Chandler, Arizona - The Chandler City Council and the Chandler Law Enforcement Association (CLEA) have reached a new agreement that benefits Chandler law enforcement officers for the next contract period. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) introduces additional competitive benefits and incentives that will help attract and retain police officers in Chandler.

“This is a huge win for our officers,” says Chandler Law Enforcement Association President, Officer Samuel Wagner. “We’ve been working on the MOU since the fall, and our negotiations with the city have been productive. To be able to reach an agreement like this with our City Council members, it really shows their support for our officers and public safety. We’re fortunate to have such a supportive council and the overwhelming support of our community.”

The 2024-2026 MOU includes an ongoing 5% merit increase; the addition of specialty units and pay differentials; one-time incentive payments to retain officers; adjustments made dependent on the August market survey to keep Chandler at the 3^rd highest paid agency among comparable agencies; significant increase in the contributions to Post-Employment Health Plan accounts that help bridge the gap for officers to reach Medicare; holiday overtime pay; and increase in vacation accrual.

“As Chandler continues to grow, it is essential that our city take the necessary steps forward to retain our officers and attract the best new officers coming to the valley. I believe our residents deserve the highest level of public safety we can offer, and this agreement is how we get there.”

CLEA’s mission is to represent Chandler officers as a bargaining unit. Every two years, these MOUs are agreed upon between the City and CLEA to maintain competitive benefits for Chandler’s law enforcement officers. This two-year agreement was approved on Thursday, February 23, 2024, and will go into effect in July 2024.

“Our officers are working extremely hard. With these MOUs, we are able to properly compensate them for the high level of service they provide and putting their lives on the line to protect our community and keep Chandler safe.”

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The Chandler Law Enforcement Association (CLEA) represents over 280 police officers and employees. CLEA is dedicated to continuing the excellent public safety of the community while adhering to the highest standards of professional law enforcement. Our mission is to promote the positive role of the police profession through education, communication, support, and diligent representation of members while developing professional relationships with the community and government organizations.