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SOUTH BEND, Ind. — Sources involved in negotiations to give Deputies with the St. Joseph County Police Department much needed raises have confirmed with REAL News Michiana that Republican Councilwoman Amy Drake has been spearheading a coalition to nix any substantive deal. Drake was so disinterested in the negotiations that she picked up her phone and began texting and online shopping during SJCPD’s presentation, according to sources who were in the room with her.
The salary for SJCPD Deputies is a major concern in the county. Currently, newly hired SJCPD Patrolmen have a salary of $59,785. That’s $30,000 LESS than a newly hired cop at the Mishawaka Police Department ($89,000) and $17,000 LESS than a newly hired cop at the South Bend Police Department ($77,157 for 2025). SJCPD hopes they can increase the salary for new deputies to $75,000 — which is still one of the lowest salaries for a comparable position in the county. Below is the current SJCPD payscale and their proposal for 2025 raises.
Sources have confirmed Drake is proposing SJCPD deputies get a 4% raise, which would only bring a starting salary up to $62,176. According to sources, Republican Councilmen Randy Figg and Mark Root are joining Drake with her proposal.
Sources tell RNM, all four Democrats on the Council, plus Republican Dan Schaetzle, are all on board with raising the starting salary to $75,000/year. It’s unclear how GOP Councilman Joe Thomas will vote.
The SJCPD is struggling to fill empty positions with DOZENS of openings for Deputies and Corrections Officers currently unfilled.
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Too many RINO’s in SB/St. Joe County.