After months of negotiations and discussions, the Chicago Police Department has finally signed a new contract agreement with the Chicago Police Lieutenants Association. The agreement will provide a boost to the morale of the police lieutenants, who have been working without a contract since 2017.
Under the new agreement, which runs through 2021, the lieutenants will receive a 9% pay increase over the three-year period. Additionally, they will also receive a $2,500 signing bonus and a 1% increase in their pension contribution.
The agreement comes as a relief to the Chicago Police Department, which has been facing criticism over a spike in violent crime in the city. The department has been struggling to address the issue, and the new contract is expected to help retain experienced and talented officers.
The agreement also includes provisions for enhanced training for lieutenants, which will help them better handle complex situations in the field. This training will include instruction on de-escalation techniques, implicit bias, and crisis intervention.
Furthermore, the contract includes measures to ensure that the lieutenants are working in a safe and healthy environment. The department has agreed to expand the use of body armor, provide additional training on officer wellness, and cover the cost of health club memberships for lieutenants.
While the agreement has been praised by the Chicago Police Department and the Chicago Police Lieutenants Association, some critics argue that it does not go far enough. They argue that the department should be doing more to address the root causes of violent crime in the city, such as poverty and lack of access to education and healthcare.
Overall, the new contract agreement between the Chicago Police Department and the Chicago Police Lieutenants Association is a positive step forward for the department. By providing a boost to the morale of the lieutenants and addressing their concerns, the department is better positioned to address the challenges they face and improve public safety in the city.
