The Houston City Council unanimously approved a new five-year contract with the Houston Police Officers’ Union.
PREVIOUS: Houston reaches tentative five-year contract agreement with police officers’ union
This new contract will not only raise officers’ salaries, but would also help in hiring new officers, as well. Additionally, the new contract would make Houston officers the highest paid among big cities in the state.
Watch below as HPOU President Doug Griffith delivers opening remarks on the new five-year contract between the Houston Police Officers’ Union and the city, followed by a response from Mayor John Whitmire.
Watch below as Houston Police Chief J. Noe Diaz addresses concerns about employee retention within the HPD and explains what the new five-year contract with the Houston Police Officers’ Union means for operations and public safety.
What you need to know
Last week, more than 2400 officers voted 97 percent in favor of the new contract.
The new contract bumps new officers’ pay to $81,000 a year—which is up from what they’re currently getting paid at $64,000.
On top of that, the new contract adds 500 more officers to the department. That means it would increase the number of officers in the department to 6,200.
CLOSER LOOK: Key highlights in Houston police union’s 5-year contract proposal
Earlier this month, Mayor John Whitmire first announced the new five-year contract. Houston police chief J. Noe Diaz called the new contract “generational” and said it will allow his department to recruit “homegrown talent.”
That vote is scheduled for 9 a.m. Wednesday
KPRC 2 will continue to update this story as more information becomes available.
Mayor John Whitmire