Brick PD's 'Academy Step' Could Save $1M Over Next Decade

A so-called "academy step" in the Brick pay scale could save the township $1 million over the next decade, officials said.

The academy step, a reduced salary paid to officers who have been hired, but are attending the police academy and not yet on active duty, came out of negotiations between township officials and the local police union. The first officers to be paid under the new step will most likely come on board this fall, as the township will replace at least four current officers who are retiring, according to Council President Brian DeLuca.

"We need to get these gentlemen and ladies in the academy as quickly as possible, because it takes 22 weeks," said DeLuca. "The police have been a big help with this. They realized the economic times we’re in right now."

Previously, police officers started at the first step in the pay scale - currently $51,410 - while they attended the academy. But under the new system, officers will earn $28,999 while attending the academy and then transfer to the first step once they graduate and join the force.

"With this type of a change, you’re looking at probably saving well in excess of $1 million over the next ten years, depending on the number of officers who retire," said Mayor Stephen C. Acropolis.

Township officials praised Brick PBA Local 230 for hammering out the agreement.

"I’ve been in town since 1987, but I’ve never seen a PBA contract, dollar wise, go backwards," said DeLuca. "The leadership at the PBA has done an excellent job understanding what’s going on in our community and across the United States."

Now, the focus is on hiring officers to replace the four who are retiring. After the retirements, the force will be down to 116 officers. An audit of the department, , suggested the force should consist of 125 officers. Councilman Domenick Brando, a former police officer, said it is the council's commitment to adhere to the audit and "keep it near 125 people."

A message sent to PBA Local 230 seeking comment was not returned.