Crime & Safety

Brick Police Contract Finalized, Approved

New steps, wages approved by township council

A multi-year contract that sets forth compensation for Brick Township police officers was approved by the township council this week.

The contract negotiated between the township and Policemen's Benevolent Association Local 230 and Superior Officers Association Local 230 – which provides for a 2 percent raise to officers – was unanimously approved by the governing body on Tuesday. The new contract increases the numbers of pay steps an officer can reach from eight to 11, meaning it will take a longer period of time before an officer can reach the highest pay grade. Additionally, the new contract caps at $25,000 the amount of accrued sick time an officer can cash in upon retirement. Previously, officers could cash out the equivalent of 125 days. State laws govern how much officers must contribute to the cost of their health insurance.

One of the 11 steps is an where newly hired officers will earn a salary based on $29,579 per year while they attend the 22 week long police academy. Previously, officers earned a full salary while enrolled in the academy.

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After the academy step, the agreement calls for salaries ranging between $33,264 and $105,196. The final step, which calls for a $115,543 salary, is only applicable to officers who were hired before April 30, 1993. Raises of 2 percent in 2012; 2 percent in 2013; 2 percent in 2014; and 1.9 percent in 2015 are also included in the memorandum of agreement signed between the PBA and the township.

Business Administrator Scott Pezarras said officers move up one pay grade per year, meaning an officer will reach the maximum step after nine years on the job. Officers who have reached the top step will receive the 2 percent, and 1.9 percent, increases.

Find out what's happening in Brickwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"I think it's a good thing," said resident George Scott, a regular at township meetings, referring to the new contract.

Members of the governing body also praised the contract, saying it is notable that the PBA opened up their contract before it was up and renegotiated, adding in the academy step and making concessions to save the township money.

The township recently hired 10 officers to replace those that are retiring, in order to keep the roster at 125 officers, the staffing level recommended by a earlier this year.


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