Kentucky Police Officers Call for Pension Change, Fair Treatment
By: Ryan Braschler
Updated: October 14, 2012
We're a little more than three weeks from Election Day, and candidates in Owensboro are making the final push before voters hit the polls.
Eight candidates for city and state offices spoke with police officers in Owensboro today about a couple of issues that hit very close to home.
Police officers in Owensboro tell Eyewitness News they have some serious problems. They say the pension fund for retired officers is drying up, and they're asking lawmakers to help fix it. They also say they're treated unfairly in disciplinary matters, and want the Police Officers' Bill of Rights amended.
These officers put their lives on the line every day to keep their community safe. But retired officers like Bob Purdy say plummeting benefit levels are pushing qualified candidates toward other careers.
Purdy retired in 1996 and says he has no issues with his pension. But he's concerned about what happens when current officers retire.
Jeff Payne is Owensboro's FOP Lodge 16 President. He says officers aren't given a fair shake when complaints are filed against them. He says chiefs of police around the state act as judge, jury and executioner. He says officers are often left with a choice to be fired or resign, with no investigation on internal affairs.
He says he hopes whoever is elected will introduce legislation that levels the playing field, and helps attract qualified candidates into a career in law enforcement.
Election Day is November 6th.
Eight candidates for city and state offices spoke with police officers in Owensboro today about a couple of issues that hit very close to home.
Police officers in Owensboro tell Eyewitness News they have some serious problems. They say the pension fund for retired officers is drying up, and they're asking lawmakers to help fix it. They also say they're treated unfairly in disciplinary matters, and want the Police Officers' Bill of Rights amended.
These officers put their lives on the line every day to keep their community safe. But retired officers like Bob Purdy say plummeting benefit levels are pushing qualified candidates toward other careers.
Purdy retired in 1996 and says he has no issues with his pension. But he's concerned about what happens when current officers retire.
Jeff Payne is Owensboro's FOP Lodge 16 President. He says officers aren't given a fair shake when complaints are filed against them. He says chiefs of police around the state act as judge, jury and executioner. He says officers are often left with a choice to be fired or resign, with no investigation on internal affairs.
He says he hopes whoever is elected will introduce legislation that levels the playing field, and helps attract qualified candidates into a career in law enforcement.
Election Day is November 6th.
