Chicago Police Sergeant Contract: What You Need to Know
The recent contract negotiations between the City of Chicago and the Chicago Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) have been a topic of much discussion, especially among those in the law enforcement community. In particular, the negotiations have focused on the contract for Chicago police sergeants, which has raised questions about the compensation and benefits afforded to these essential Police Department employees.
So, what is the Chicago police sergeant contract, and what does it mean for those who work in law enforcement in the city? Here’s what you need to know.
What is a Chicago police sergeant?
Before delving into the specifics of the contract, it’s essential to understand what a Chicago police sergeant is. In short, a police sergeant is a supervisory role within the Police Department that oversees a group of officers. Sergeants are responsible for ensuring their subordinates are adhering to department policies and procedures, completing training and performance evaluations, and handling administrative tasks.
What is the current Chicago police sergeant contract?
The current contract for Chicago police sergeants expired in June 2020. Negotiations between the city and FOP began in February 2020 but were delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The city and FOP reached a tentative agreement on the contract at the end of 2020, which they ratified in January 2021.
The new contract, which covers the period from July 2020 to June 2022, includes several changes from the previous agreement. Some of the most significant changes include salary increases of 10% over the two-year period, additional pay increases for sergeants who work in specialized units, and increases in the amount sergeants can earn for working overtime and on holidays.
The contract also includes changes to health insurance benefits, including a new benefit that covers mental health services. Additionally, the city agreed to make changes to its disciplinary process, including the creation of a new alternative discipline program for sergeants who commit minor violations.
What are the implications of the new contract?
The new contract has both positive and negative implications for Chicago police sergeants and the Police Department as a whole. On the one hand, the salary increases and additional pay increases for specialized units provide much-needed financial relief for officers who have been working under difficult conditions in recent years.
On the other hand, the contract may not go far enough to address some of the underlying issues facing the Police Department. For example, the contract does not address the ongoing culture of impunity and lack of accountability that has plagued the department for years.
Overall, the Chicago police sergeant contract is a significant development for law enforcement officers in the city. While the contract negotiations are far from over, the agreement reached between the city and FOP represents a step forward in addressing some of the challenges facing law enforcement in Chicago. As both sides continue to work towards a final agreement, it’s clear that the future of law enforcement in Chicago remains uncertain.