Detroit officials lay out plan for police officer raises

DETROIT (WJBK) - Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan and Police Chief James Craig detailed a plan Monday morning to give the raise the pay for the city's police officers.

It will increase officers' wages by four percent beginning in January.

Police Chief James Craig says it will help boost morale for officers who've been overworked and underpaid.

"I just, right now, want to give a harty thank you for his bold leadership because I will tell you, when it became known that there was some money on the table that we could apply somewhere in the city, I fought tremendously hard and urged the mayor, 'Can we put it in policing?' Chief Craig said at the news conference. 

Under the deal, officers with at least two years of college education will get an extra two percent. Officers new to the force, who currently earn $31,000 a year, will jump to $36,000.

The investment is $41 million and Mayor Duggan said firefighters and EMTs will be next as they all make less than those in the suburbs. 

The increase must still be approved by city council, police unions and the financial review board.

Tune in to FOX 2 News tonight beginning at 5 p.m. for more details on the plan.