Downey police chief getting 6% pay raise over next 3 years

DOWNEY — At its meeting Tuesday, the Downey Council approved a pay raise for the Chief of Police position over the next three years.

Before Tuesday, the monthly salary range for the position was $16,333.84 to $19,927.29

The police chief - currently Dean Milligan – will now receive three 2% pay raises effective June 29, 2020, June 28, 2021, and June 27, 2022.

This will set the new monthly wage ranges to $16,660.52 to $20,325.84, $16,993.73 to $20,732.36, and $17,333.61 to $21,147.01, respectively.

This, of course, comes during a time of nationwide discussion over police funding.

Notably, City Council District 5 candidate Juan “Joey” Martinez called in to Tuesday’s meeting to voice his disapproval.

“While you guys are expanding the police budget and giving a raise in salary, you guys are neglecting the majority part of Downey that is asking for you guys to be in solidarity with Black Lives Matter,” said Martinez. “There’s been two protests here…The Downey Council has refused to comment, or to legitimize this movement.”

“When you are working out these budgets and you are increasing these salaries, take into account the areas that you are neglecting, and you are neglecting the people.”

Council approved the item unanimously.