The Los Angeles City Council will consider approving a four-year contract with the union representing Los Angeles Police Department officers, detectives, and lieutenants. The contract aims to address retention and recruitment issues.
The proposed deal includes a 6% raise in the first year, a 4% raise in the second year, a 5% raise in the third year, and a 5% raise in the fourth year. It also offers increased healthcare benefits and patrol incentives. The agreement has already been approved by Mayor Karen Bass and by a majority of Los Angeles Police Protective League members.
However, some council members, including Nithya Raman, Eunisses Hernandez, and Hugo Soto-Martinez, have criticized the proposed deal as “irresponsible.”
The contract will be discussed in a special session by the council’s Personnel, Audits, and Hiring Committee before the full council vote. The labor agreement requires approval from the full council to be finalized.
The contract, if approved, could cost taxpayers approximately $384 million over the next four years, according to a report from the chief administrative officer. However, City Controller Kenneth Mejia’s office estimates the actual cost to be around $994 million.
The starting pay for new recruits would increase to $86,193, a 12.6% raise from the current starting salary. New officers who stay with the LAPD for at least three years would receive $15,000 in bonuses, while those who transfer from other agencies and stay for three years would receive $20,000 in bonuses.
LAPD’s staffing has declined by over 1,000 officers since the beginning of 2020, with more expected to leave due to retirements and resignations. The department has also experienced a high attrition rate, with over 430 officers leaving in their first year and a half of duty.
LAPD Chief Michel Moore discussed recruitment issues and the impact on crime challenges during a Police Commission meeting. He acknowledged that the department’s reduced staffing has affected its response to calls for service and public engagement.
The proposed labor agreement has faced criticism from community advocates, including the Los Angeles Chapter of Black Lives Matter. They argue that the deal overlooks the history of policing and racial bias in the LAPD, and suggest investing in housing and afterschool programs instead.
Despite the criticisms, Chief Moore believes that the proposed contract is an important step in attracting new recruits and retaining a professional workforce. He reported a reduction in violent crime, although property crime and personal thefts have increased.
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