Recently Gov. Nathan Deal announced that he was giving all state sworn officers, about 3,300 total, an across the board 20% pay raise. Gov. Deal stated, "It is incumbent upon the government to recruit and retain the best and the brightest, while equipping them with the training and resources they require."
You can see more on Gov. Deal's plan and statements here:
https://gov.georgia.gov/press-releases/2016-09-08/deal-announces-major-law-enforcement-reform-package
The Gwinnett County government also recognizes the importance of retaining officers who have experience. They too, recently announced a plan that is aimed towards retaining officers; especially those in the 3-8 years of service range. The two major changes for Gwinnett is the addition of a master police officer classification that would include a 6% pay raise and a 6% pay raise for their detectives and accident investigators.
You can read more about Gwinnett's plan here:
http://www.gwinnettdailypost.com/local/gwinnett-offering-new-rank-pay-raises-for-law-enforcement/article_926dcfbf-5363-57f8-b296-6df139edbd0b.html
In years past, Cobb County, lead while others followed. That is why we were able to attract the best and the brightest. Too often now, we hear of yet another valuable experienced officer leaving to go to another metro-Atlanta department for better pay, better benefits, etc. Will this continue to be the standard? Will our county government take Gov. Deal's words to heart and take steps to recruit and retain the best?
Some of us are waiting to see if we are going to lead, follow or do nothing. Meanwhile, others are growing tired of waiting and going elsewhere.
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