MONTGOMERY: New police contract changes salary structure

By Charley Falkenburg, Staff Writer
   MONTGOMERY — The Township Committee ratified a new police union contract on Feb. 21 that would lower the starting salary, increase the time it would take to reach the rank of senior patrolman and give raises only to officers of that rank.
   Under the four-year contract, probationary officers would start with a $41,000 salary and it would take them 10 years instead of six to become a senior patrolman — a position that earns $100,000. All the officers in local PBA 355 are already senior patrolmen, which means they will also get a 7-percent raise during that four-year period.
   In prior contracts, a probationary officer attending the police academy had a salary of $47,000. However, the township has been hiring already trained officers, who would start with a $57,000 figure.
   ”This is a solid contract for Montgomery; it is fair and balanced and reflects the financial realities of the township and overall economy,” said Mayor Ed Trzaska. “It was a collaborative effort and resulted in a win-win for both sides.”
   Detective Brian Hofacker, the president of PBA 355, agreed the deal was mutually beneficial to both parties.
   ”Everyone is pleased with it; it was very painless,” he said. “It creates substantial savings to the township, while maintaining the integrity of the contract.”
   Hofacker estimated the arrangement would save the township more than $100,000 per new hire during the life of the contract.
   It appears the contract came just in time, as the police department is in the process of recruiting new cadets to proactively fill potential holes left by impending retirements. The recruitment is a first for the township, which was able to hire two already qualified officers in the last 10 years.
   Capt. Robert Palmer said the department began the process on Feb. 19 and had received 105 applications as of Feb. 21.
   ”We may very well approach the 200 (applications),” he added. For Mayor Trzaska, the influx of applications was a positive sign.
   ”I am thrilled to see so many people applying to join our police department,” he said. “ It sounds like we will have a diverse pool of candidates to start the process.”
   Eligible candidates will take the written and physical agility police tests at 9 a.m. on March 16 at the middle school. Those who pass will be asked to come back for a series of interviews. Capt. Palmer is hoping to have the chosen candidate(s) by mid-May so they can attend the Somerset County Police Academy orientation on June 28.
   The mayor and Township Committee will participate in the final interviews and ultimately decide on the hirees.
   ”At the end of the day, we are looking for candidates that will be exceptional law enforcement professionals and understand the importance of customer service and respect towards our residents,” said Mayor Trzaska.