The City of Long Beach and the Long Beach Police Officers Association (POA), which represents approximately 730 employees, have announced a tentative three-year labor agreement.

This agreement is intended to keep Long Beach competitive with other agencies seeking quality police officers, address issues of recruitment and retention and incentivize critical skill sets, according to the City. 

“Our police officers take on complex and demanding responsibilities, and this agreement acknowledges the skill, professionalism and leadership required in today’s public safety environment,” said Mayor Rex Richardson in a public statement. “By prioritizing fair compensation, enhanced training incentives and support for specialized roles, we are reinforcing Long Beach’s commitment to our community’s evolving public safety needs.”

The tentative agreement includes the following major terms:

Three-year contract from Oct. 1, 2025 to Sept. 30, 2028.

General salary increases of 3% in the first year, 4% in the second year and 5% in the third year.

One-time payments for each POA classification in the first year.

Increase to Solo Patrol premium pays: 

Police Officers who are assigned and work a one-officer unit in patrol on watch 1 and watch 3 will receive 10% of the Step 5 Police Officer base hourly rate. 

Police Officers who are assigned and work a one-officer unit in patrol on watch 2 will receive 5% of the Step 5 Police Officer base hourly rate.  

Increase Field Training Officer premium pay to 15% of the Step 5 Police Officer base hourly rate.

Creation of new Specialized Unit Field Training Officer Pay of 5% of the Step 5 Police Officer base hourly rate.

Creation of new Field Training Officer Divisional Sergeant Pay of 2.5% of the Step 5 Police Officer base hourly rate.

New Intermediate Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Certificate pay: POA members who obtained an Intermediate POST Certificate will receive 3% of the Step 5 Police Officer base hourly rate.

“This contract reflects a shared understanding of the challenges facing police staffing and the need to remain competitive in Southern California,” said POA President Rich Chambers in a public statement. “After months of focused and constructive discussions, our members supported the resulting agreement because it addresses key issues tied to recruitment, training, and retention. That stability is critical for our officers and the community we serve.” 

POA members voted to ratify the tentative agreement on Dec. 22. The agreement is expected to go before the Long Beach City Council during its Jan. 20 meeting for consideration and public discussion.

Negotiations consisted of 15 meetings between City and POA representatives, beginning in June 2025. The complete structural annual net fiscal impact costs of the agreement, once fully implemented in Fiscal Year 2026, is $24.8 million across All Funds (including $23.8 million in the General Fund).