DC leaders boost MPD wages by 13%, introduce officer recruitment incentives during Trump administration's power transition

DC Mayor and Council Chairman Announce New Collective Bargaining Agreement with Police Union

In a bid to address crime concerns and strengthen the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and Council Chairman Phil Mendelson have announced a new collective bargaining agreement with the DC Fraternal Order of Police Union.

The agreement is part of a broader strategy to recruit, retain, and support officers at the MPD. It includes a 13% pay increase for officers, sergeants, lieutenants, and above, effective from October 1st. Additionally, the agreement provides for cost-of-living adjustments of 4.5% in Fiscal Year 2024, followed by 4.25% in Fiscal Years 2025 and 2026.

Recognising the challenge of officer shortage, Mayor Bowser emphasised that the city has a framework to request or use federal resources, but a presidential emergency is not necessary. She stated that Trump's crime emergency in the city ends on September 10, and it can only be extended by Congress.

To tackle the officer shortage, the city is looking for different incentives to attract more people to join the MPD. Last month, Bowser stated that MPD needs 500 more officers. In line with this, the agreement includes the expansion of the MPD take-home vehicle program by 100 cars for D.C. resident officers.

D.C. currently has about 3,180 officers, and the mayor's goal is to return the department to 4,000 officers. To this end, this year, 135 new recruits have been hired, and 124 cadets have been welcomed into the MPD pipeline.

The agreement also includes retroactive pay increases, which should be issued by mid-December if approved. Bowser also announced support for legislation to create a deferred retirement option plan for officers and firefighters.

The announcement comes in the wake of President Donald Trump's federal takeover of D.C.'s police force amid crime concerns. Mendelson mentioned that the challenge of officer shortage is not unique to D.C., but is a common issue for police departments across the country.

Council Chairman Phil Mendelson will move emergency legislation at the council's Sept.17 meeting to make pay increases possible and ensure all pay adjustments are in place by the beginning of October. Bowser expressed gratitude towards the men and women of the MPD for their role in driving down crime over the last two years.

DC leaders boost MPD wages by 13%, introduce officer recruitment incentives during Trump administration's power transition