District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser and D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson announced Wednesday a new labor agreement with the D.C. Fraternal Order of Police Union, providing pay increases for nearly 3,000 officers, detectives, and sergeants of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
The deal also extends raises to non-union officers ranked lieutenant and above, known as “white shirts.”
“This is about making sure we have salaries that reflect our city’s appreciation for the work our officers do every day to keep D.C. safe and it’s about making sure we offer competitive pay at MPD so that we can increase the size of our police department,” Bowser said. “We’ve seen MPD shrink over the past decade, and our focus remains on ensuring we have all the tools and resources necessary to support the men and women responsible for protecting our neighborhoods and driving down crime.”
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Mendelson said he will move emergency legislation at the council’s Sept. 17 meeting to ensure all pay increases take effect by the beginning of October.
The agreement includes cost-of-living adjustments of 4.5% in Fiscal Year 2024, followed by 4.25% in both Fiscal Years 2025 and 2026.
The raises for lieutenants and above are intended to create equity across ranks.
Chief of Police Pamela A. Smith said the contract is welcome news but added, “we can also help our members by increasing the size of our workforce and we remain committed to attracting the top talent to join MPD.”
In addition to pay raises, Bowser outlined new initiatives to boost recruitment and retention.
The city will expand MPD’s take-home vehicle program by adding 100 cars for officers who live in the District, creating more visible police presence in neighborhoods. Her administration also announced support for removing the mandatory retirement age, expanding the Senior Police Officer program to include lieutenants, and implementing the Deferred Retirement Option Program (DROP).
Ward 2 Councilmember Brooke Pinto (D) is expected to introduce related emergency legislation when the council returns from recess.
Earlier this year, the council passed the MPD Training Academy College Credit Opportunity Amendment Act of 2025, allowing recruits to earn up to 20 college credits during training.
MPD is working with the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) to create a pathway for recruits to reach 60 college credits.
“We’re glad to be a trusted partner of the mayor and her office. We are looking forward to working with her now and in the future,” said UDC President Maurice D. Edington.