Andover P.O. Joseph Indano
In some respects, that is true. However, in many suburban/rural departments, only one police officer provides coverage for the entire municipality, regardless of population or physical size. [In] a densely populated area, you are more likely to have more police officers, which equals more backup. The risk of assault or being killed increases when you work alone.
Crime happens everywhere, obviously at a higher rate in a more densely populated area. Nationwide, however, more police officers are killed in rural settings than in urban areas. From 2005-2009, the average number of police officers killed in the line of duty per year was 159, with an average age of 40.
The newspaper article fails to report the fact that the average life expectancy of a police officer is 53-57 years, according to a study done by the Police Policies Council. The average life expectancy of a non-police male is 73 years. That is an astonishing difference.
Post-retirement life expectancy for a police officer, no matter the age, is just THREE YEARS.
Take into account the shift rotations, job-related stress, PTSD, etc. -- not to mention the health risks of working a shift alone, such as cardiovascular diseases, obesity, sleep deprivation, diabetes, stroke, depression and mood swings, to name a few.
Depression and mood swings are the likely cause of a high suicide rate among police officers: 18.1 suicides per 100,000. That figure is 52% higher than that of non-police officers, according to an insurance claims study conducted by the FOP in 1995.
I’m not saying that we’re the only professionals susceptible to these health risks -- just that it is another required part of this job that affects our quality of life.
Another involves assaults on officers. According to New Jersey Uniform Crime Reports, there were 2,588 reported assaults on police officers in New Jersey in 2009: 86 percent of those were physical assaults, 14 percent occurred with a weapon. What‘s more, 29 percent of assaults occurred during handling of “disturbance calls,” and 19 percent of assaults occurred affecting an arrest.
I challenge anyone to find a job in the private sector that reflects comparable numbers to all of those statistics listed above. The fact is that it is impossible to find a private sector job to compare with that of a police officer.
There is a reason we wear body armor, guns, pepper spray and batons when we work: There are people in this world who want to hurt us or kill us, simply because of who we are and what we represent. It is apples to oranges when any comparison is made between police work and private sector jobs, including salaries and benefits.
Another figure the newspaper failed to report is the comparison of municipal tax rates of towns with police departments to those without.
For example: The average property tax in Andover Township in 2009 was $5,651. The neighboring towns of Lafayette and Green Township are similar to Andover, both demographically and geographically. Neither of those townships funds a municipal police department, yet the average property taxes in those municipalities are $6,374 and $6,337 respectively -- nearly $1,000 more than Andover. [NOTE: All of these figures are available on NJ.com/news/bythenumbers.]
But let’s look closer:
A breakdown of taxes in Andover Township shows that the cost of the board of education to each household exceeds the amount of municipal tax by nearly $3,000.
Of course, property taxes are higher in some towns and lower in others. But the ratio of tax dollars to police services remains roughly the same. Essentially, every homeowner, on average, pays roughly $500 a year for a full-time police department that is available to every person who lives or travels through the municipality 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Disbanding police departments and laying off officers to save money is a myth. Stillwater Township is a great example of this: Residents, along with the support of the council, successfully voted to disband the police department. Yet there were no tax breaks or refunds that followed.
In fact, a home in Stillwater Township assessed at $114,000 was taxed $5,050 in 2009. That same home, after the disbandment, cost $5,243 in taxes last year. Not only are homeowners paying more in taxes; they’re getting less emergency service. It makes absolutely no sense.
Oddly, the newspaper article cited only Uniform Crime Report Statistics, which reflect the amount of crime reported in a given municipality or county. It appears the newspaper made no effort to collect data from law enforcement agencies for general calls for service that don‘t involve crimes or arrests.
General calls for service can range from something as simple as a complaint of a barking dog to emergency ambulance calls, and everything in between. Somebody on the other end of the line needed assistance, and it is highly doubtful that he or she was wondering what the responding officer’s salary is. People who call the police are concerned with whatever is occurring in their life at that moment. They don‘t care how much we make, just as long as we show up when they call, no matter the reason.
Finally, the newspaper article fails to recognize that most police officers participate in activities within the department and their communities strictly on a volunteer basis, not for overtime, not for compensation time, but for the good of the people. Officers participate in D.A.R.E. programs, G.R.E.A.T., and Junior Police Academies, to name a few. We make donations to civic organizations, such as Little League, soccer, football, wrestling and other activities. Some of us even take on coaching these teams.
It all boils down to this: We are dedicated to the communities we serve. And whether you want to believe it or not, we perform a public service that has inherent dangers, whether we work in an urban area or in Sussex County.
Just like you, we pay taxes. We don’t get tax breaks or incentives, like the wealthy. Most of our families, in fact, are two-income households -- same as the majority of American families.
The average salaries for police officers in the published article includes those of senior officers and ranking officers who have worked their way up the ladder; this will obviously raise the overall average. The truth is: Most starting salaries are in the low-to-mid 30s, and some even lower. Eventually, an officer works his or her way up the pay scale. This takes time. No officer makes $100,000 right out of the academy.
