Proposed Louisville police pay increase is 22% over 4 years

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Mayor Craig Greenberg was joined by Ryan Nichols, president of the River City FOP, Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) leadership and community members to celebrate the new proposed four-year contracts that include a 22% salary increase and strengthen transparency and recruiting efforts. Currently, LMPD is 260 officers short of full strength.

If approved by the Metro Council, the contracts will guarantee a 22% salary increase over four years for all officers, sergeants, lieutenants and captains, making LMPD’s salaries competitive and bringing them in line with other police departments in Louisville and the region. Members will receive an immediate 7% raise as part of the new contracts. The starting annual pay for LMPD officers will increase from $52,000 to nearly $67,000 by July 2026.

“I am proud that these contracts represent Louisville Metro Government’s commitment to recruitment, retention and the overall wellbeing of our police officers,” Mayor Greenberg said. “They also show our commitment to transparency, accountability, and the collective safety of our entire community. I am hopeful the Metro Council will vote to approve these agreements, ultimately helping us better support our police officers and our city as we create a safer Louisville for everyone.”

In addition to pay raises, the contracts also define the process for misconduct investigations more clearly regarding timelines and review prior to discipline. Other changes include clarifying the circumstances under which body worn cameras may be remotely accessed for live viewing for legitimate reasons such as safety, investigative or tactical purposes. 

“This has been a collaborative effort with the administration and command staff to try to increase the level of public safety we can provide to the citizens of our community,” said President Ryan Nichols of the River City Fraternal Order of Police. “We appreciate the community’s support and we encourage the Metro Council to approve these contracts as well.”

“We must attract officers who have the passion and the drive to serve our community,” said LMPD Chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel. “You can pay your officers well and still require accountability. You will get that commitment from us as we move this department forward.”

Both contracts were approved by union members with more than 90% of votes cast in support of the agreements. Community members also spoke in favor of the contracts at Wednesday’s event. “I couldn’t do what I do and stay safe without the help of LMPD,” said longtime violence prevention nonprofit leader Kim Moore. “I’m so grateful for these contracts and I look forward to partnering with our police officers through initiatives like Group Violence Intervention, as we work to make our city safer for everyone.”