Between March and April of 2009, the Des Moines Police Officers Guild entered into contract concessions negotiations with the City of Des Moines.

The Guild agreed to a one-time surrender of a funded annual benefit, saving the City in excess of $70,000.00.

On Nov. 12, 2009, in an unprecedented event, the City and the Mayor met with the Guild in an effort to re-open concessions negotiations on the existing contract.

The City and the Mayor believed they could save currently occupied Police Officer positions from layoff only if the Guild were to concede to an annual reoccurring cut in wages, amounting to approximately $62,000.00.

The Guild countered again with a one-time surrender and agreed to respond back to the City by no later than 12/03/09.

On Nov. 19, 2009, City Council, in absence of the Mayor, voted and passed a motion to eliminate four (4) currently occupied Police Officer positions, one (1) Sergeant position and three (3) currently vacant positions, which were earlier eliminated.

Their budget cutting actions were retaliatory based. Their cuts were discouraged by our Chief of Police and deeper than those proposed.

The Guild has sent an informational mailing to the public in an effort to inform them of the potential danger in reduction of police services.

Des Moines Police Guild
Des Moines