A new Baton Rouge police pay raise proposal could bring a major boost to officer salaries. If approved, every Baton Rouge Police Department officer would receive at least a 15% raise. New recruits would see an even bigger jump, with starting pay rising from $41,000 to $58,000.
City says savings would fund the plan
City officials say the proposal would not rely on one single funding source. Instead, they plan to use savings from health insurance reforms, revenue from Bally’s Casino, department-generated funds, and salary savings from open police positions.
Mason Batts from the mayor’s office said last year’s budget cuts helped the city stabilize its finances. After that, officials looked for ways to save money and redirect it toward public safety.
Batts said health insurance savings played a major role in making the pay raise possible.
Baton Rouge hopes to keep and recruit officers
City leaders say the plan targets both recruitment and retention. BRPD is currently short by more than 150 officers, according to Batts.
He said at least five officers have already decided to stay after hearing about the proposal. One officer even canceled plans to move to Arkansas.
Officials believe the city has enough money to hire about 40 officers this year. That would still leave many vacancies, but leaders say it would be a strong start.
When the raises could take effect
If Metro Council approves the proposal, the new pay scale would begin in mid-May. Officers would likely see the raise in their paychecks during the first week of June.
City leaders are now working to secure enough Metro Council votes to move the proposal forward.