LEBANON, Tenn. (WKRN) — Officers with the Lebanon Police Department will get a raise this summer.

The raise includes higher pay for longtime officers, as some could make nearly $100,000 in just base pay.

News 2 spoke with officials about the incentives police are offering to boost morale and keep officers.

“It can be argued all day that what we are getting is not enough for our officers who are putting their lives on the line every day, but this is definitely a step in the right direction," Public Information Officer Zach Patton said.  

When it comes to fighting crime in Lebanon, Patton said the city is investing in its officers and recruiting new hires.

Earlier this month, the Lebanon City Council passed their budget, which takes effect July 1. Part of the budget includes close to $4 million in funding employee salary increases.   

Mayor Bell told News 2 a study was conducted to compare pay to surrounding cities and align with neighboring agencies.  

"They are making a commitment to public safety by giving us the best opportunity possible to bring the best people here,” Patton said.

A starting certified officer can reportedly make just over $64,000 a year with the raise. Then, 10 years into the job, pay will jump to nearly $100,000.

Patton added that's without stipends.  

“There's literally stipends for everything; SWAT team you get a stipend; hostage negotiations you get a stipend,” Patton said. 

According to Patton, the incentives go far beyond pay.

“And educational incentive, if you got a bachelor's degree that's an extra 3% added. If you have a Master's degree, that's an extra 6%,” Patton explained. 

The pay bump is reportedly part of an effort to boost morale and retain and recruit officers.

"We want people to be here for the long run, and we want people to grow their family in Lebanon and be productive members of society. We believe this is going to be an important step to allow us to do that,” Patton said. 

Patton told News 2 police are also offering bilingual stipends and shift differential pay.  

Lebanon's new budget goes into effect Tuesday, July 1.

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/longtime-police-officers-in-lebanon-could-make-nearly-100k-after-new-pay-raise/