Philadelphia's Mayor Parker unveils fresh agreement with city law enforcement officials in the police department
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker has announced a two-year contract for the city's police officers, which includes several provisions aimed at improving officer wellness and retention. The contract, which results from arbitration with the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5, offers across-the-board pay raises, a one-time cash bonus, and new benefits.
The contract includes 3% annual pay raises for each year, plus a one-time $3,000 cash bonus to officers. It also introduces new benefits such as one annual "wellness day" off for officers and a pilot program allowing up to five days of accrued sick leave to care for immediate family members. Additionally, the city will make a $5 million payment into the police retiree trust fund. The total projected cost over five years is $343 million.
Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel praised the agreement as a tool for both retention and recruitment. He emphasized the contract's mental health provisions, specifically citing the impact on officers who responded to the deadly plane crash in Northeast Philadelphia in February. The new benefits are expected to positively impact department morale and retention.
The contract also provides flexibility for nonuniformed personnel to perform certain administrative and technical functions, such as court notices, dispatcher supervision, and juvenile intake. This new civilian staffing flexibility is intended to improve efficiency and prepare the department for major events in 2026.
Mayor Parker reiterated her dual message of support and accountability for officers, stating a zero-tolerance policy for any misuse or abuse of authority by law enforcement officers. She emphasized that the contract also reflects gratitude for officers' sacrifices, including honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
Despite disappointment over not expanding investigatory powers for the Civilian Police Oversight Commission, Public Safety Director Adam Geer pledged continued support for the agency's work. He called the contract a "fair award" that strengthens collaboration between the police department and community-based violence prevention programs.
Philadelphia Mayor Parker expressed unapologetic support for law enforcement officers, highlighting the sacrifices they make for the people in the city on a daily basis. She emphasized that the contract is a strategic effort to strengthen the department while recognizing the demanding nature of police work in Philadelphia.
Public Safety Director Adam Geer expressed gratitude for the city's leadership and partnership with the police department. The contract allows for nonuniformed personnel to perform certain administrative and technical functions, such as court notices, dispatcher supervision, and juvenile intake. These provisions are intended to improve efficiency and prepare the department for major events in 2026.
The contract is seen as a tool for both retention and recruitment by Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel. The new benefits and financial commitments suggest a focus on sustaining and stabilizing the police workforce amid ongoing public safety challenges. The contract does not address any changes in investigatory powers for the Civilian Police Oversight Commission, as earlier mentioned.
[1] Source: Philadelphia Inquirer, "Philadelphia police union, city reach two-year contract deal with raises, wellness days, family sick leave", 15 June 2023.
- The two-year contract for Philadelphia's police officers, resulting from arbitration, includes provisions from politics and general news, such as 3% annual pay raises, a one-time $3,000 cash bonus, new benefits like wellness days off and family sick leave, and a $5 million payment into the police retiree trust fund, all aiming to improve officer wellness, retention, and department efficiency.
- Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker's announcement of the police contract also carries political and general news implications, as it focuses on sustaining and stabilizing the police workforce, emphasizes the demanding nature of police work in Philadelphia, and includes a zero-tolerance policy for misuse or abuse of authority by law enforcement officers, while not addressing any changes in investigatory powers for the Civilian Police Oversight Commission.
