Council Endorses Proposed 3-Year Contract for Police

The Los Angeles City Council on Friday unanimously endorsed a proposed three-year contract for police officers that would include a 5% raise each year, costing the city more than $100 million.

In exchange, city officials want Police Protective League members to give up four sick days a year. Also on the table is who will pay for so-called defense reps who help officers accused of wrongdoing.

Currently, the city pays for defense reps. Council members and the mayor want the union to begin paying, but that would require a charter amendment approved by the voters. Union leaders said they will meet this weekend to discuss the city’s offer, and were optimistic about reaching an agreement before the contract expires at month’s end.