPD missed the Mark with retaining our veteran officers.“
Meanwhile, in a statement, Mayor Brandon Scott said he was pleased an agreement was reached.
It’s an agreement for officers in the city seemingly struggling to control the surging violence.
Still, the pay incentives begin January 1, 2022.
The measure goes to the city spending board for final review and approval. Meanwhile, Baltimore County police are offering employment bonus incentives for new hires. Candidates can receive $10,000 to fill both entry-level and lateral police officer positions.
source: https://foxbaltimore.com/news/local/bpd-could-soon-become-highest-paid-law-enforcement-agency-in-maryland
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