Monroe City Council unanimously approved across-the-board raises for the entire Monroe Police Department, reestablishing competitive salaries and reaffirming its commitment to the safety and well-being of our community, during its Regular Meeting on February 13, 2024.

In a groundbreaking move recognizing and valuing the dedicated service of our law enforcement officers and support staff, the City Council approved the following base salary increases that will be retroactive to January 1, 2024:

• $3.00/hour for sworn employees

• $1.50/hour for non-sworn employees

• $1,500 additional base salary for officers who have earned their Intermediate Law Enforcement Certification

• $1,500 additional base salary for officers who have earned their Advanced Law Enforcement Certification

The budget amendment (BA-2024-01) allocates $441,110 from the unassigned fund balance to provide funding for the salary increases for the remainder of the fiscal year. 

The request for raises was brought forward to City Council during the Strategic Planning Meeting of January 18, 2024, during a presentation from Police Chief J. Bryan Gilliard.

Chief Gilliard said his command staff and City administration had been working for several months to determine ways to improve recruitment and retention of City police officers.

“We are facing challenges in our profession,” said Gilliard. “You look across the United States at what’s going on in our profession, and you’ll see there’s no one really wanting to get into it.”

Part of that research included conducting a survey among other agencies in the area that ultimately determined the Monroe Police Department’s salaries were no longer competitive.

In addition, the command staff looked at educational incentives to compensate senior officers who have been employed for many years and have dedicated their lives to the Monroe Police Department. They left no stone unturned when searching for ways to reward the dedication of their officers.

“These folks went straight to the heart of the issue and addressed it. They are to be commended,” said City Manager Mark Watson.

Chief Gilliard, Watson, and the City Council announced the intended raises to every Police Department employee on January 19, 2024, during a presentation at the Dowd Center Theatre.

“The City has committed over $10,000 to each one of your salaries. That affects your life and your loved ones forever,” said Chief Gilliard.

During the presentation, Watson announced changes in the hiring process including the creation a lateral entry program for outside experienced officers to transfer their years of service when starting with the City, and allowing officer positions to be posted until filled. Watson says these changes will give the City yet another competitive advantage to recruit and retain officers.

“This was 100 percent supported by your elected officials,” said Watson.  “This community cares about its law enforcement officers. This City Council cares about you. I care about you.”

“Look at what all of our elected officials have done for us. Every one of them voted for this,” said Gilliard. “Where can you find that? Only in Monroe, I promise you.”

To learn more about serving in the Monroe Police Department, please visit our website monroenc.org or call Sgt. Daniel Ciminna at (704) 282-4722.