10/15/2021
Amazing work!!
Union Negotiates End to Senior Sergeant Program
In 2016, the MPD created the Senior Law Enforcement Officer Program which was intended to bring back retired Sergeants. However, MPD used the program in a way that stifled both upward and lateral progression of members' career paths.
Almost immediately after the program went into effect, members began to raise serious issues and concerns with the Union about how the program was being implemented.
As the Union became more aware of the negative impacts of the program, grievances and other legal challenges were advanced to address these concerns; however, none proved to be successful.
When the Senior Police Sergeant Program was renewed by City Council in the 2020 Budget Support Act, the Union filed two new Group Grievances and a Class Grievance to challenge it once again.
A hearing was set for September 29, 2021. As the hearing approached, the MPD suggested the matter could be settled though negotiations.
After exhaustive back-and-forth negotiations, the MPD agreed to settle the pending grievances under the following terms:
• MPD will no longer hire any Senior Sergeants from the date of the agreement
• MPD will cease the practice of placing Senior Police Officers in "Acting" supervisory roles
• MPD will never employ more than 16 Senior Police Detectives at any time
This is a significant positive development for members all over the city. There will now be more vacancy announcements for the position of sergeant in specialized units, and likely more promotions in the officer-to-sergeant process.
We would like to extend our gratitude to the members who boldly came forward to file the grievances and stand up against this misused policy.
Please contact your Chief Steward if you have any further questions.
