COLUMBUS, Ohio — Columbus City Council approved a new contract for the Fraternal Order of Police Capital City Lodge 9.
Columbus police officers will get a 15% raise over the next three years. Mayor Andrew Ginther argues the increase, which is one of the biggest ever for the department, is needed to attract and retain qualified officers.
“This will make sure the officers are some of the highest-paid officers in the state while continuing to give more control to Chief Bryant in making some critical staffing decisions for high-profile teams within the division of police. Really allowing her to take into consideration background, experience, training as opposed to just seniority,” said Ginther.
The city and the FOP negotiated for months before an agreement was reached.
“Fifteen percent across the board over three years is a lot of money, but it's not just that. It's getting the best and the brightest to come here to Columbus, but also retaining the best and the brightest,” said Columbus Police Assistant Chief LaShanna Potts.
Aside from the pay raises, the contract also changes the way some positions are selected.
Instead of promoting every position based on seniority, the chief will now get to hand-pick one out of every four positions.
“It really is dealing with the specialized units. We believe that seniority in patrol is an absolute must. This allows us for homicide, for technology, for gang enforcement. For those units where officers are coming in with a special skill set, we now have the leverage to move them around,” Potts explained.
The contract will also pay lateral transfers based on their years of service after two years. The division is hoping lateral transfers will help boost the number of officers.
“It helps us be competitive because there is a national battle right now for talent in law enforcement. Not only is this a way for us to invest and reward our officers for great work, but helps us remain competitive for the next generation,” Ginther said.
The city is still negotiating with the fire union on its contract.