Police overtime budget cuts (Boston, Lexington: appointed, minimum wage, live)

[bostongymjunkie]

Originally Posted by msRB311

Well in the world of being a cop or firefighter they have had that choice. That could be a reason many go into this profession for this perk. They don't get a bonus as many corporate workers do, they also often end up working holidays and don't get to be with family.

In the Northeast I think it does inspire some to go into policing because OT is lucrative and the working conditions for police are often better than in many other parts of the nation. But it's worth noting that the number of police applicants in Boston, and around the country, has dropped dramatically.

[bostongymjunkie]

Originally Posted by Dm84

Pick almost any job in a white collar office setting. A lot of companies just classify everyone as exempt from overtime on dubious grounds. And we're talking people making $30k/year or more.

I knew some employers took advantage of it, but didn't realize it was pervasive. They need to make at least 35k and be in administrative job. I can't imagine they would attract/retain a qualified workforce in Boston under those conditions.

[robr2]

Originally Posted by msRB311

Well in the world of being a cop or firefighter they have had that choice. That could be a reason many go into this profession for this perk. They don't get a bonus as many corporate workers do, they also often end up working holidays and don't get to be with family.

Keep in mind those holidays are at a higher rate of pay - lots of first responders love working those days.

The big perk with police and fire jobs is the ability to retire with a minimum of 20 years of service at age 55. A police officer position in Lexington or Lincoln where crime is low is a pretty good gig. One could get on the force at 25, retire at 55, and collect a nice pension with boosts for veteran service and kids under age 22.

[Bettafish]

Originally Posted by bostongymjunkie

Where did this figure come from? This is probably a median with OT included. No trooper makes a salary of 300k base.

It's income not salary.

I can't find the original news article I read, but here is wikipedia (with a citation), which shows the average income.

As of 2017, the Massachusetts State Police average pay for a state trooper was $145,413, with three troopers earning over $300,000, and 245 troopers (12% of the workforce) earning over $200,000. A trooper's base pay is augmented by working multiple details, directing traffic, overtime shifts, or providing security at special events.[27]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Massac...s_State_Police

[robr2]

Originally Posted by bostongymjunkie

Where did this figure come from? This is probably a median with OT included. No trooper makes a salary of 300k base.

In 2017, the median income for a state trooper was $145K. That includes overtime and detail. 874 made between $100K and $149K and 711 made $150k-$200K. 245 made over $200K with 246 earning under $50K.

Note - troopers are allowed to work 16.5 hours in a day and 85 in a week. There has been talk of hiring more troopers and limiting OT hours in the name of safety but the union fights it.

https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/20...XyK/story.html

[bostongymjunkie]

Originally Posted by Bettafish

It's income not salary.

I can't find the original news article I read, but here is wikipedia (with a citation), which shows the average income.

As of 2017, the Massachusetts State Police average pay for a state trooper was $145,413, with three troopers earning over $300,000, and 245 troopers (12% of the workforce) earning over $200,000. A trooper's base pay is augmented by working multiple details, directing traffic, overtime shifts, or providing security at special events.[27]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Massac...s_State_Police

Yes if it's income not base, that's believable. However, those who are making those levels of income aren't home very much.

[Lampert]

Originally Posted by bostongymjunkie

Yes if it's income not base, that's believable. However, those who are making those levels of income aren't home very much.

People that have to work 2 minimum-wage jobs are home even less.

[massnative71]

Originally Posted by Lampert

People that have to work 2 minimum-wage jobs are home even less.

Is this what we have come to people, really??? Pay everybody minimum wage! Screw weekends! Screw holidays! Don't let people go home to their families at night! My life s#$ks so why shouldn't everyone else's! In fact, screw America! Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving.

[bostongymjunkie]

Originally Posted by Lampert

People that have to work 2 minimum-wage jobs are home even less.

Why are you comparing unskilled minimum wage workers to law enforcement officers?

[skeddy]

Originally Posted by Lampert

You mean like 60k?

to start sure, then steady raises to up to 100K.