New York City Comptroller William C. Thompson, Jr. today issued the following statement regarding the announcement of a contract decision by the Public Employment Relations Board (PERB) between the New York City Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association and the City:

I am happy to see that PERB’s decision increases the drastically low starting pay for members of the New York City Police Department. For far too long our Police Department has faced significant recruitment challenges, in large measure due to a paltry $25,100 starting salary. By increasing an officer’s starting pay to $35,881, we are offering a fairer wage and greater enticement for joining the ranks of New York’s Finest.

Unfortunately, it has taken nearly three years to reach this point, and many of our officers have left New York for neighboring communities and other big cities for better pay. In future negotiations, all parties need to work toward an amicable – and quicker – resolution.

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