Increasing Pay and Benefits for Federal Police: New Report Issues Review
Providing additional retirement and pay benefits for federal police officers, was the subject of a recent report from the Government Accountability Office.
The report was ordered by Congress as it considers making changes to federal police officer ((job series 0083) retirement and pay to bring them more in line with federal law enforcement officer pay.
As of fiscal year (FY) 2023, there were about 12,300 federal police officers on the job, with the majority working for the Department of Defense (DOD) or the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Many of the officers do not receive the same pay and retirement benefits as other law enforcement officers, because they do not fall under the statutory definition of a law enforcement officer.
The federal government defines police officers as those who primarily work to preserve the peace and prevent, detect, and investigate crimes on or near federal property. Law enforcement officers are considered to mostly investigate, apprehend, and detain individuals suspected or convicted of criminal offenses in the U.S.
However, GAO found that the working conditions for federal police officers have changed in recent years, including an increased rise in threats. That’s led to workforce attrition, recruitment problems, and increased usage of overtime.
Agencies blame the concerns as a drag on recruitment.
According to the report, federal agencies “expressed concern regarding the need to remain competitive with federal and nonfederal agencies that can provide higher pay or enhanced benefits for their federal police officers.”
Congressional Considerations
When it comes to changing the law however, GAO identified a range of considerations for Congress to consider.
Whether to account for past service
Whether federal police officers need to meet physical suitability standards
Whether opt-in or opt-out options should be provided.
So far, legislation, such as the Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act, introduced in the last Congress, has failed to gain traction.