Is it not illegal for employees of a police dept to have to pay back all of their salary when they quit?

Question

If you work for most police dept, they make you sign a contract for 36 months that says that you will pay back all your training expenses and salary if you leave before 36 months. Is it not illegal to have to pay back your salary?

I just asked. I was able to get in on a class action lawsuit and the whole thing was thrown out for all of us because of the simple fact it is federally illegal to take someones salary back-at least that is what the judge said. Looks like a few southern states and northern states LE agencies are going to change.

Answer 1

You may have to pay them back for the training, but probably not for the salary. You need to check the state labor laws regarding such things. I know you signed a contract, but not all things signed are legal according to state law. If it violates state law to ask for salary already paid, then they dont have a leg to stand on.

Answer 2

That's a sticky question, one that contemplates labor law, employment law, and contract law. Somehow I would guess that they don't call it "salary," when you're training (i.e. you're not getting paid for working, but they are providing a stipend while you're attending training.) I'm not well-versed enough in employment law to know if a true "return your salary if" contract would be unenforceable as unconscionable or violative of a specific law.
Just because you signed a contract does not necessarily make it enforceable. Think about the logical extension -- I pay you for 6 months, but if you show up for work late any time in the next six months, you forfeit all the money you previously earned.
That contract seems unconscionable to me, especially if it is presented under duress. I would agree that your wages have been vested and paid, and to allow such provisions could have the effect of involuntary servitude. This is just me thinking on paper, and you'd have to contact an employment lawyer to be sure. Certainly, your signed employment contract would have to be taken seriously, too.

Answer 3

I can see how you might be required to pay back training expenses.... But your salary....?? I mean you did perform work to earn that salary... and if they feel you have been training all along they shouldn't have called it salary it should have been called some type of allowance. Your salary is what you get paid for work you've performed.

I'd contact a lawyer this contract sounds absolutely ridiculous! This is America! You're supposed to be able to WORK and earn a living!! Not work for free!!! Making you give back what you earned is like retroactive enslavement.

unforseen things may happen and someone may have no choice but to quit their job and move, its not unheard of at all.

The training you received was on the forces tab... But the work you did for them outside of training was work that you performed and must be paid for. I think they have a right to hold you liable for training expenses that they incurred... But to take back your salary is like taking your life. we all have to have roof over our heads and eat. The force should just suck it up and stop trying to destroy your life because something didn't work out for you guys.

Perhaps they feel that your salary was equal to all the training expenses... If that is so, then logically, they cannot ask you to pay back both. that would be like holding you in some kind of double jeopardy.

Answer 4

No, its not illegal, matter of fact its pretty smart. The Police Department is spending thier own expenses inorder that you may be more knowledgeable in whatever area they put you in. The money is not coming from your pocket but theirs; the training is free for you, not them. So, if you end up quiting before that 36 months, then they do not have to worry about having wasted all that money on someone whom is not going to be loyal, because your paying them back.

Had they not created that contract, they would be up sh**t creek with too much money spent on individuals who are not going to stay for long.

They save money, and it also detours one from quiting before the 36 months are up.

Answer 5

Of course not, you signed a contract, just like cell phone companies make you do. If you don't fulfill the contract, then you pay. Because now the police department has to spend more time and money training someone to replace you, they didn't get their 3 years of service which you agreed to, so they charge you.

Answer 6

to respond to the criminal area, we would want to carry close the position you're as regulations can variety. in the US, Federal regulation less than the honest exertions criteria Act facilitates agencies to address Salaried (or Exempt) workers otherwise from Hourly workers. it isn't required to provide Salaried workers vacation Pay or perhaps Over-Time pay. There are rules that outline what an Exempt worker is, yet commonly, administration and professional positions are exempt. Tony

Answer 7

The payback is to pay for your training should you serve for less than 3 years on the force. This is a legal and binding contract. No one forced you to sign the agreement.Employers have a right to expect to be reimbursed for your training if you fail to stay with them for a specified minimum period.

Answer 8

It's training expenses they are asking for for all of the money they
paid you. You signed the contract, that made it legal.

Thank you very much, while you're up!!

Answer 9

ha ha police departments even screw thiere own guys thats what you get for signing up to be a professional murderer and liar what did you expect from these scum

Answer 10

I'm going to suggest that one to management. :) Maybe then they will stop hiring idiots that quit after 6 months!