Omaha, Nebraska – The City of Omaha is set to substantially increase the salaries of its police officers in response to significant recruitment challenges.
Mayor Jean Stothert cited “unprecedented” difficulties in attracting new officers as a motivating factor for this decision.
A detailed breakdown reveals:
- The initial salary for incoming police officers will be approximately $71,000 annually. This represents a nearly 40% increment compared to the prevailing labor agreement.
- In 2024, officers holding ranks from sergeant to lieutenant to captain will see an 8% salary increase.
- The proposed pay structure will be subject to a public review during a city council meeting scheduled for Sept. 12.
- These revisions form part of an amended labor agreement, finalized between the city and the Omaha Police Officers Association in May.
- Within her proposed 2024 budget, Mayor Stothert emphasized her intention for the Omaha Police Department to offer both the highest starting salary and peak salary for officers across Nebraska.
Mayor Stothert remarked, “This is an incentive and an investment in public safety and in our police officers. Public safety remains our top priority. We are the largest agency in Nebraska and we must remain the best. It’s worth the cost.”
