The union representing Baltimore police officers has reached a tentative contract agreement that would give its members a 7.5 percent pay raise over the next two years, making their salaries comparable to those of other area departments.

Officers in the 3,000-member Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 3 are scheduled to vote on the contract today. If approved, officers would receive a 3.5 percent annual raise beginning July 1 and a 4 percent raise effective July 1, 1999.

In two years, an officer with five years' experience would earn about $40,000 a year, more than counterparts in Baltimore and Anne Arundel counties, but less than in the Washington suburbs of Montgomery and Prince George's counties. Baltimore officers typically have been the lowest paid in the region.

"This contract will allow us to begin to become competitive with other jurisdictions and hopefully recruit top-notch individuals to become police officers in Baltimore," said Officer Gary McLhinney, the union president.

Police have also negotiated 10 paid leave days, to be used over two years, an increase in death benefits and an optical plan for retired officers and their families.

Pub Date: 5/13/98