Charlotte Police Pay Facts

Article By Writer Michael Kraft Author: Michael Kraft
Published: April 15, 2007
Check out the free newsletter!
Related: Local News Government Proposals Charlotte News

Here is a comment on our partner site here in Charlotte. I dont think this could be much better said so I will use excerpts from this comment to shed light on the fact that it is time to invest in our city’s safety and grow our value as a world class city with safety and highest quality public servants. Sign the petition here http://thiscause.org/p/menu.php?p=Kraft86565DB.

Comment from a CMPD SGT on crimeincharlotte.com:

“The employees fighting for their benefits are trained police officers. They are not politicians. They are not arbiters. These dedicated men and women chose a career in public service because they felt something pulling them in that direction.

They all knew that financial wealth would NEVER be part of their career equation, but they did expect to be fairly compensated for their efforts, exactly the same way professionals in the private sector see themselves at similar levels.

The officers of the CMPD, after the great work completed by the Public Safety Pay Plan Committee, are fighting for support from the citizens of Charlotte-Mecklenburg for a 3.7% cost of living adjustment AND an additional 5% pay raise added onto the end of the current merit step pay scale.

The men and women of the CMPD completely understand the need for budgets, and we understand the enormity of the Public Safety budget. However, had the City Manager’s office and elected officials allowed the employee’s of the CMPD to keep pace with the rest of the country, we would not be discussing this matter today.

Please keep in mind that this 5% pay raise, the first in 9 years, would only bring your CMPD officers and sergeants up to the AVERAGE level, as compared to the top 200 cities in the country based upon population and salaries.

I am sure you agree that your police department is way above average, some would say exceptional, especially after hearing your comments at the Safe Neighborhood Forums, but the men and women who work for you every day are fighting for merely AVERAGE pay.

It is an issue they should never have to be concerned with, but the reality of life dictates they make sure their voices are heard.

FACT #1 – Yes, in my opinion, the CMPD is one of the TOP 5 police departments in the entire country. The citizens of Charlotte-Mecklenburg must be thanked for providing the funds necessary to ensure their officers are the BEST EQUIPPED and BEST TRAINED in the country.

It is the belief of every officer that our appreciation is portrayed best by our actions. The reduction of crime and complaints, safer communities and roadways speaks volumes about the quality and dedication of your police department.

I am very proud to call myself a member of the CMPD, and I never forget who I work for. Neither should your elected officials.

FACT #2 - Yes, CMPD officers and sergeants HAVE IN FACT received 2.5-3.0% “cost-of-living” adjustment (politicians call this a market-rate adjustment) nearly every year.

However, these have often NOT met the actual cost of living increase, sometimes by as much as 1%. Add to this the ANNUAL insurance premium increase, and the result is a “take-home pay” loss for the year. This means real, tangible, money in the bank. Many of us who went to college took a course called “statistics.” Enough said!

FACT #3 - Yes, CMPD officers and sergeants DO IN FACT have “pay scales” which increase their pay 5% per year until they top the scale, usually taking approximately 10 years for officers and 3 years for sergeants.

You must be an officer for at least 5 years before competing for a sergeant position. However, IT HAS IN FACT BEEN NINE (9) YEARS since the 50% of officers and sergeants who have been at the top of their respective pay scale have received anything more than the inadequate “market-rate adjustment”.

Please understand these numbers! Once you have been employed for approximately 10 years as an officer, or have served 3 years as a sergeant, you have received NOTHING beyond that “market-rate adjustment.” Of course, for every 10+ year veteran police officer or sergeant, you could feasibly hire 2 rookie officers. …..”

Side note:
I would like to add the sidenote to an article that shows our politicians shouldnt be blamed, just inactivity to change these situations. In a recent article on WBT.com youll see that State level representatives are not exactly living at the Ritz either.

I include this semi-related story and link just to be fair and show the facts that may come up in rebuttles. This below is from here.

“State lawmakers haven’t given themselves a raise in more than a decade, and with each passing year, more legislators say serving in the General Assembly isn’t as agreeable as it use to be.

And that was before new lobbying restrictions took effect this year that turned their free steak dinners into Dutch treat at the local cafeteria.

The “part-time” Legislature can turn into a near 12-month job if a lawmaker is appointed to some committees that meet after lengthy regular sessions end. But the $13,951 salary for most members has remained the same since 1995, as have the $104 daily expense rate during the session in Raleigh.”

CMPD pay raise petition and motion to give a raise to the Charlotte Police Department and officers of the CMPD