East Hampton Town Ratifies Police Union Contracts Through 2026

EAST HAMPTON, NY — East Hampton Town officials announced Friday that they had ratified
contracts for the Police Benevolent Association and the Superior Officers Association through December 31, 2026.

The town board vote on Thursday, January 18, 2024, "resulted from a collaborative effort
between the board and the respective unions and underscores the mutual respect and shared commitment to supporting our officers and their safety," town officials said.

Working closely with SOA President Lieutenant Dan Toia and PBA President Police Officer Joe Izzo and their members, negotiations prioritized transparency and the well-being of the police force, officials added.

The previous PBA and SOA contracts, ratified in 2021, were set to expire on December 31, 2024. Recognizing the importance of retaining and recruiting highly skilled officers, the town and the unions successfully extended the current agreements for an additional two years through December 31, 2026. The prior agreement, which was in effect until December 31, 2024, was amended to incorporate key provisions that are taking effect immediately, such as compensation and a new work schedule, town officials added.

Amendments to the contracts, the town explained, focus on wages, revised shift differential calculations, the addition of Juneteenth as a recognized holiday, field training compensation, equipment and technology implementation, and a revised work schedule.

Both contracts provide for a minimum 10 percent base salary increase over the next three years in
addition to a one-time $3,000 pay increase at the beginning of 2024, town officials said.

In addition, a new rotating schedule has been agreed upon, with support from Police Chief Michael Sarlo. The two-tour work schedule is designed to enhance operational efficiency while maintaining the well-being of the town’s police force by ensuring that two squads will be on patrol during the late and overnight shift from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.

The contracts also include language relating to equipment and technology implementation. Town officers began wearing bodycams in late 2023, and the provision outlines guidelines pertaining to its use and the future use of any new department technology.

The PBA contract provides for field training compensation, granting 30 minutes of compensatory time to the department’s field training officer.

"The new contracts with the PBA and SOA reflect our commitment to our law enforcement community. We are grateful for their service and dedication, given the difficult nature of their important work. The town board remains committed to continued collaboration with its police unions to ensure the safety and security of its law enforcement officers and the community at large," said East Hampton Town Supervisor Kathee Burke-Gonzalez.

PBA President and Police Officer Joseph Izzo added: "The East Hampton Town PBA is pleased that
we were able to reach a fair and equitable agreement with the town. We welcome the implementation of the new work schedule, which will afford our members a steadier rotation of work hours; the goal being to lessen fatigue and improve officers’ safety. Additionally, the rollout of body-worn cameras provides our members with another tool to use in the performance of their jobs."

He continued: "This contract agreement is a big step in promoting retention with our current members and attracting quality candidates for future appointments. Hiring on the East End has become exceptionally difficult, more so for law enforcement agencies like ours at a time when there is a nationwide shortage of police officers. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the town board, and everyone who worked behind the scenes, for recognizing these hardships and challenges. We wish all the best to Supervisor Van Scoyoc in his retirement from office, and we look forward to continuing to work with Supervisor Burke-Gonzalez moving forward."

SOA President and Lieutenant Dan Toia also reflected: "The SOA appreciates the opportunity provided by Supervisor Burke-Gonzalez and the town board to negotiate a fair and generous compensation package. Furthermore, the SOA applauds the town board and Chief Sarlo for taking a progressive approach to policing by implementing a state-of-the-art body camera program and
piloting a new police work chart."

The innovative, state-of-the-art equipment will enhance community relations through increased transparency, he said.

"The body cameras will also provide a more streamlined process of digital evidence storage and sharing, while improving officer safety and overall enhancing the professionalism of the department. The new chart will provide officers with an opportunity to work more steady shifts, and in some cases increase time with family. Overall, both elements are vital to an officer's mental and physical health. We are excited about the future of the department and the Town of East Hampton. We sincerely thank Supervisor Burke-Gonzalez, Chief Sarlo, and the town board for their efforts," Toia said.