Agreement between the City of Austin and the Austin Police Association (APA)

Flashcards covering major concepts, terms, and details from the Austin Police Association contract notes.

When does the term of the contract begin and end?

Term begins October 29, 2024 and ends September 30, 2029 (with provisions for continuation or amendment as specified in the agreement).

Who are the signatories to the agreement on page 1?

City Manager T.C. Broadnax and APA President Michael Bullock.

Who is the exclusive bargaining agent for covered officers under Article 3?

The Austin Police Association (APA) is recognized as the sole and exclusive bargaining agent.

What is the legal basis for Meet and Confer rights cited in the Definitions?

Meet and Confer Statute, Subchapter I of Chapter 143 of the Texas Local Government Code, Sections 143.301-143.313.

Who is considered an ‘Officer’ under Definitions, and who is excluded?

‘Officer’ means all police officers as defined in TLGC 143.003(5), excluding the Police Chief, some Assistant Chiefs, cadets, civilian employees, retirees, reserve officers, and other specifically exempted positions.

What is meant by ‘Calendar Day’ and ‘Business Day’ in the Definitions?

Calendar Day: midnight to midnight. Business Day: a day City conducts normal business; last day included unless weekend/holiday.

What are the core ‘Retained Rights’ of the City under Article 4?

The City retains inherent rights to manage the Police Department, including hiring, discipline, work methods, staffing, policy, and resource decisions, subject to the contract’s terms.

What is the wage increase for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 as stated in Article 7?

An 8% base pay increase.

What are the scheduled wage increases for Fiscal Years 2025-2029?

FY2025-2026: 6%; FY2026-2027: 5%; FY2027-2028: 5%; FY2028-2029: 4%.

What is Longevity Pay and its annual amount?

Longevity pay is $107 per year of service, up to a maximum of 25 years, paid as a lump sum after the officer’s anniversary date.

How is Field Training Officer Pay calculated?

FTO pay is 4.5% of Police Officer Pay Step 10 per month for officers in the FTO program.

What happens to Mental Health Certification Pay after January 1, 2025?

Effective January 1, 2025, Mental Health Certification Pay and the Section 4 pay are no longer in effect.

What is Bilingual Pay and its rates?

Bilingual pay is $175 per month; Spanish-speaking officers receive $200 per month. Only one language per officer is paid.

What additional compensation is provided for Lieutenants and Commanders for shifts?

Evening shift: Lt. gets $300/month; Night shift: Lt. gets $350/month; limits apply and shift differential is not stackable.

What is the annual Clothing Allowance?

$500 per year for eligible Officers.

What are Education and Certificate Pay provisions?

Certificate Pay: $50 (Intermediate), $100 (Advanced), $150 (Master) per month for certain TCOLE certificates; Education Incentive Pay: Associate $100, Bachelor's $220, Master's/Doctorate $300 per month.

What is the Annual/Monthly Vacation and Sick Leave accrual rate?

Vacation: 6.25 hours per pay period. Sick Leave: 6.08 hours per pay period.

What are Vacation and Exception Vacation accrual caps and payout rules at separation?

Vacation cap: 400 hours; Exception Vacation cap: 160 hours. At separation, up to 240 hours of vacation and 160 hours of exception vacation can be paid.

What is Association Business Leave (ABL) and the pool size?

Annual ABL pool of 7,000 hours; Association President may use up to 2,080 hours per year; Board Members/Chairs may use up to 400 hours each; additional approvals possible for some Board Members.

How many hours can Board Members/Committee Chairs use from the ABL pool per year?

Up to 400 hours per year per Board Member or Committee Chair.

What are the key elements of Corporal/Detective Promotions scoring?

Eligibility list uses Written Exam (100 points), Education Points (up to 3 Master level points), Seniority (up to 15), plus Master Peace Officer (1). Total max 119 points; tie-breakers apply.

How are Sergeant/Lieutenant/Commander promotions scored?

Promotion uses Written Exam (100 points) and Assessment Center (100) with adjustments, Time in Rank Points, and Education Points; minimum passing score is 70% of the combined Written Exam and Assessment Center. Final score combines components.

What is the Commander promotional process introduced in this contract?

A pilot process after December 31, 2024 that overrides TLGC 143.054, using four phases: Leadership Development Program, Written Exam, Assessment Center, and Review Panel; final score combines 45% Written, 45% AC, 10% Review Panel.

What is Leadership Development Program (LDP) in Commander promotions?

An LDP curriculum developed with a Labor Management Committee including APA representation; final approval by the Chief; completion may be prerequisite for promotion depending on timing.

What is the Modified Hiring Process for experienced officers?

Allows experienced officers to be hired without attending the regular academy; Cadet Senior status; must complete Modified Training Academy and probationary period.

What is the Drug Testing program’s scope and process?

100% of Officers are subject to mandatory random drug testing on a fair statistical basis; tests include initial screen and confirmation; labs must be certified and follow chain of custody.

What does Article 16 cover in Protected Rights of Officers?

Preempts TLGC 143.312 in certain respects; defines complaints, investigations, and rights related to administrative discipline.

What are the Grievance Procedure steps for disputes?

Step 1: Grievance filed with Association Grievance Committee; Step 2: Chief responds in writing within 15 business days; Step 3: Arbitration if not resolved; Step 4: Arbitration hearing with a trained arbitrator.

Where must notices for the Association and City be sent?

Association notices to the City’s Chief of Police and Labor Relations Office; City notices to the Association President and designated attorney.

What is the purpose of the Savings Clause/Preemption (Article 23)?

Allows preemption of conflicting laws; defines ‘conflict preemption’ and ‘total preemption’ when explicitly stated in the agreement.

What is the one-time lump-sum payment to Officers on the effective date?

A one-time lump sum payment of $2,000 to all Officers on the first full pay period after the effective date.

What happened to PSEM officers during consolidation into APD?

PSEM officers were consolidated into APD; initial placement into APD Civil Service; longevity pay and transition benefits ratified; transition completed with specific pay/benefits rules.

What is the notice requirement for assignment changes (Section 1)?

Twenty-eight (28) calendar-day notice for assignment changes, except in emergencies or when in the best interest of the Department; notice can be waived.

What is the scope of the Hiring Process for Cadets (Section 2-5 of Article 14)?

Cadet applicants undergo structured testing and a 24-month eligibility list; internships may affect academy class composition; probationary periods defined.

What is the effect of contract expiration on future wages and funding (Article 20)?

If no successor agreement is ratified, wages may be rolled back by the City Manager, and funding obligations depend on available revenues; the contract remains as specified by law.