why are some police departments paid so much more than others?

Question

like suffolk county police department, after 6 years you earn almost $100,000 a year.

whereas nypd you "only" make about $60,000 after 5 years.

why is that?

Answer 1

The salary a police officer makes is set by the local government and their union contract It is negotiated, but the "wealth" of the area determines what the government entity is able to pay. Wealthier areas, with more tax money available, will be able to pay their officers more.

Answer 2

Money is only part of the salary package. To accurate compare department salary you need to factor in how much the department pays for health insurance, any tuition assistance, how much leave they give you, years till retirement, how much retirement, take-home car, free equipment, free uniform, etc....

I'd rather have say $60,000/year plus a car, 80% of my health care premiums paid, tuition assistance and retirement after 20 years than just a flat $70,000/year, for example....

Also others are right. The tax base has a lot to do with it.

Lastly, areas that have no other police department competition can pay less (Podunk, North Dakota will pay less because the other nearest department is 70 miles away in BFE while Washington, DC has to compete with 6 counties all within a 20 minute drive).

Hope this helps.

Answer 3

A lot has to do with the tax base of a particular area. It also has to do with how well the local government is run. Do they waste money on useless programs and things like that.

Answer 4

NYC has to cover a whole lot more people and pay a lot more people on the force. They simply can't afford to pay what a place like Suffolk Co. can pay.

Answer 5

Local politics and policies. And the share your State or County have of national and local taxes.

Answer 6

Politics,

wealth of the area,

elected officals over your salary, I have this problem to they hire their friends in and you the loyal civil servant gets shafted, I am sorry.