Middletown Police Agree To 4-Year Contract With Town

MIDDLETOWN, RI — The town of Middletown reached a contract agreement with the police department, town officials announced Tuesday. The new, four-year deal required concessions on both sides, the town said.

“I want to express my sincere appreciation to the men and women of the Middletown Police Department for their ratification of the new police contract, which we as a Council formally ratified tonight," council President Robert Sylvia said. "We know it's been a challengign time for our front-line responders, and their families, during the COVID-19 pandemic, and a simple thank you just does not seem enough."

Under the terms of the contract, police officers will work eight-hour shifts, instead of 12 hours. In addition, new hires after July 1, 2021 will no longer receive a pension, instead they will be enrolled in a 401k-style plan.

The police union also conceded two raises, totaling four percent, that were due in the current contract, which was in place until June 30, 2021. Under the new agreement, officers will receive a one percent raise on Jan. 1, 2023, followed by a two percent raise on June 30, 2024.

"The body is happy that we were able to get the contract done, especially with everything going on in the world," said Officer David Guerriero, a K9 and community policing officer. "We feel that though both sides conceded things, that in the end, we came to an agreement that not only was fair to both sides, but benefited the town’s residents, both immediately and in the future."

The twelve-hour workday has been in place since early 2012, at the time to cut down on overtime. Reactions to the change were mixed, the town said, because although it cut down on the amount of overtime, some officers said it was difficult to "stay fresh and sharp" for a 12-hour shift. Most other police departments in Rhode Island currently have eight-hour shifts.

The shift change is expected to cost about $71,000 extra per year, totaling $285,000 over the four-year contract. However, the town is expected to save 1.7 percent on each new hire after July 1, 2021.

"Tonight's four-year contract, in my opinion, was the result of open, honest, face-to-face conversations, with both sides understanding the current state of the state, that we as a community and country are going through," Sylvia said. "The negotiating team echoed the police union desires by showing compassion for our residents, many who have lost their jobs and to the unknown changes ahead of us going forward as a town, asking for the minimal considerations. They are to be commended for their unselfish dedication."