pay parity; law enforcement; benchmarks

Arizona sets benchmarks for officers' pay

The Department of Administration can use Parity Compensation Fund money for Department of Public Safety law enforcement salaries and benefits it decides will help recruit and keep qualified staff. Each year, it sets and considers pay benchmarks for each comparable rank, based on the three largest county or city law enforcement agencies in Arizona. Benchmarks count base pay, education and physical performance pay, longevity pay, and employer retirement contributions. The law also requires annual personnel reports on pay, turnover, and overtime; reports and salary recommendations are due to the governor and legislature by September 1. The fund also receives money deposited under another law and legislative appropriations, earns investment income, and does not lapse or return to the general fund. The law does not guarantee an individual raise or set a pay amount.