December 13, 2021
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Significant law enforcement pay raise proposed for Virginia law enforcement - WSET

Every time a Virginia State Police officer pulls you over that information is being collected. That’s because of the Virginia’s Community Policing Act.(BTW21)<br&gt
Every time a Virginia State Police officer pulls you over that information is being collected. That’s because of the Virginia’s Community Policing Act.(BTW21)<br>

(WSET) — Under Gov. Ralph Northam's outgoing budget proposal, Virginia State Police, correctional officers, sheriff's deputies and regional jail officials would get more money in their pockets.

Newly-sworn state troopers will receive a 7.7% pay raise. The starting salary for new correction officers will increase by 25%, and the average entry-level salary for deputies and regional jail officials will go up about 20%

"Being recognized for the hard work these men and women have done these past two years, especially dealing with COVID, is very much appreciated," said Campbell County Sheriff Whit Clark.

Sheriff Clark said it's been a trying two years, and staffing shortages haven't made it any easier. But he's hopeful this proposal will help with that.

"Anytime you can raise the starting pay and fix compression issues within any agency, certainly that would make it attractive to someone wanting to get into law enforcement," said Sheriff Clark.

Director of Virginia State Police Association Wayne Huggins said they've also been struggling.

He said they have more than 300 trooper vacancies, and application rates are down almost 40%.

"This will go a long long way toward stopping the attrition, enhancing recruitment, and allowing us to begin filling those 330 vacancies," said Huggins.

Huggins said he's fought hard for this kind of proposal and is pleased with what's in store for the future.

"This will be a major step in the right direction so that we can begin the healing process in solving some of these longstanding problems," Huggins said.

The General Assembly will discuss the proposal in their January session. If approved, Governor-elect Glenn Youngkin will have the final say for the official budget.



source: https://wset.com/news/local/significant-law-enforcement-pay-raise-proposed-virginia-law-enforcement-governor-ralph-northam-glenn-youngkin

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