COLUMBUS – The city and its 1,900 police officers now have a new three-year contract guaranteeing officers pay raises and implementing reforms approved by voters following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis in 2020 and resulting demonstrations.
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The new pact between the City of Columbus and Fraternal Order of Police Capital City Lodge #9 approved Monday night by Columbus City Council includes stepped-in pay raises that the administration of Mayor Andrew Ginther says will result in a new police officer earning more than $100,000 after only three years.
The contract outlines provisions for the Civilian Police Review Board, the office of the Inspector General and updates to officer accountability.
“The contract…negotiated with the Administration allows for the full implementation of the Civilian Police Review Board, requires officers to take drug tests after shootings or deadly uses of force, and includes many improvements for accountability. This contract isn’t perfect, but it is an improvement from the status quo,“ Council president Shannon Hardin said.
The contract grants the review board and Inspector General the authority to conduct independent investigations, compel evidence and testimony, review complaints of police misconduct and make recommendations for discipline.
“I am pleased to have a contract that both emphasizes reform and rewards police officers for the difficult job they do. We can now focus our attention on fighting crime in our city and building a police force that reflects the diversity of the people we serve,” police chief Elaine Bryant said.
The contract also includes an “officer retirement incentive program,” offering veteran officers buyouts to encourage them to retire and clear the path for more promotions through the ranks and speed the implementation of reforms while increasing the diversity of new recruits.