Sworn law enforcement officers; provide supplemental pay for certain.
Impact
The establishment of the Law Enforcement Officers Accreditation Supplemental Pay Fund is a significant component of SB2410. This fund will be source of the supplementary payments, which will be financed through appropriated state funds. It aims to ensure that funds allocated for this purpose do not lapse into the State General Fund at the end of the fiscal year, thus protecting these allocations for their intended use. The requirement for law enforcement agencies to be accredited introduces an additional layer of accountability and encourages continuous compliance with professional standards among law enforcement entities in Mississippi.
Summary
Senate Bill 2410 is designed to provide annual supplemental pay to law enforcement officers who are employed by accredited law enforcement departments in Mississippi. Specifically, the bill stipulates that sworn and certified law enforcement officers who have completed at least five years of service are eligible to receive an additional payment of $2,400 annually. This supplementary pay is meant to be in addition to any other compensation the officers may receive, ensuring that it does not reduce their overall pay from other sources. The intent behind this legislation is to recognize and support long-serving law enforcement personnel while encouraging agencies to maintain their accreditation status.
Contention
While SB2410 enjoys support for emphasizing the importance of accreditation and additional funding for law enforcement, it also raises questions and potential contention regarding how it will be funded and its implications for unaccredited agencies. Critics may argue that the emphasis on accreditation could inadvertently penalize local agencies that face challenges in achieving or maintaining such status. Additionally, the implications of utilizing state funds for this purpose need to be examined, particularly in the context of state budget constraints and competing funding priorities within the public sector.
Increases supplemental pay for certain eligible law enforcement officers and firefighters to $1,000 per month. (7/1/16) (OR +$118,896,000 GF EX See Note)