CLEVELAND — After yet another violent weekend in Cleveland highlighted by a shooting in Public Square, the Cleveland police officers were shown support in the form of a raise by City Council members on Monday.
The upcoming pay increase will cover the salaries of patrol officers and supervisors. A higher hourly wage for trainees as well as a $5,000 signing bonus was also passed at the meeting.
Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb hopes that the additional support will lead to a large number of applicants for the upcoming police academy in 2024.
Cleveland Police Patrolmen's Association President Jeff Follmer told 3News, "This is a first step to insuring Cleveland Police officers are paid fairly for working one of the most dangerous cities in America."
The new pay that has already been approved by the Cleveland patrolman's association will begin in January.
3News obtained details on the pay increases and they show a significant rise for the foreseeable future. The agreement shows a 14% increase for most approved positions, and after five years there is a 24% increase
The new legislation was approved by everyone in council chambers.
What else can be done to raise the numbers and continue to provide enough support to make Cleveland safer? Up next for the council to consider is a proposal to raise the age limit of a new Cleveland police officer from the current maximum of 40 years old to 55 years old.