East Hampton Town announced on Friday the ratification of contracts for the Police Benevolent Association and the Superior Officers Association through Dec. 31, 2026. The previous contracts with both, ratified in 2021, were due to expire on Dec. 31 of this year; the new agreements are effective retroactive to Jan. 1.
Amendments to the contracts focus on wages, revised shift calculations, the addition of Juneteenth (June 19) as a recognized holiday, field training compensation, equipment and technology implementation, and a revised work schedule.
As of Jan. 1, both contracts provide for a minimum 10-percent base salary increase over the next three years in addition to a one-time $3,000 pay increase. A 4-percent general wage increase is added this year, another 4-percent increase will be effective Jan. 1, 2025, and a 2-percent increase will be effective Jan. 1, 2026.
A new rotating schedule has also been agreed upon, with support from Town Police Chief Michael Sarlo. The two-tour work schedule is designed to enhance operational efficiency while maintaining the well-being of officers by ensuring that two squads will be on patrol during the late and overnight shift from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.
The contracts also include language relating to equipment and technology implementation. Officers began wearing bodycams late last year, and the guidelines pertain to their use and the future use of any new department technology.
The P.B.A. contract provides for field training compensation, granting 30 minutes of compensatory time to the department’s field training officer.
The new contracts, Supervisor Kathee Burke-Gonzalez said in a statement, “reflect our commitment to our law enforcement community. We are grateful for their service and dedication given the difficult nature of their important work.”
Officer Joe Izzo, the P.B.A. president, and Lt. Dan Toia, the S.O.A. president, were both quoted in the statement. Officer Izzo called the P.B.A. contract “a fair and equitable agreement” and welcomed the new work schedule, which he said “will afford our members a steadier rotation of work hours,” the goal being to reduce fatigue and improve officers’ safety. The new contract, he added, “is a big step in promoting retention with our current members and attracting quality candidates for future appointments.”
Lieutenant Toia said his organization applauds the town and Chief Sarlo “for taking a progressive approach to policing by implementing a state-of-the-art body camera program and piloting a new police work chart.” The new equipment, he said, “will enhance community relations through increased transparency. The body cameras will also provide a more streamlined process of digital evidence storage and sharing, while improving officer safety and overall enhancing the professionalism of the department.”