Northam Budget To Include $223M In Increased Funding For Police, Correctional Officers

VIRGINIA — Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam plans to include pay increases for Virginia State Troopers, correctional officers, deputy sheriffs and regional jail officers in his forthcoming two-year state budget proposal.

Northam's proposed budget will include more than $223 million in increased funding for these public safety officers. Newly sworn state troopers will receive a 7.7 percent pay raise. The starting salary for new correction officers will increase by 25 percent, and the average entry-level salary for deputy sheriffs and regional jail officials will increase by about 20 percent.

Northam’s budget proposal also includes significant funding to address pay compression and provide additional raises to a range of targeted officers and sworn personnel. Virginia gave one-time bonuses of $3,000 to $5,000 to public safety officials in 2021, in addition to a one-time bonus of $500 in 2020.

“Law enforcement officers carry a heavy burden as they work to protect Virginians, and this raise is the right thing to do,” Northam said in a statement. “It is also important that our officers are paid enough to create a positive work environment free from as much stress and burnout as possible. This raise and increased funding is a huge step forward.”

For years, the morale of law enforcement officers has been dipping, as they see colleagues in the private sector making more money. Calls for greater accountability in instances of police misconduct and COVID-19 vaccine mandates for public sector employees also have contributed to a decline in morale among law enforcement officers.

During his campaign, Gov.-elect Glenn Youngkin also listed salary increases for police as a top priority.

Northam's proposed budget will encourage more young people to join Virginia's pool of public safety officers, said Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security Brian Moran.

“I want to thank Governor Northam for continuing to prioritize Virginia law enforcement,” Virginia State Police Superintendent Colonel Gary T. Settle said in a statement. “The bonuses and pay raises given to public safety officials every year during the Governor’s term have boosted morale and changed lives.”