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PRINTER'S NO. 500
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
87
Session of
2019
INTRODUCED BY D. MILLER, MURT, HILL-EVANS, MILLARD, READSHAW,
DEASY, A. DAVIS AND SCHWEYER, FEBRUARY 19, 2019
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT, FEBRUARY 19, 2019
A RESOLUTION
Directing the Joint State Government Commission to conduct a
study on police pay and salary benefits in this Commonwealth
and issue a report of its findings and recommendations to the
General Assembly.
WHEREAS, The existence of highly trained, effectively
supported and well-paid police officers in this Commonwealth is
desirable, necessary and appropriate; and
WHEREAS, Policing has become a more demanding profession,
requiring a greater level of knowledge and skill, especially
when addressing mental health, disability or addiction issues or
in relation to the unaddressed needs in more economically
disadvantaged communities of this Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS, Currently, some full-time and many part-time police
officers are likely not compensated and supported appropriately,
thereby forcing some police officers to rely on multiple jobs to
meet their basic household needs; and
WHEREAS, Increased stress in any job, especially in one as
significant and dangerous as policing, is likely to impact
performance or decision-making; and
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WHEREAS, Police officers are justified in expecting policies
that:
(1) enable them to be well-rested and ready for work;
(2) recognize the importance of their jobs through
suitable pay and benefits; and
(3) maintain a workplace that provides them appropriate
training and support designed to tackle today's criminal
justice needs and public expectations;
and
WHEREAS, The residents of this Commonwealth have the right to
expect police officers to be highly trained, supported and
accountable to the public; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives direct the Joint
State Government Commission to conduct a study on policy pay and
salary benefits in this Commonwealth and issue a report of its
findings and recommendations to the General Assembly; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That the Joint State Government Commission seek
input and information as appropriate from at least the
following:
(1) the Pennsylvania State Police;
(2) the Pennsylvania State Lodge Fraternal Order of
Police;
(3) the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association;
(4) the Municipal Police Officers' Education and
Training Commission;
(5) the Department of Community and Economic
Development; and
(6) other persons, agencies or organizations, including
representatives of local government associations,
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knowledgeable of the issues surrounding police pay, benefits,
scheduling and contracts;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That the report of the Joint State Government
Commission contain at a minimum the following:
(1) findings and recommendations, including relevant
background information and data regarding the structure of
salaries for police officers, specifically to focus on
minimum salary, salary advancement and health care in this
Commonwealth for full-time and part-time police officers, in
comparison with states similarly situated and in a manner
which draws distinction to departments in relation to the
demographics and income level of their individual
jurisdictions;
(2) any proposed legislation that would reflect the
appropriateness and need for a minimum starting salary for
police officers in this Commonwealth;
(3) any proposed legislation that would reflect the
appropriateness and need for a minimum level of medical
insurance, survivor benefits or other family supports at the
start of employment for police officers in this Commonwealth;
(4) an analysis of how department consolidation may
assist in raising salaries, increasing access to benefits,
providing appropriate advancement opportunities and
increasing training, support and accountability for police
officers, in addition to any specific suggestions regarding
how the Commonwealth can assist in the consolidation of
services;
(5) suggestions of how pensions for police officers can
be portable and more equitable, especially in relation to
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departments which represent more economically disadvantaged
jurisdictions, but in a manner that would not negatively
impact police pension systems that are well-funded or
otherwise desirable by its members;
(6) an analysis of police officer scheduling and related
policies, but excluding those policies relating to department
overtime needs or emergency declarations, to focus on
methodologies and supports that improve the health and safety
of police officers and foster better job performance; and
(7) any other data or information determined to be
necessary or appropriate;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Joint State Government Commission issue
its report to the General Assembly within one year of the
adoption of this resolution.
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