EAST HAMPTON, NY — East Hampton Town officials announced Friday that they had ratified
contracts for the Police Benevolent Association and the Association of Senior Officers until 31 December 2026.
The city council's vote on Thursday, January 18, 2024, “came from a collective effort
between the board and their respective unions and underscores the mutual respect and shared commitment to support our officers and keep them safe,” city officials said.
Working closely with SOA President Lt. Dan Toia and PBA President Officer Joe Izzo and their members, the negotiations prioritized transparency and police well-being, officials added.
The previous PBA and SOA contracts, ratified in 2021, were set to expire on December 31, 2024. Recognizing the importance of retaining and recruiting highly skilled officers, the city and unions successfully extended the current agreements for an additional two years through December 31. 2026. The previous agreement, which ran through Dec. 31, 2024, was amended to incorporate key provisions effective immediately, such as compensation and a new work schedule, city officials added.
The contract amendments, the city explained, focus on wages, revised differential shift calculations, the addition of Juneteenth as a recognized holiday, reimbursements for field training, implementation of equipment and technology and a revised work schedule.
Both contracts provide for a minimum base salary increase of 10% over the next three years
In addition to a one-time $3,000 salary increase in early 2024, city officials said.
In addition, a new rotation schedule has been agreed, with the support of Police Chief Michael Sarlo. The two-tour work schedule is designed to improve operational efficiency while maintaining the well-being of the city's police force by ensuring two platoons are on patrol during the evening shift and overnight from 8 p.m. m. to 6 a.m.
Contracts also include language regarding the implementation of equipment and technology. City officers began wearing cameras in late 2023, and the ordinance outlines guidelines for its use and future use of any new department technology.
The PBA contract provides for field training compensation, granting 30 minutes of compensatory time to the department's field training officer.
“The new contracts with the PBA and SOA reflect our commitment to the law enforcement community. We are grateful for their service and dedication given the difficult nature of their important work. The City Council remains committed to continuing to work with the police of the union to ensure the safety and security of law enforcement officers and the community at large,” said East Hampton Town Supervisor Kathee Burke-Gonzalez.
PBA President and Police Officer Joseph Izzo added, “The East Hampton Town PBA is pleased
we were able to reach a fair and just agreement with the city. We welcome the implementation of the new working schedule, which will offer our members a more stable rotation of working hours. the goal is to reduce fatigue and improve officer safety. Additionally, the availability of body-worn cameras provides our members with another tool to use in the performance of their duties.”
He continued: “This contract is a big step in promoting retention with our current members and attracting quality candidates for future appointments. Recruiting in the East End has become extremely difficult, more so for law enforcement agencies such as ours. us at a time when there is a shortage of police officers across the country. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the city council and everyone who worked behind the scenes for recognizing these difficulties and challenges. We wish Supervisor Van Scoyoc the best upon his departure from office, and we look forward to continuing to work with Supervisor Burke-Gonzalez moving forward.”
SOA President and Lt. Dan Toia also weighed in: “SOA appreciates the opportunity provided by Supervisor Burke-Gonzalez and the City Council to negotiate a fair and generous compensation package. Additionally, SOA applauds the City Council and chief Sarlo for the progressive approach to policing by implementing a state-of-the-art body camera program and
piloting a new police work chart'.
The innovative, state-of-the-art equipment will strengthen community relations through increased transparency, he said.
“Body cameras will also provide a more streamlined process for storing and sharing digital evidence, while improving officer safety and enhancing the overall professionalism of the department. The new chart will provide officers with the opportunity to work more consistent shifts and in some cases increase time with family. Overall, both elements are vital to an officer's mental and physical health. We are excited for the future of the department and the city of East Hampton. We sincerely thank Supervisor Burke-Gonzalez, Chief Sarlo and the city board for their efforts,” Toia said.
