TOPEKA (KSNT) - City leaders have approved a pay increase to try and stop the police shortage in the Capital City.
At Tuesday's City Council meeting, council members approved a pay increase for the Topeka Police Department (TPD). This competitive pay increase is one way the city is hoping to increase its officer shortage.
According to the agreement, a pay increase of 17% will take effect January of 2025, with a 5% increase in 2026 and 2027.
"We hope it [increasing pay] brings people on the front and keeps people on the backend," Topeka Interim Police Chief Jamey Haltom said.
The three-year labor agreement between the City of Topeka and the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 3 was approved by District 8 Councilman Spencer Duncan and seconded by District 3 Councilwoman Sylvia Ortiz. The action item was unanimously approved by the Topeka City Council Tuesday evening.
Topeka City Manager Robert Perez told 27 News earlier this month that addressing the officer shortage is a high priority. The city’s current contract with the Fraternal Order of Police Union ends in December. According to the city, the union has already ratified a new contract through 2027.
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