City of Hemet Touts 3-Year Agreement with Police Officers Union

City of Hemet officials on Wednesday announced a three-year agreement with the union that represents Hemet police officers.

The following is from the offlce Hemet Mayor Robert Youssef:

On Tuesday night, August 27, the Hemet City Council authorized a 3-year Memorandum of Understanding with the Hemet Police Officers Association. The city and police association have a mutual interest in retaining and recruiting experienced police officers to in order to provide the highest level of police protection and crime prevention services to the community. Over
the past several years, the department has lost experienced officers to other local police agencies. The intent of this agreement is to reverse that trend and create long-term stability to enhance the department's ability to attract and retain seasoned, highly trained officers.

According to Interim City Manager Ronald Bradley, "The MOU addresses the City Council's top priority of public safety through a package that contains key provisions for both the retention of seasoned officers and the recruitment of experienced lateral officers."

Mayor Pro-Tem Larry Smith added, "Public Safety continues to be the top priority for this council. This investment will allow Chief Brown the necessary tools that will improve policing services in our community."

The terms of the agreement include an annual 4% base salary increase offset by a 1%-per-year contribution by the members of the police association to their retirement with the police officers paying an additional 1% per year toward the cost of their retirement. At the end of the term, June 2016, Hemet police officers will be paying a higher percentage of their pension costs
than any other law enforcement agency in the county. Additionally, the agreement provides for a $5,000 one-time "signing bonus" to attract experienced police officers. To be eligible for the bonus, new hires must have atleast 3 years’ experience as a police officer.

Police Chief Dave Brown has stated that the agreement is significant because it creates a stable work environment where police officers can focus on policing. "Hemet police officers are very, very good at what they do, and this agreement solidifìes the city council's confidence in them to get the job done."