Bowser and Mendelson Announce Pay Boosts and Recruitment Push for D.C. Police

September 4, 2025

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and Council Chairman Phil Mendelson have announced a new labor agreement with the D.C. Fraternal Order of Police Union that will provide pay increases for nearly 3,000 Metropolitan Police Department officers, detectives, and sergeants, as well as higher-ranking "white shirts. " The agreement includes cost-of-living adjustments of 4. 5% in Fiscal Year 2024 and 4.

Who is affected

Nearly 3,000 Metropolitan Police Department officers, detectives, and sergeants
Non-union officers ranked lieutenant and above ("white shirts")
DC residents who will see increased police presence in neighborhoods
MPD recruits who can earn college credits during training
University of the District of Columbia (UDC) students participating in the police training pathway

What action is being taken

Emergency legislation is being moved at the September 17 council meeting to implement pay increases by October
The city is expanding MPD's take-home vehicle program by adding 100 cars for officers living in the District
MPD is working with UDC to create a pathway for recruits to earn 60 college credits
The administration is supporting removal of the mandatory retirement age
The Senior Police Officer program is being expanded to include lieutenants

Why it matters

The agreement aims to offer competitive pay to help increase the size of the police department, which has shrunk over the past decade
The initiatives are intended to boost recruitment and retention at MPD
The take-home vehicle program will create more visible police presence in neighborhoods
The measures are part of broader efforts to support officers and reduce crime in D.C.
The contract and initiatives provide multiple pathways to attract "top talent" to join MPD

What's next

Chairman Mendelson will move emergency legislation at the council's September 17 meeting to implement pay increases by October
Ward 2 Councilmember Brooke Pinto is expected to introduce related emergency legislation when the council returns from recess

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer