NJ State Park Police Contract
The New Jersey State Park Police are at the forefront of ensuring the safety, security, and well-being of people who visit the state parks in New Jersey. They are responsible for enforcing the laws within the state parks, protecting the natural resources and habitat, and helping visitors enjoy their park experience.
In 2019, the New Jersey State Park Police union was able to negotiate a new contract with the state. The contract involved a significant increase in salary for the officers, as well as several other benefits.
Under the new contract, NJ State Park Police officers received a 4% annual increase in their base pay over the next four years. This increase brought their salaries in line with other law enforcement agencies in New Jersey, making it more competitive for officers to work for the State Park Police.
In addition to the salary increase, the new contract provided other benefits to State Park Police officers. For example, officers were given increased job security in the form of a “no layoff” clause. This clause ensured that officers could feel secure in their positions and continue to provide the best service possible to visitors.
Another significant benefit of the new contract was the expansion of health care benefits for officers and their families. The state agreed to cover a larger portion of health care costs, making it more affordable for officers to maintain their health care coverage.
Overall, the new NJ State Park Police contract was a major victory for both the officers and the state. The increased salary and benefits made the job more attractive to officers, which can help improve retention rates, and ensures that the state parks continue to be safe and enjoyable places for visitors to explore.
As we continue to face the pandemic, state parks are more important than ever for individuals looking to escape and enjoy some fresh air. It`s important to have reliable and well-funded park police to ensure that visitors can safely enjoy all that New Jersey`s state parks have to offer.
In summary, the new NJ State Park Police contract was a big win for law enforcement officers working in state parks across the state. While ensuring that workers received appropriate compensation and benefits, the state also made sure that the parks remain safe and secure for the millions of visitors who come each year. This new contract serves as a model for how state and local governments can support the essential workers who keep our public spaces safe and accessible to all.