Wilton Manors Police Department Staffing Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Published: July 22, 2024
This webpage will be updated as new information becomes available.  

1. How many vacant positions does the Wilton Manors Police Department (WMPD) currently have? 
   We have zero (0) active police officer vacancies.  We have two frozen police officer positions for FY24/25.    
   
   
2. With the WMPD vacancies, is Wilton Manors still safe?
   Yes. Residents can expect the same level of emergency services they are accustomed to while the WMPD actively recruits for open positions. The WMPD meets all minimum mandatory road patrol staffing requirements, and our officers remain dedicated to keeping our city safe.
   
   
3. Is employee retention, including police officer retention, on the City’s list of priorities?
   Yes. Public safety is always our top priority, and this goes hand-in-hand with retaining and onboarding police officers. The City’s most recent Strategic Plan includes goals to ensure Wilton Manors is competitive in attracting and retaining a diverse, high-quality work force.
   
   
4. How is this goal being met?
   The City and the police officers’ union agreed to open contract negotiations to address wages and compensation to retain the talented and dedicated officers serving our community.  A new agreement has been approved that places salaries and benefits in a range that is more competitive in the law enforcement market.  
   
   
5. How did the City address wages and compensation for the WMPD?
   • July 2022: The City opened the agreement with the Police Benevolent Association (PBA), which negotiates on behalf of the WMPD, to provide officers with a seven percent wage increase, which went into effect on October 2022.
   • The City and the PBA then negotiated a new three-year agreement that began October 1, 2023 that provided increased wages and benefits. That agreement for the current WMPD contract was approved in December 2023.
6. What are the terms of the current WMPD contract?
   • Wage increases ranging between 24.64% and 33.78% over three years
   • Increased longevity pay added a higher tier
   • Transition from a merit-based system to a step plan
   • Increased stipend from work in other classifications from $50 to $75 per shift
   • Added additional positions eligible for assignment pay
   • Increased compensation time cap by 50 percent
   • Increased vacation caps
   • Increased sick payout
7. Is the current contract competitive in terms of wages? 
   Yes.  The City and the police officers’ union agreed to open contract negotiations to address wages and compensation to retain the talented and dedicated officers serving our community.  A new agreement has been approved that places salaries and benefits in a range that is more competitive in the law enforcement market.
   
   
8. Why is the WMPD facing staffing challenges now?
   Nationally, there has been an increase in retirements and fewer people are entering the law enforcement profession. Locally, the lack of qualified candidates is resulting in a need for higher wages and signing bonuses. As local agencies have increased wages, the wages previously agreed to by the City and the PBA have slipped below those of the surrounding area.  The new agreement has assisted recruitment and retention as vacancies are being filled, and police officers are remaining with the department.   
   
   
9. What is being done to solve this?
   The City and the police officers’ union agreed to open contract negotiations to address wages and compensation to retain the talented and dedicated officers serving our community.  A new agreement has been approved that places salaries and benefits in a range that is more competitive in the law enforcement market.  
   
   
10. Why can’t the City give the WMPD officers a raise without the consent of the PBA? 
    Per Chapter 447.301 of the Florida Statutes, public employees have the right to organize and be represented by any employee organization of their choosing. WMPD employees are represented by PBA. Any changes to their contract, including increasing wages requires impact bargaining, which is done in public and ratified by both PBA and the City.
    
    
11. Will the Broward Sheriff’s Office or Fort Lauderdale Police Department be taking over as the local police department in Wilton Manors?
    No. The City values its local police force, and they will continue to be the law enforcement agency for our community.