FOP members approve tentative contract for Louisville's police officers

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) – Louisville Metro Police Department officers voted Sunday to ratify the most recent contract proposal with the city, calling it a "step in the right direction," according to the River City FOP (RCFOP).

The tentative agreement included 9% raises in 2022 and 6% raises in 2023. RCFOP press secretary Dave Mutchler says the only change between the previous contract, which was voted down by officers and sergeants in September, is the 2023 raise which went from 3% to 6%.

New officers now make about $45,000. Under the new contract, by July 2023, officers' salaries would range from $52,000 to nearly $81,000 for an officer at the end of his or her career.

The contract also included:

Mandatory critical incident drug and alcohol testing
Additional compensation when officers work more than 16 hours of overtime per week
New residency stipend of $5,000 for qualified areas

"The FOP believes the decision to ratify the proposal can help with recruitment and retention efforts," the organization said in a statement. "The critical manpower shortage that currently exists makes it essential that everyone involved do everything possible to assist the LMPD to reach adequate staffing levels."

Mutchler says the new version of the contract passed with 66% in favor, adding the organization will make no further statements until Metro Council votes.

Metro Council David James is "pretty confident" it will pass soon.

"I'm just glad the mayor negotiated this contract, I'm glad the FOP voted on it, and I'm glad Metro Council will have the opportunity to vote on it again next week," said James.

The salary increases are an effort to retain and bring new and more experienced officers to the department. Chief Erica Shields has said LMPD should have about 1,300 officers but is around 300 short of what the department is authorized to have.

James isn't sure it's enough to draw new officers, but thinks the raises will at least get current LMPD officers to stay.

"We have to find a way to fix this, and this is the first part of fixing it," said James.

The two-year contract expires in June 2023, and negotiations are expected to begin again when the new administration takes place.

The contract includes some reform measures, but some council members and people in the community feel they don't go far enough.

"Are we all the way where we want to be? No, we're not," James said. "Do we want to get there and will we keep trying to get there? Yes, we will. But now it's time to vote for this contract."

A contract for LMPD captains and lieutenants was approved earlier this month by Louisville Metro Council at a vote of 18-8. It includes several new accountability reforms and a 20% pay raise for LMPD's leadership by 2023.

In a statement, Mayor Greg Fischer said he urges Metro Council to pass the tentative contract that will be filled on Monday:

“It’s critical that Louisville has a police department that offers competitive compensation in order to retain and drive recruitment of the best and brightest officers, and to move forward with reforms that strengthen trust between officers and the community they serve," Fischer said. "I believe the sergeants’ and officers’ contract does just that and I appreciate that it was approved today by members of the FOP."

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