In a move aimed at strengthening law enforcement infrastructure, Mayor Muriel Bowser and DC Council Chairman Phil Mendelson unveiled a new labor contract with the DC Fraternal Order of Police Union, which provides improved compensation for nearly 3,000 affiliated officers. Announced today, the deal also introduces pay rises for non-union Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) personnel, targeting lieutenants and higher rankings to foster equitable pay distribution, as per the Mayor's Office.
With crime and policing perennial concerns, Mayor Bowser emphasized the need for a well-supported police force. "This is about making sure we have salaries that reflect our city’s appreciation for the work our officers do every day to keep DC safe and it’s about making sure we offer competitive pay at MPD so that we can increase the size of our police department," Bowser said, according to a recent statement. Concerns over a diminished MPD over the past decade spurred these changes, aiming to provide the necessary tools to ensure safety and reduce crime.
The agreement outlines cost-of-living adjustments with a 4.5% increase for Fiscal Year 2024, and subsequent 4.25% increases for Fiscal Years 2025 and 2026. The salary adjustments for the so-called "white shirts" — MPD's non-union officers — are set to even the playing field across various ranks within the department.
"The men and women of the Metropolitan Police Department deserve our greatest appreciation for the work they do around the clock keeping our city safe," Chief of Police Pamela A. Smith noted. She added, “While this collective bargaining contract agreement is welcome news, we can also help our members by increasing the size of our workforce and we remain committed to attracting the top talent to join MPD.” This sentiment echoes the administration’s goals, not only to compensate fairly but also to expand the department’s capabilities, according to the Mayor's office.
Additionally, Mayor Bowser has put forth several police officer recruitment and retention strategies to further increase MPD's ranks. These efforts coincide with Councilmember Brooke Pinto's proposed Deferred Retirement Option Program (DROP) Amendment Emergency Act of 2025, set to be introduced as the Council returns from recess.
