Little Rock, Arkansas – In a significant move to strengthen support for public safety, Mayor Frank Scott, Jr., announced today that the City of Little Rock has reached a historic agreement to extend the police union contract through December 31, 2027. The new contract guarantees substantial pay increases for Little Rock Police Department (LRPD) officers over the next three years, reinforcing the city’s commitment to its first responders.
Under the agreement, police officers will receive 5 percent salary increases in 2025, 2026, and 2027, a step that ensures the starting salary for a rookie patrol officer will reach nearly $61,000 annually. This move positions LRPD as the highest-paid municipal police force in Arkansas, a milestone Mayor Scott described as a reflection of the city’s dedication to public safety.
“It’s our obligation and priority to take care of our public safety personnel who put their lives on the line to serve our City,” Mayor Scott said. “We are fortunate to agree to terms on these history-making contract extensions that formalize our commitment to these first responders. I am grateful to the Little Rock Fraternal Order of Police and to the Black Police Officers Association for this productive outcome as we move Little Rock forward together.”
The contract creates long-term certainty for LRPD officers, providing not only higher pay but also enhanced economic mobility within the department. Nearly two-thirds of Little Rock’s annual budget is devoted to public safety, and this contract extension reaffirms the city’s ongoing support of the men and women who serve on the front lines of the community.
The announcement coincided with a similar contract extension for firefighters, who will also receive 5 percent raises annually through 2027. Together, these agreements highlight the city’s strategic approach to investing in its public safety workforce and maintaining competitive salaries across key emergency services.
“The Little Rock Fraternal Order of Police is proud to continue the over 40-year practice of bargaining with the City on behalf of officers and sergeants,” said FOP President Ronnie Morgan. “This practice of negotiating salaries, benefits, and working conditions gives certainty to employees and ensures the Department is competitive in the hiring process. We thank Mayor Scott, his administration, and the Little Rock Board of Directors for their commitment to the men and women who work every day to make this City safe for residents and visitors. With the extension agreed to over the summer, this marks the largest contract in my over 30 years as a member of the Department. The negotiating team for the City and the FOP Negotiations Committee did an outstanding job putting this together.”
The agreement not only recognizes the critical role of police officers in maintaining safety and order but also provides a model for sustainable labor relations in the city. By extending the contract through 2027, the city ensures that officers can plan for the future with confidence, while maintaining a competitive edge in recruiting and retaining top talent.
Mayor Scott emphasized that supporting first responders is a core priority for the city administration. The new contract solidifies the city’s long-term dedication to public safety, ensuring that officers receive compensation that reflects their responsibilities and the risks inherent in their work.
The agreement with the police union represents the largest contract in recent LRPD history, with guaranteed salary increases that surpass previous agreements and underscore the city’s commitment to workforce stability. The collaboration between the city and the unions demonstrates a mutual understanding of the importance of predictable compensation and competitive benefits for public safety personnel.
“We are fortunate to have productive partnerships with both the Little Rock Fraternal Order of Police and the Black Police Officers Association,” Mayor Scott said. “These agreements exemplify what can be accomplished when city leadership and public safety professionals work together to support our community.”
With this contract extension, LRPD officers are positioned to benefit from a combination of higher starting salaries, annual raises, and clear career advancement opportunities, creating an environment that encourages long-term commitment to the department. Likewise, the agreement supports the city’s broader strategy of ensuring high-quality public safety services while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
As the city moves forward under the new contract, residents can expect continued investment in public safety, enhanced officer satisfaction, and a competitive hiring environment that attracts skilled professionals to serve Little Rock. The historic nature of this contract underscores the city’s dedication to its first responders, marking a significant milestone in labor relations and public safety investment.
The extension through 2027 sets a precedent for future negotiations, demonstrating that collaborative efforts between city officials and union leadership can result in meaningful agreements that benefit both employees and the broader community. With guaranteed raises and improved compensation, Little Rock continues to affirm its position as a city that values and supports those who safeguard its residents every day.
