Scandinavian American. [volume] (Seattle, Wash.) 1945-1958, 1946-02-01

increase for policemen and fire
men, appearing on the March II
general election as Referendum
No. /, is of vital Importance not
only to the members of these de-
partments. but to every citizen of
Seattle.
This measure has been placed on
the ballot by the council in order
that this much needed wage ad-
justment may be approved by the
voters, as must all matters affect
ing pay of these two departments.
A corresponding increase has al
ready been granted other city en-
ployees by action of the council.
Approval of the measure will ter
inmate the present SIS a month
emergency bonus, and establish a
basic wage of 500 per month
1t is readily seen that ur.ler ex-
listing wage standards and living
costs, the present starting salary
of $50 is not sufficient to attract
new recruits into the police de-
partment. On the basis of a 200
hour work month, (disregarding
| overtime and court time, for which
officers receive no pay) the hourly
rate of pay for the first year men
is at present only 80 cents an hour,
excluding the bonus pay.
Since 1911. an increase of over
80 percent in living costs has been
accompanied by one salary in
crease of II percent. To meet
these rising costs in living, many
policemen founo it necessary to
work off duty, although in many
cases already spending extra hours
in connection with their police du-
ties. This practice was permitted
when regulations prohibiting Off
duty work was waived due to
manpower shortages. The practice
will not continue, although there
is every indication that the pres
ent salary set-up will still be in
adequate.
In order to meet the present day
requirements of law enforcement
personnel it is necessary to adjust
the remuneration to cost of living
standards Not only must the job
continue to provide adequate sal
aries for men now in the police
department but it must also at
tract recruits who possess the es-
sential physical and mental attri-
butes.
The results of an Army-Alpha-
type intelligence test given to all
members of the Seattle Police De-
partment in 1915, indicate the alb
undance of superior material in
that organization. Thirty seven
: percent of the entire group scored
higher than 1877 in this test, which
is substantially higher than the
record of any city in the United
States thus far examined, includ-
: ing such cities as Los Angeles
Dallas, Minneapolis, and Cleve'
land. We believe this fact is OF
interest to, and should be a source
of special pride to every citizen
in Seattle.
Seattle's basic starting wage OF
$3.50 per month, and the maximum
of 5000 for patrolmen after the
third year. is the lowest paid in
any large city on the Pacific
Coast In addition, virtually al
other Police Departments have
been granted substatial increases
since 1912. To compete with other
vocations for the services of the
type of men needed to carry on
their law enforcement duties these
other cities have found higher pay
essential. Los Angeles recently
raised their police pay to what is
now high for the coast at $3.50 for
first grade patrolmen. which is
more than Seattle's police captains
are paid.
The problems concurren. witt
wartime conditions in Seattle have
all contributed to the extra burden
placed upon the Police Depart
, ment. Transportation, housing. anC