Borough and Palmyra Police Officers Assn Agree to New 4-year Contract; Introduce Chief of Police Promotion Policy
COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT
The Borough and the Palmyra Police Officers Association/Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #2 agreed to a new four-year contract after just two positive and productive negotiation meetings.
Borough Council approved the new agreement at their regular meeting on Monday, August 21st.
The new four-year contract commences January 1, 2024, and runs through December 31, 2027. The contract includes salary increases totaling 11.75%; an additional paid holiday for Juneteenth; more funding for officers’ education and training; a salary bonus for bilingual officers; plus other benefits.
Also, in order to attract and retain the best candidates, Borough officials proposed an increase in the sign-on bonuses paid to newly hired police recruits. The bonuses were doubled and are now up to $4,000 per officer. The increased sign-on bonuses will take effect on October 1, 2023.
In addition, as a measure to reduce vehicle maintenance costs, save money on fuel, and potentially reduce the overall number of police vehicles needed, the practice of permitting personal use of unmarked Borough police vehicles by some officers (for commuting to and from work) was ended by mutual agreement.
For details, please select the link below:
Borough of Palmyra and PPOA/FOP Lodge #2 Memorandum of Agreement_8-21-2023
CHIEF OF POLICE PROMOTION POLICY
In other Police Department news, Borough Council introduced Ordinance 2023-16 establishing the procedures for the promotion of a Palmyra Police Officer to the position of Chief of Police.
Prior to this ordinance, no such policy existed. The new policy guarantees promotion from within the Palmyra Police Department, sets minimum qualifications and requirements, and includes the involvement of a professional organization such as the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police during the evaluation process. The policy is intended to establish a fair, comprehensive, unbiased and professional approach for the appointment of a Chief of Police, one of the most important positions in the Borough.
Ordinance 2023-16 is scheduled for adoption on Monday, September 18th.
To learn more, click on the following:
