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Under the new contract, the entry-level salary for Houston police officers would increase by $7,000 yearly to $42,000.
In addition, all officers would receive a raise to make sure salaries are competitive with those at police departments in similar-size cities.
Ray Hunt, president of the Houston Police Officers Union, hopes this will further boost recruitment after the City Council approved a one-time incentive payment of $5,000 for new cadets last year.
“This is an additional $2,000 on top of that,” Hunt said. “So from $35,000 to $42,000 starting and then a substantial pay raise after one year of their hire date is going to be very, very attractive for persons who want to pursue a career at the Houston Police Department. No doubt in our mind.”
Mayor Annise Parker, who’s in her last term, said this is good news for the next administration — despite the city’s looming budget deficit.
She said when she first took office, she had to negotiate three union contracts.
“We’re trying to look at little bit longer term, spread out those negotiations and not make the new mayor have to do it immediately when he or she takes office,” Parker said.
Police union members will vote on the new contract this week. If they approve, City Council will take it up on Wednesday, Feb. 18.