WPCNR POLICE GAZETTE. By John F. Bailey. May 17, 2005, UPDATED May 18, 2005 11 P.M. E.S.T.  :  The Department of Public Safety issued a statement to WPCNR on the new White Plains Police contract reported exclusively by this reporterTuesday afternoon.  

The Department statement says: "Commissioner Straub and the Department of Public Safety are pleased that the successor contract was resolved as timely as it was. It is an example of what all parties working together can accomplish."

The White Plains Police Benevolent Association announced Tuesday to WPCNR that its members have ratified a new contract with the City of White Plains covering fiscal years 2005-06, 2006-07, and 2007-08. Jim Carrier, President of the WPPBA, reported to WPCNR today the police have agreed to a 4% a year wage increase across the board for each of the three years, and detectives have received an additional 1% a year over the life of the three year contract.

Carrier said the union negotiated the contract without outside consultants, with the Commissioner of Public Safety, Dr. Frank Straub, who participated directly in the union negotiations. Carrier said that in addition to the 12% increase, the union received an extra personal day, and increases in dental and optical plans.

Carrier said his union members ratified the contract last Friday by a vote of 154-30. He said he was very happy that the contract was wrapped up two and a half months prior to expiration of the current contract June 30. Carrier added it was the first time in memory that negotiation on a new contract had been completed early.  He stated the 12% package was achieved "with no givebacks and no concessions (on work rules)." 

Carrier added, that to his knowledge, the White Plains Professional Fire Fighters union was still in negotiations with the Department of Public Safety. 

David Maloney of the Mayor's office asked for a statement Tuesday by this reporter, said "The Mayor's Office has no statement to make to WPCNR."