South Bend Common Council greenlights bill to increase officer pay

SOUTH BEND, Ind. --- In a 9-0 vote, the South Bend Common Council voted yes on a bill to boost wages for South Bend Police Department officers. 

Over a two year span, officers would see an almost 9% increase in pay. 

A base salary increase of 10.7% by 2022 for lieutenants and supervisory sergeants and a base salary increase of 8.7%for patrolmen first class is included in the wage agreement. 

The hope is that the pay raises will help the police department better retain and recruit officers to live in South Bend. 

The bill is now heading to the full council for a final vote.