If police cadets want to join an agency where they?ll have a good chance to make serious money, they should consider the Howard County Police Department.
Last year, 42 employees of the department ? or 10 percent of Howard?s 400 officers ? made more than $100,000, according to payroll records obtained by The Examiner.
That percentage of six-figure salaries is the highest in the Baltimore region.
“I?m proud of our investment in public safety,” Howard County Executive Ken Ulman said. “Part of the reason why the numbers are as they are is we have so few officers. You have a higher percentage of officers in the command structure.”
While many of those earning over $100,000 had the high ranks of chief, major and lieutenant, five Howard County first-class officers were breaking six figures.
“Because we put a lot of demand on the officers we have, we?ve got some folks providing services beyond their normal work week,” Ulman said. “We?ve been able to provide a reasonably low crime rate. The citizens of Howard County pay their taxes and they get a high level of public service.”
In Baltimore County, 38 ? or 2 percent ? of 1,900 police officers made more than $100,000. No Baltimore County police employees with the rank of officer earned more than $100,000. In Baltimore City, 121 ? or 4 percent of 2,900 officers ? earned six figures. Of those 121 employees, 41 had the rank of officer. No Carroll County Sheriff?s Deputies earned more than $100,000.
The Examiner is still awaiting law enforcement data requested from Anne Arundel and Harford counties.
Baltimore City is now negotiating new contracts with its police union.
Anthony McCarthy, a spokesman for Mayor Sheila Dixon, said Dixon wants to see a well-compensated police force.
“Mayor Dixon has asked that labor negotiators make the most significant recommendation possible to her,” he said. “She believes our officers are worth every dollar that we pay them, but she is very conscious that these are taxpayer dollars and she wants to use them as efficiently as possible. We want to keep officers on the job and in the city.”
Baltimore region?s 10 highest paid police officers in 2006
1 » Baltimore City Police Officer Albert Marcus Sr.: $167,421
2 » Howard County Police Chief Wayne Livesay: $161, 632
3 » Baltimore City Police Lt. Regis Flynn: $156,529
4 » Baltimore County Police Chief Terrence Sheridan: $154,095
5 » Baltimore City Police Commissioner Leonard Hamm: $153,000
6 » Baltimore County Police Col. William Kelly Jr.: $144,513
7 » Baltimore City Police Officer Julie Pitocchelli: $143,517
8 » Baltimore City Police Lt. John Bailey Jr.: $143,155
9 » Baltimore City Police Sgt. Douglas Gardner: $142,031
10 » Baltimore City Police Sgt. Darryl Massey: $141,077
? Salaries for Anne Arundel and Harford counties were not available by press time.
Sources: Local police departments
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