Rocky Mount raising starting yearly salary for police officers to $60,000

The city is bumping starting pay for officers to $60,000 per year, effective immediately. That's a 36 percent increase over the previous pay rate for the city's newly-hired officers, as authorized by City Manager Keith Rogers Jr.

Rogers expects the move to improve staffing in the department.

“Citywide we are working to update our classification and compensation structure, ensuring that we value all city employees,” Rogers said. “Increasing starting pay for our officers will directly address our significant vacancy rate and enhance our recruitment efforts.”

For comparison's sake, the starting salary for a Raleigh police recruit is $50,301. Durham officers receive $42,593 during Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) and Field training, then $46,998 as a certified patrol officer. Fayetteville officers receive $43,000 during BLET and that amount is raised to $45,000 upon graduation. Down Interstate 95, Wilson's base pay starts at $45,170.

Police Chief Robert Hassell appreciates the decision.

“He has given us the ability to ensure we retain experienced, committed and dedicated officers, and have the ability to recruit the best in the profession for years to come,” Hassell said. “This demonstrates Rocky Mount’s commitment to being the leader in officer compensation in our state and competitive beyond.”