The overwhelming majority of us conduct ourselves professionally at all times. But like anyone else, we sometimes make mistakes. The only thing is: When that happens, it‘s front-page news. Still, we are responsible for making life-or-death decisions in seconds, knowing all of the laws and ensuring the protection of every citizens’ rights. A jury, on the other hand, can mull over a case for days, weeks or months -- and, if it finds a mistake, could end you career just like that.
We are expected to maintain our composure when we see something that would make the average person crumble. We are expected to treat everyone the same, even when we’re spit on or insulted -- something that just might make the average person lose his or her cool. And because we are sworn officers of the law, we literally are “on-duty” 24 hours a day.
Still, we’re expected to forget our day’s worst visions, go home, and be there for our children, wives, and husbands -- when we‘re not pulling another shift. It isn’t always easy forgetting some of the horrible things we deal with, or the fact that we‘re often forced to miss some of the important moments in our family‘s lives.
That’s because we work holidays, weekends, nights, swing shifts, snowstorms, hurricanes, floods -- you name it. Our departments are on the job 24/7 so that you can get a restful night’s sleep.
If we do our jobs the way we were trained, we’re still called derogatory names. If we are too kind, we’re lazy. If we can’t solve your problem, we’re incompetent. We are expected to be doctors, lawyers, marriage counselors, parents to unparented children, teachers, mechanics, plumbers, veterinarians, wildlife experts -- the one and only cure-all, really, to any problem a community has.
We’re not looking for recognition. That’s not the point. We have chosen to deal with the element in society nobody else wants to. Sometimes we leave for work, say goodbye to our families -- just like you do before work -- and privately wonder if this will be our last shift.
Why do we deserve the compensation we get? Because we earn it.
Police Officer Joseph Indano, Andover Township F.O.P. Lodge #177, worked in South Plainfield before transferring to Andover. An 8-year veteran, he won the 2006 State of New Jersey Police Officer of the Year Valor Award for rescuing two teens who fell through thin ice. Indano, 27, also received the Sussex County Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Valor Award that same year.
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Bob Barone
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'at a boy Joe. Joe hit the nail on the head on all points. He did fail to point out 1 fact. Those who complain about what officers earn and the benefits received could have applied for and endured what we did and do for this career and the people we serve. Nice job Joe. Be safe. Capt. |
Justin Delia
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... Just read your article, its great...especially the photo! I don't like getting pulled over as much as the next guy, but thats life...don't screw up then. I think its funny how everyone complains until they need something. Imagine if Police went on strike nationwide for 1 shift. See how fast people change their minds then. I will gladly pay a little taxes for a public service that may save my life or the lives of my family someday. All respect for those who risk theirs everyday. Thank you for for what you do. |
Rudy Appelmann
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... Way to go Joe, Great article. Just one thing I do not get. How come it is only the cops, fireman and teachers that have to sacrafice. What are the Politicians kicking back into the pot. They get health care, a pension and last I looked a pretty healthy salary. How about when they step up to the plate,and start giving back, then we can talk. Lead by example.. or just shut up. |
Amy
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think police officers are overpaid? My husband leaves for work everyday puts on a uniform, a bullet proof vest and a gun. How many of the ppl. that think officers are overpaid do the same? How many birthday parties, weddings, Christmas and New Years does a wife have to celebrate alone because of the shift work that comes along with the job? What price exactly should be put on a career that you really never know how your life will change from one car stop to another? Its funny how when someone gets stopped for speeding they are quick to pass judgement on the officer that stopped them until of course a speeding car is the cause of an accident and then they want to know where the damn police are when you need them? Plenty of coffee break jokes are out there too, but how many of your husbands have to keep themselves awake through the night to protect your town when most ppl. are sound asleep in their warm beds? Overpaid... Really? Think about it! |
wayne
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... Joe's article says what thousands of his brother and sister law enforcement officers in New Jersey say everyday. I had the pleasure of Joe Indano as a member of the squad I supervise in South Plainfield. He is a top notch officer who is very dedicated to his job. I was sad to see him leave SPPD, but yet I understood exactly why he made the choice he did. Andover Township's gain was clearly South Plainfield's loss. Readers should think about this: With 8 years of service behind him, Joe has 17 years left to qualify for a pension. What kind of message does the POLICE SALARY ARTICLE send to a young man who just got married, and god willing, will start his family soon. Should he pack up and take his police experience to another state? I think not! New Jersey cannot afford to lose good young officers and therefor must pay salaries that allow the officers to exist in the state with the highest cost of living in the country. Hang in there Joe- you and the rest of us make what we deserve and don't let anyone tell you different. Best of luck to you and Amanda- may the honeymoon never end...Wayno D |
Joe Indano
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... Thank you Sarge for the great compliment, you were a great supervisor and the PLEASURE was all mine working under your command, thank you for everything and all the great compliments everyone. Stay SAFE= Joe I |
Sal Troncone
