Police contract calls for raises as other offices cut costs
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Photo illustration: Axios Visuals. Photo: Esteban L. Hernandez/Axios.
Denver police officers could receive multiple raises over three years starting in 2026.
Why it matters: Those guaranteed raises would come during a fiscally difficult period in Denver that's already seen hundreds of jobs slashed, prompted furloughs and forced most city agencies to reduce spending.
State of play: Mayor Mike Johnston previously said layoffs would not affect Denver police or firefighters, though some vacant positions will be trimmed from the latest budget, Denverite reports.
Context: The contract, which heads to the Denver City Council for consideration next week, calls for 5% raises next year, 6% raises in 2027 and 4% raises in 2028 for the Denver Police Protective Association, the officers union representing roughly 1,500 rank-and-file officers.
- Other stipulations include allowing officers to increase banked time off from 80 hours to 120 hours, donating sick leave to other officers, and a one-time $1,500 stipend for new hires to make purchases like firearms.
By the numbers: Officers' salaries currently range from $71,633 to $110,204 annually.
Flashback: An arbitrator ruled in favor of police raises in December 2020 after the Denver City Council rejected an initial agreement earlier that year as the pandemic ravaged the city's coffers.
What they're saying: Johnston "supports these raises as part of the department's overall strategy," a spokesperson for his office said in a statement, adding that public safety is a top priority.
- The officers union did not respond to multiple requests for comment.
The other side: "It's unacceptable, but unfortunately not surprising," Robert Davis, co-leader of the reimagining police task force, told Denverite, adding officers should "share in the sacrifices" made by other city employees.
What's next: The City Council will consider the contract on Sept. 8.