Bowie Police Organize Union

Bowie police officers have taken their first steps to organizing a union that will allow them to negotiate the terms of their employment, benefits, pay and more with the city, according to The Gazette.

They will be represented by the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Lodge No. 140 and Bowie Police Sgt. Rachel Jefferson, lodge president, said the force’s decision to organize is not related to any workforce discontent.

“Right now, they’ve been fair, and it’s not like we’re feeling neglected,” Jefferson said in The Gazette. “Hopefully, we’ll be able to secure the benefits and conditions of employment in writing that they’ve already given us.”

If measures taken by the Bowie City Council are approved at its August meeting, the FOP would be allowed to represent Bowie's finest.

Bowie Police would be one of only four organized police forces in Prince George’s County. Greenbelt Police, Prince George’s County Police, and the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission Police also have the right to collective bargain for their contracts.

Read the full story on The Gazette.