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... Great article. People in New Jersey always complained about Police Officers making too much money. I have a question for all those people. How much do you think a Police Officer life can be quantified in money? If you do have an answer, I suggest you to explained that to all the wives, children’s, parents, friends, coworkers that lost a love one’s just because they were doing their jobs, PROTECTING YOU. So before you open your mouth and pass judgment think about that. Thank you to all the brothers and sisters in blue out there for providing a great service. Be always safe…………… |
James Teter
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The unions should be thanked... IF you think that public workers are overpaid, YOU ARE WRONG and a danger to all Middle Class workers, private workers included. ALL workers benefit from unions...Read the Bipartisan EPI report just issued in Sept. "The data analysis in this... paper, however, indicate that public employees, both state and local government, are not overpaid. Comparisons controlling for education, experience, hours of work, organizational size, gender, race, ethnicity and disability, reveal no significant overpayment but a slight undercompensation of public employees when compared to private employee compensation costs on a per hour basis. On average, full-time state and local employees are undercompensated by 3.7%," Do you even REALIZE what UNIONS have done for ALL workers in this country? The coal miners, autoworkers, teachers, cops, firefighters, steelworkers, UMWA, CIO, Ladies Garment Workers and others built this country. They DIED for a 40hr work week and a livable wage!!! READ about the LUDLOW MASSACRE of how coal-miners were killed by the National Guard as they fought for safer working conditions, READ the "Bitter Cry of Children" about the horrors of child labor. READ "The Jungle" regarding the disgusting ways meat packers were treated and also were killed due to unsafe machinery/working conditions. If you think that we can not go back to a time like that, you better think again.... Capitalism doesn't care about people, it cares about money! Since the 1920's the middle class has moved only 0.7% adjusted for inflation (this includes the addition of women and double income families, Middle Class used to be attainable on ONE income). At that time CEO's were making about 40 times the average worker. Today CEO's average between 270%-400% the average worker. If the Middle Class does not unite, get accurate information that is not CORPORATE sponsored we can kiss ourselves good-bye. Welcome back to the days of being paid in "SCRIPT" and the "COMPANY STORE" and if you do not know what that is you better "Goggle" it because that is our future. We will be divided and conquered, the middle class in the United States will be a footnote in our children's history book. YOU want someone to scapegoat??Read "Griftopia", and see what those Wall Street executives did. Goldman Sachs should be wrapped in crime tape. There is your "SCAPEGOAT" America. What did you do about it??? Nothing but continue to support the corporate machine that is planning your demise as they fly their personal jet to the South of France. WAKE-UP!!! or soon you won't have the coffee to do that with. Stop the name calling...on political talking points. That helps NO ONE! States bankrupted themselves through holding "bad-paper" sold to them by Banksters and by NOT collecting corporate taxes. By the way, corporations had their best year ever in 2010 TWO TRILLION in profit and 75% paid no corporate tax on their profits due to transferring of profit through foreign country schemes and tax loop-holes. |
louiseann stewart-pinto
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... please do not forget all of us Corrections Officers. WE LITERALLY LIVE with the portion of society noone wants to know about. We too have families. We too sacrifice, more than most. This was my career choice 16 years ago. I have a Bachelor's Degree and was laughed at when I too the job for a pittance. We worked 16 hour days for YEARS without a reprieve. In 16 years of service I have beenspit on, had urine and feces thrown at me, had an inmate attempt to stab me. For many years wer DID NOT have vests. We have NO WEAPONS to protect us. We have a radio and a panic alarm...I have been cut with a USED shaving Razor and now have to get blood tests every so often to ensure tha I am not passin a disease to my spouse (also a Corrections Officer). We are exposed to AIDS, HEP A,B & C, scabies, fleas, MRSA, & Bd Bugs, I could go on forever! We are not wealthy people. We pay high taxes just like evryone else. Law Enforcement IS A CALLING. Not everyone could do what we do and I take pride in that. I take pride in my uniform even when those I have sworn to protect and serve spit on me/us. We are not "Priveledged" as some on air personalities may want you to think. We place our lives on the line EVERYDAY to PROTECT our communities. Please leave our pensions alon, we have done nothing wrong except go to work everyday no matter what the current political climate is. Start with the fat cats and the double and triple dippers whon earn 5 (=) digit salaries for their "NO SHOW" positions. Start with our "leaders" who receive full pensions and benefits along with thenumerous "Perks" for a FOUR YEAR JOB! FOUR YEARS earns them a lifetime pension and lifetime health benefits! For those in the public sector...You Pay a Portion of your Health plan Premium...I have to pay a portion of my SALARY! I am subsidizing those with more dependants. You are lead to believ that we have the best healthcare benefits....We have thebenefits (that we help pay for) that the department picks for you. we have no choice on the LEVEL of the plan, which in most cases it is their "bargain basement" plan. We are not the enemy, we ARE the GOOD GUYS. You call us, we RUN/Race to you. Correction Officers have to npot only protect you (the public) but the ones who have harmed you or society with their illegal actions. My Life expectancy is 58, much lower than the "average" person. Most of us don't live longg enough to even see retiremnet and if by the Lord's Blessing we do, we are generally not alive long enough to enjoy retirement.Food fr thought...In my 25 year carrer (not including overtime mandated or voluntary), I will have served and * year prison sentence! * years of my life in prison, low life extectancy and all the health risks are the way we earn our pay, along with serving and protecting YOU.... |
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