A Republican state lawmaker raised concerns about Gov. Nathan Deal's proposal to hike pay for state law enforcement officers by 20 percent, saying he worried local departments won't be able to compete.
State Rep. Jeff Jones, R-Brunswick, said he is supportive of Deal's plan, which would cost nearly $79 million and has the backing of legislative leaders. But he said it would "add tremendous additional pressure" for county and city departments to recruit and retain officers in an already competitive environment.
"Perhaps it’s time to establish state pay minimums for law enforcement officers throughout the state, similar to what Florida currently does, so that our various law enforcement agencies can stop competing amongst themselves for personnel just because of pay," Jones said.
Deal last week unveiled the pay raises for state officers, including Georgia State Patrol troopers and Georgia Bureau of Investigation agents, that would raise their base pay from about $38,685 to $46,422. It would also include a new training regimen for the state's 57,000 sworn officers after a summer of violence and unrest in the nation's streets.
Shortly after this piece posted, Chris Riley, Deal's top adviser, tweeted a letter of endorsement the governor received from Frank Rotondo of the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police. Rotondo wrote that Deal "hit the mark with these potentially lifesaving proposals."
Read Jones' full comments below:
The pay for Georgia State Troopers currently ranks among the lowest in the nation. According to Gov. Deal, a 20% raise takes the Troopers to $46,422 starting pay.
The average starting pay for sheriff's deputies, according to the Georgia Sheriff's Association, is $29,900. Our Sheriffs, Police Chiefs and State Patrol Commanders are currently competing to attract and retain certified law enforcement personnel, due primarily to pay differences. The pressure for finding and keeping qualified personnel is greatest in small communities and counties.
Gov. Deal's proposal to increase state law enforcement officer pay by 20% is admirable and certainly deserving, and action I generally support. The concern is that passing the Governor's proposal will add tremendous additional pressure on our local sheriff offices and police departments' ability to recruit and retain quality personnel in an already competitive environment.
Perhaps it's time to establish state pay minimums for law enforcement officers throughout the state, similar to what Florida currently does, so that our various law enforcement agencies can stop competing amongst themselves for personnel just because of pay.
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