The New Haven Board of Alders has approved a new contract for police officers in the city, which would include a 25% salary increase for current officers.
Mayor Justin Elicker said the board voted unanimously to approve a six-year collective bargaining agreement between the city and New Haven police union.
The contract includes a 25% salary increase over six years, which would benefit current officers. It also sets a $70,000 starting salary to help attract new recruits. That amounts to an increase of nearly $20,000 a year, according to Elicker.
Police officers will also get new schedules to support an improved work-life balance.
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"I want to thank the Board of Alders for their strong support of this contract and ongoing partnership in ensuring the safety of our residents. I look forward to signing this contract with Police Union President Cotto, giving our officers a well-deserved raise, and welcoming new applicants to join New Haven’s finest," Elicker said.
The proposed contract received 96% support among police union members last month, the mayor said.
The agreement will be finalized into a formal contract in the coming weeks, which will go to Elicker and Police Union President Florencio Cotto for approval.
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Officers have been working without an official contract for more than two years now.
The department has 334 current officers, and is looking to fill more than 50 open positions. A full police force would be 392 officers, Elicker said.
