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Redondo Beach officers and residents press council to raise police pay amid staffing concerns
Summary
A series of public commenters including a vice president of the Redondo Beach Police Officers Association and officers told the council that RBPD compensation ranks last among the city's 10‑city benchmark and urged council to raise pay to the median to retain officers who are commuting long distances.
At the start of the meeting, multiple speakers representing Redondo Beach Police Department employees and supporters urged the council to prioritize officer compensation during ongoing contract negotiations.
Brian Day, vice president of the Redondo Beach Police Officers Association, told the council that between 2022 and 2024 RBPD officers responded to an average of roughly 62,000 calls per year and said the city’s internal benchmark placed the department last in total compensation among 10 comparison cities. “Our officers have shown up for years and delivered for the city, and now is the time,” Day said, asking the council to bring pay to the median of the benchmark group.
Detective Lauren Evolo, who identified herself as a ten‑year officer and mother, described long commutes of three hours round trip and said she cannot afford to live in Redondo Beach. “Please do not force us to look elsewhere,” Evolo said, urging council to reflect the department’s value in pay and benefits.
Resident Jenna East described consequences for public safety if the city fails to offer competitive pay, recounting incidents in other cities that she said were the result of understaffing.
Council members did not take immediate action at the meeting; the city’s labor negotiation item had been listed for closed session. Staff and council acknowledged receipt of the public comments and the ongoing labor negotiation framework discussed in closed session.
