By Joanna Putman
Police1
AUSTIN, Texas — After years of negotiations, the Austin Police Association and city officials reached a tentative agreement on a five-year labor contract worth $218 million, the Austin Monitor reported.
The Sept. 23 deal includes a 28%pay raise for police officers over the next five years and is expected to go before the City Council for a vote on October 10, according to the report.
Mayor Kirk Watson expressed optimism about the agreement, noting that it balances support for officers while incorporating provisions of the Austin Police Oversight Act, a voter-approved measure that expands civilian oversight of the Austin Police Department, according to the report.
“It’s a new day for our officers with the Austin Police Department as I am hopeful our Austin Police Association members will understand the city’s support of them, particularly as it relates to pay and benefits,” Watson said. “I’ve stood firm in saying that a long-term contract is in the best interest of our community, as well as for our officers, to ensure we can fill vacancies as well as retain officers.”
APD currently faces a staffing shortage, with over 350 patrol officer vacancies, according to the report. The previous contract was rejected by the City Council in 2023 due to concerns about police oversight.
The tentative contract would also extend the timeline for police disciplinary action and allow investigations of anonymous complaints, which Watson called “a first for the State of Texas.”
