Detroit police officers to receive 7 percent pay raise over 3 years

Kat Stafford | Detroit Free Press

Detroit police officers are set to receive a seven percent raise in pay over the next three years, officials announced Thursday, in an effort to make the department's wages more competitive with suburban communities.

Detroit officers are also in line to have key benefits restored that were lost during the city's 2014 municipal bankruptcy. The increases will have to be approved by the Detroit City Council.

Here are the key changes within a new extended contract:

An immediate 2 percent wage increase for all officers, bringing the base wage for Detroit officers up to $39,545. This is an increase from what officers were being paid in 2014 — $29,352, when Mayor Mike Duggan first took office.

Restores four holidays that were lost during bankruptcy.

Additional 2.5 percent increase for patrol officers with 15 years of experience.

An additional 2.5 percent increase for patrol officers with five years experience.

An additional 2.5 percent increase in 2020 and 2021.

The changes, which were announced by Duggan, Detroit Police Chief James Craig and Detroit Police Officers Association President Mark Diaz, will modify an existing contract that was not set for renewal until 2020. The new extended contract won't expire until 2022 and will go before city council later this month.

"There's going to be long-term stability," Duggan said at a news conference. "... We are recognizing the contributions of the men and women on patrol."

But Duggan and Craig said more work needs to be done to get Detroit officer pay in line with suburban communities.

"Our men and women, the first responders, we’ve had to stand at this lectern far too many times about officers being shot, being killed," Craig said. "I’m an advocate for them ... .and yes the work does continue. This is a great next step, I know that the mayor is certainly committed."

Kat Stafford is the Detroit government watchdog reporter for the Free Press, covering city issues and the community. Contact Kat Stafford: kstafford@freepress.com or 313-223-4759.