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Springfield Police Union approves new labor contract, prioritizing safety

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – A police union representing nearly 500 Springfield officers has approved their new contract. Now it's up to the Springfield city council to give the official green light. It's meant to improve the Springfield police department, in particular to address officers' needs, especially new recruits. The Springfield police department is taking a step forward after a new labor contract was voted up this week by the police union, International Brotherhood of Police (IBPO) officers, Local 364. This represents about 500 Springfield officers. Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno told 22News, 'Public safety will always remain my number one priority—I appreciate the efforts of our brave and dedicated men and women in blue. This is a fair and competitive contract for the officers and the taxpayers.' The new contract locks in some necessary measures to enhance and retain the current workforce, including every officer receiving a 3% bump in wages over the next four years, as well as a field training officer program to continue training young recruits. 'It's going to allow our officers to come right out from the academy and get properly trained by officers who are trained fto's and help them become better officers so we can give the best protection for the city,' adds IBPO President Martin Curley. Now with the approval secured from the union, the contract moves to the Springfield City Council for a final vote. In a statement to 22News, Springfield police superintendent Lawrence Akers says in part that officers take on roles that extend beyond their formal job descriptions, and finalizing the contracts will allow them to stay focused on protecting the community. He goes on to say it's also a significant step forward, ensuring that the department continues to modernize and advance, so they can deliver the highest level of service to Springfield residents. We will provide an update as soon as the council votes on the matter. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.