Wichita City Council members have voted unanimously to approve an agreement with the Fraternal Order of Police for 2025 and 2026, providing for pay increases and adjustments in several areas.

The contract provides for a general pay adjustment of 4.5 percent, with an adjustment of 2 percent for all ranges and steps and merit step increases of 2.5 percent for eligible positions that are not at top wage.   Code of Conduct pay equaling $2.35 per hour has been eliminated from the contract, and there is no longer a provision that would allow an officer who violates policy to forego that pay in lieu of suspension.

The FOP contract also includes steps to implement the recommendations from the Chicago firm of Jensen Hughes that conducted a study of the police department and issued a report in 2023.   Police captain Aaron Moses said 30 of the recommendations have been implemented with another 24 in progress.    One change will allow the police chief to initiate an administrative internal investigation at the same time as a criminal investigation.   Previously, the chief had to wait until the criminal investigation was completed.

Several members of the city’s racial profiling board asked the Council to delay action on the contract, voicing concerns over the complaints process and transparency, along with some Jensen Hughes recommendations that they felt should be put into the contract.   Council member Mike Hoheisel said there should be better communication with the public before future contracts are approved.  He said staff and the FOP need to continue with efforts to put the Jensen Hughes recommendations into effect.

The FOP Lodge 5 members have voted to approve the agreement.