POLICE SALARIES AND BENEFITS IN NJ

Police Salaries and Benefits in NJ

Police Salaries and Benefits in NJ

Introduction

Police officers have a very demanding job that can be both strenuous and dangerous. These individuals are responsible for ensuring the safety of the residents in their city or town and enforcing the law. While a career as a police officer doesn't require college education, it does involve a great deal of training and on-the-job learning. The salary and benefits of a police officer can vary greatly depending on the officer's experience, education and location. However, distinct trends in all three areas can help an individual to estimate the salary that one could command in various situations. (Gaines, Miller 2008)

Member Insurance Coverage includes extended health (dental, optical, prescription drugs, travel health insurance, semi-private hospital care, etc.) life insurance, long term disability (LTD) and accidental death and dismemberment (A.D.& D). Coverage starts on the first day of employment. Dependant Insurance: Coverage includes extended health benefits (dental, optical, prescription drugs, semi-private hospital care, travel health insurance, etc.).

Discussion

Police and sheriff's patrol officers had median annual earnings of $45,210 in May 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $34,410 and $56,360. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $26,910, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $68,880. Median annual earnings were $44,750 in NJ Government, $48,980 in State government, and $45,010 in local government. (Kemp 2007)In May 2004, median annual earnings of police and detective supervisors were $64,430. The middle 50 percent earned between $49,370 and $80,510. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $36,690, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $96,950. Median annual earnings were $86,030 in NJ Government, $62,300 in State government, and $63,590 in local government. In May 2004, median annual earnings of detectives and criminal investigators were $53,990. The middle 50 percent earned between $40,690 and $72,280. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $32,180, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $86,010. Median annual earnings were $75,700 in NJ Government, $46,670 in State government, and $49,650 in local government. (Kratcoski, Das 2007)

NJ law provides special salary rates to NJ employees who serve in law enforcement. Additionally, NJ special agents and inspectors receive law enforcement availability pay (LEAP)-equal to 25 percent of the agent's grade and step-awarded because of the large amount of overtime that these agents are expected to work. For example, in 2005, FBI agents entered NJ service as GS-10 employees on the pay scale at a base salary of $42,548, yet they earned about $53,185 a year with availability pay. They could advance to the GS-13 grade level in field nonsupervisory assignments at a base salary of $64,478, which was worth $80,597 with availability pay. FBI supervisory, management, and executive positions in grades GS-14 and GS-15 paid a base salary of about $76,193 and $89,625 a year, respectively, which amounted to $95,241 or $112,031 per year including availability pay. Salaries were slightly higher in selected areas where the prevailing local pay level was ...