Proposed Legislation to Pad Peace Officer Pay Held in Committee

A bill that would expand career incentives to peace officers stalled in committee Tuesday.

Members of the Committee on Government Operations and Consumer Protection held onto Bill No. 0090, which would give peace officers access to the government’s Career Incentive program (CIP). Through the CIP, participants can increase their salary by acquiring college credit and degrees.

Despite widespread support for the intent of the bill, members expressed concerns over the lofty legal definition of a peace officer, which would make an estimated 549 peace officers eligible for the program, which can raise their salary anywhere from 3% to 30%.

“I am in support of people having incentives,” said Senator Alma Francis Heyliger, “but I have to be a responsible legislator in having all the facts before I make a decision.”

The widespread legal definition of a peace officer, as prescribed in Title 5 of the VI Code, includes a wide array of government agencies, including, but not limited to, the TaxiCab Commission, fire department, courts, and the Waste Management Authority. Such a far reaching expansion concerned both legislators and advocates of the bill alike.

“With the original intent in mind, the Division of Personnel does support the change proposed within this bill,” said Cindy L. Richardson, Director-Nominee for the Division of Personnel. “However, we urge caution in proceeding with the expansive language of the Bill and urge that you more fully evaluate how the addition of individuals with Peace Officer status would impact the entire program.”

In addition to increased funding, the bill would require the expansion of available degrees, Richardson pointed out.

In a unanimous vote, the committee opted to hold the bill for further review, but most lawmakers expressed a shared desire to move the bill forward if reviewed and revised.

“I am willing to hold the bill if it is the prerogative of my colleagues. I don’t want the bill to go down in smoke,” said the bill’s sponsor, Senator Milton E. Potter.