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Claremore ratifies three‑year police contract with front‑loaded increase, extends probation period
Summary
The council approved a three‑year collective bargaining agreement with the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) that includes an 8% increase in year one and 4% increases in the subsequent two years and allows the chief to extend new officers' probation by up to six months.
The Claremore City Council approved a three‑year collective bargaining agreement with the local Fraternal Order of Police (FOP). City staff and the police chief told the council the contract was negotiated to improve competitiveness for recruiting and to provide retention incentives for longer‑serving officers.
Chief Cox and staff described the agreement as front‑loading an 8% pay increase in year one with 4% increases in each of the two following years (a cumulative effect described in the meeting as an 18% increase over the three‑year period when combined with the subsequent steps). The chief said the higher initial increase addresses a compensation gap and improves recruiting and retention.
The contract also modifies the probationary process: new officers complete a Field Training Officer (FTO) program and have a one‑year probationary period after that. Under the new agreement the chief may extend that probationary period by up to six additional months at his discretion to provide additional coaching or evaluation time for officers who need it.
Council members asked about staffing levels, step progression and whether the agreement adds positions; staff said the contract changes pay and steps but does not add bargaining‑unit positions unless vacancies occur through retirement or resignation. The chief said the agreement would help retain mid‑career officers and reduce turnover.
Council moved and approved the contract by recorded vote.
Why it matters: Police compensation and contract terms affect recruitment, retention and department operations. The front‑loaded increase and probation extension are intended to keep experienced officers employed longer and strengthen the department’s training and evaluation process.
