Riverhead Town, Police Ink Deal

Riverhead Town and the Riverhead Police Benevolent Association announced this week they’ve settled on a new five-year contract. The settlement ends a two-year period when police officers worked without one.

Under the new deal, Riverhead will be the first East End town in which all current police employees contribute to the cost of their health insurance. All active officers will pay 15 percent into their health insurance premiums and 10 percent after retirement. The contract also includes increased night differential pay, a shortened promotion timeline for prospective detectives, and increased clothing, K-9, and equipment allowances.

Riverhead Town Supervisor Laura Jens-Smith said, “We are pleased to have reached an agreement with our police officers. The PBA’s membership go to work every day to protect us, and it was only right that we give them a fair deal. Without the hard work of both negotiating teams, this deal would not have been possible.”

“The PBA negotiating team is happy that the current administration was able to work out a fair deal for PBA and the town,” said PBA
President Dixon Palmer.

Riverhead Town Board members unanimously approved the contract and it will take effect within the year.

justin@indyeastend.com