HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson City Council will take action on a new collective bargaining agreement with the union representing the police officers during Tuesday's meeting.
The city negotiating team and the local FOP met for three formal negotiating sessions before reaching a tentative agreement on a one-year contract on April 28. In June, the city was informed by the FOP that the agreement had been approved by the union.
One area that certainly has gained the attention of the country is disciplinary action against law enforcement officers. Under the new contract, officers shall only be discharged or disciplined for a just cause that shall include violations of department rules, regulations or special orders. All bargaining unit members shall have the right to an FOP representative present during an investigation or review.
It is protections for officers that has drawn criticism in some parts of the country, especially in the wake of recent deaths of citizens at the hands of law enforcement and the protection afforded officers who may be found to be bad officers.
The contract will be taken up Tuesday during the council's regular meeting at 9 a.m. in the Hutchinson city offices.