LOUISVILLE, Ky. — As Metro Council prepares to vote on a set of two Louisville Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) contracts, Metro Council President Markus Winkler, D–District 17, said it has the potential to shift momentum in the right direction.
"I am excited about the direction that we're headed," Winkler said. "I think that making sure that we've got officers that are well compensated, that are well taken care of, but that also are held accountable when they do things incorrectly, I think, is really important."
To see the first contract, click here. For the second contract, click here.
The more than 120 pages between both collective bargaining agreements tackle a slew of issues from working conditions, to job benefits and police salaries.
"Really one of the main things is, is bumping up our levels of pay," Winkler said.
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If both proposals pass Metro Council, all Louisville Metro Police (LMPD) officers and sergeants will see an immediate 7% boost in pay.
Another round of raises would go into effect in July, bringing starting officer pay to $60,552 a year.
"We're competing against — not just cities in the region — but cities just here in Jefferson County," Winkler said. "I think that the proposal that we've got in front of us goes a long way in addressing that issue."
As of April 2, LMPD said the force is short 280 officers.
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"(They're) going to St. Matthews, Shively, Jeffersontown, other areas, other police departments," Bishop Dennis Lyons said.
Lyons has long had his finger on the pulse of the community and spoke about the FOP contracts during his radio show on 104.7 WLOU.
"In the midst of the DOJ report, in the midst of all the things that the police department has done in community against civil rights, we may also see it as 'we're gonna' pay you for what you have done,'" he said.
While Lyons sees the upside in higher police pay, he wonders how the community will respond.
Winkler said prioritizing pay, especially for experienced officers, helps prioritize public safety.
"(In 2020), your most experienced officers were leaving in pretty dramatic numbers," Winkler said. "When you have your more experienced officers leaving, you have a less experienced force, and that certainly creates an opportunity for risk."
Metro Council will seek public comment on the proposals Monday, during a special meeting inside city hall at 5 p.m.
If you are interested in speaking during the meeting, you can register online here.
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