City council approves 4 salary increases for Denver Sheriff Department

Heather Willard
·2 min read
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DENVER (KDVR) — Denver City Council approved an agreement on Monday that would provide four laddered salary increases and an additional recognized holiday for the Denver Sheriff Department, among other measures.

The agreement was made between the city and county of Denver and the Denver Sheriff Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 27. The contract was unanimously approved by the council on Monday afternoon.

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Sheriff Elias Diggins said in a statement released by the mayor’s office that the contract is one of the highest increases he’s seen during his 30-year career with the department.

“It will help us not only with recruiting the best but retaining the great members we have, as well,” Diggins said. “We are thankful for the collaboration between Mayor Johnston, the Denver City Council, the FOP and others as we look forward toward a brighter future in the Denver Sheriff Department. We are privileged to serve the citizens of the City and County of Denver.”

The new agreement specifically will:

  • Set the minimum overtime rate at 1.5 times a deputy’s regular rate of pay

  • Create a 3% salary increase effective Jan. 1, a 4% salary increase effective July 1, a 2% salary increase effective Jan. 1, 2025, and a 3% salary increase effective July 1, 2025

  • Add Juneteenth as a recognized holiday

  • Grant up to four weeks of paid parental leave for new parents effective in 2025

  • Payment of a minimum of one hour of overtime for time spent attending firearms qualifications

  • Increase the one-time weapons allowance from $650 to $1,000

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The bargaining agreement amendments were instated immediately.

“Today’s contract with the Denver Sheriff Department is a huge step forward for public safety,” Mayor Mike Johnston said in the release. “This will help us attract and retain great sheriffs to address the major staffing shortages at our jails. I’m proud to work collaboratively with our Sheriff Department and City Council to ensure every worker in our city earns a fair wage and benefits, and can afford to live in the city they serve.”

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