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Police union speakers urge return of Detective Hodgeges and a marketable contract
Summary
Multiple Richmond Police Officers Association speakers told the council that prolonged administrative leave and an expired contract are hurting morale, recruitment and public safety, and urged the city to return Detective Hodgeges to duty and negotiate a competitive contract.
Multiple speakers representing the Richmond Police Officers Association pressed the Richmond City Council during public comment to restore Detective Hodgeges to active duty and to negotiate a “fair, competitive, and marketable contract” for officers.
Nate Lonzo, speaking for the association, said, “I’m here again to ask the council to support a fair, competitive, and marketable contract for Richmond police officers.” Dozens of union members and officials repeated similar demands both in person and online, arguing that the department’s hiring and retention rely on competitive pay and that prolonged administrative leaves without clear timelines damage morale and expose the city to liability.
Union speakers cited the department’s history of reforms and recruitment after earlier competitive contracts, and said Richmond now lags regional peers. Benjamin Tero, identified in remarks as president of the Richmond Police Officers Association, told the council that officers are “fed up with excuses and delay” and warned that the city will lose trained officers to neighboring agencies unless negotiations proceed quickly.
City Manager remarks and later staff updates provided a police‑staffing snapshot during the meeting: the department has 145 authorized sworn positions and 126 filled positions, producing a roughly 14% vacancy rate when academy recruits and trainees are included. Chief Tim Simmons later reiterated the department’s staffing numbers in response to council questions.
No formal council action on labor negotiations or personnel was taken in open session; the council heard public comment and will consider closed‑session labor negotiations and contract terms as part of their ongoing bargaining process.
