Mayor Statement On Board Of Alders Unanimously OK'ing Police Contract

STATEMENT BY MAYOR ELICKER ON THE UNANIMOUS VOTE BY THE BOARD OF ALDERS APPROVING THE PROPOSED NEW CONTRACT FOR NEW HAVEN POLICE OFFICERS

NEW HAVEN, CT – This evening, the New Haven Board of Alders voted unanimously to approve the proposed six-year collective bargaining agreement between the City of New Haven and the New Haven police union, Elm City Local, which represents all sworn officers of the New Haven Police Department.

The proposed contract includes a 25% salary increase over six years to reward and retain current officers, a new $70,000 starting salary to help attract new recruits (representing nearly a $20,000 increase), and new schedules to support improved work-life balance for officers, among other provisions. In October, the proposed contract was overwhelmingly approved by police union members, receiving 96% support among those who voted.

Following the vote by the Board of Alders, Mayor Elicker released the following statement:

"As mayor, public safety is my top priority. Critical to this effort is ensuring we’re able to attract and retain a dedicated police force by offering our police officers a fair contract, competitive salaries and benefits, and a work-life balance that appreciates and respects the work they do every day to keep our residents and streets safe.

I want to thank the Board of Alders for their strong support of this contract and ongoing partnership in ensuring the safety of our residents. I look forward to signing this contract with Police Union President Cotto, giving our officers a well-deserved raise, and welcoming new applicants to join New Haven’s finest.”

Now that it the contract been approved by the police union membership and the Board of Alders, the tentative agreement will be finalized into a formal contract to be signed by Mayor Elicker and Police Union President Florencio Cotto in the coming weeks.

In the current FY24-25 budget, there are 392 sworn officer positions of which 334 positions are currently filled. Interested applicants can learn more at newhavenct.gov/police.