Addressing Pay Disparities for NYPD Sergeants

September 15, 2024

New York, NY – Mayor Eric Adams has frequently emphasized that “public safety is the prerequisite to prosperity.” This principle rings true for many in the New York Police Department, especially those in supervisory roles like sergeants. However, a systemic pay disparity has overshadowed these key figures in the NYPD’s hierarchy for over two decades, with significant consequences for morale and public safety.

The Sergeants Benevolent Association (SBA) is currently locked in a tense negotiation with the city’s Office of Labor Relations (OLR) over what is commonly referred to as the “compression issue.” This problem has resulted in wage progression inequities, undermining the department’s leadership pipeline. According to the SBA, the city’s refusal to address the issue has exacerbated declining morale and could threaten the NYPD’s future effectiveness.

The wage disparity stems from labor agreements dating back over 25 years. Under the current system, many sergeants promoted before specific agreements earn less than top-paid police officers, a gap that persists until they reach the top sergeant pay grade, which can take several years. This wage structure demoralizes those who have taken on the responsibilities of a higher rank and creates a financial disincentive for officers considering promotion.

Additionally, sergeants promoted under more recent contracts have been placed at the top of the pay scale immediately upon promotion. This has created a situation where 1,253 sergeants who were promoted earlier now earn less than 885 sergeants who were promoted after them. Even more troubling, many of these sergeants earn less than the 18,000 police officers they supervise, leading to widespread resentment within the department.

As the NYPD faces continued attrition, exacerbated by increasing demands on its personnel, the compression issue strains an already overextended workforce. For example, sergeants are now tasked with reviewing body-worn camera footage and managing quality-of-life complaints to 311. This takes time away from critical functions like overseeing 911 calls and managing personnel. Despite these challenges and the inequities in pay, NYPD sergeants continue to perform their duties professionally and seriously.

The SBA has been negotiating with the OLR for over a year to address these disparities, but progress has needed to be faster. The OLR has been accused of using “take it or leave it” tactics, demanding significant concessions from current and future sergeants without offering a long-term solution. This approach has reportedly led to $150 million in additional costs to New York City taxpayers, funds that could have been saved had more reasonable proposals been considered.

The rank of sergeant is a crucial stepping stone in the NYPD hierarchy, serving as a training ground for future department leaders. However, the current wage compression issue needs to improve the incentive for officers to seek promotion, raising concerns about a potential leadership gap. Moreover, many sergeants feel undervalued for their vital role in maintaining public safety across the city.

Mayor Adams, a former NYPD captain, is uniquely positioned to appreciate this issue’s significance. Advocates, including the SBA, call on the mayor to ensure NYPD sergeants are compensated fairly for their service and sacrifices. Resolving this issue is not just about equity; it is about investing in the future leadership of the NYPD and safeguarding public safety for all New Yorkers.

The time has come to correct this long-standing disparity and ensure that the men and women who serve as NYPD sergeants are recognized for their contributions. This would pave the way for a more vital, stable police force.

By Midtown Times Staff Writer

Sources: SBA reports, NYC Office of Labor Relations negotiations, and public safety data. | unsplash.com