New Lincoln Police Union contract will raise pay by 17% over three years

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — The City of Lincoln announced a contract agreement Wednesday with the police union.

“Public safety is our community’s and my administration’s top priority,” Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird said. “And that’s why we worked diligently with the Lincoln Police Union to fairly compensate our officers for the truly important service they provide to keep the community safe.”

Lincoln Police said they’re close to full staffing for the first time in years, which they hope will reduce response times and increase safety across the city.

The deal includes a 17% wage increase spread out over three years.

It’s a move that Police Chief Michon Morrow said is crucial to recruiting and retaining officers.

“Wages are obviously a part of it, we want our officers to feel comfortable raising their families here,” Morrow said.

The contract needs to be approved by the city council, which is expected to vote on Sept. 29.

Some Lincolnites said a stronger police force gives them peace of mind.

“I feel safe,” Jerry Luedtke said. “There’s just certain places that you don’t want to go depending on the time of day.”

Albert Maxey, a former police officer, said he still has some concerns about safety, specifically the Haymarket.

“I’m concerned about the safety about how they drive through here,” he said.

But ultimately, he has faith in LPD to keep him and others safe.

“I can rely on them because I was trained by the Lincoln Police Department; I spent 34 years there,” Maxey said. “I’m very proud of what we have here as law enforcement.”