September 15, 2026
Human Resources
DATE: September 15, 2026
TO: Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council
FROM:
Nickie Mastay, Deputy City Manager
Sharrone Taylor, Director of Human Resources
Subject:
Side Letter with Richmond Police Officers Association
Regarding Field Training Officers
FINANCIAL IMPACT: The proposed change is cost-neutral. The revised Field Training Officer compensation structure will be
implemented prospectively and can be absorbed within
the existing Police Department budget.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
None.
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
The City Council is being asked to approve a Side Letter Agreement between the City of Richmond and the
Richmond Police Officers Association regarding Field
Training Officer assignments.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
ADOPT a resolution executing a Side Letter with the
Richmond Police Officers Association (RPOA) regarding
Field Training Officer assignments – Human Resources
Department (Nickie Mastay/Sharrone Taylor 510-620-
6602).
AGENDA
REPORT
September 15, 2026
DISCUSSION:
The Police Department has a Field Training Officer (FTO) Program which provides a standardized process to help police officer trainees transition from the academic setting of the academy to the practical performance of general law enforcement duties. All new police officer trainees are assigned to the structured field officer training program to prepare them for patrol duties and ensure they develop the skills necessary to perform safely, effectively, and professionally.
The program is covered by Police Department Policy #420. The department has reviewed and updated its policy consistent with its operational needs.
Further, the City of Richmond (City) and the Richmond Police Officer Association (RPOA) have a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that sets forth the terms and conditions of employment for employees represented by the RPOA. Article 32.11 of the MOU provides compensation for Field Training Officers (aka Police Training Officers).
The parties have met and conferred in good faith about changes to the Police Department policy and Article 32.11 of the MOU. A Side Letter has been drafted describing the changes to the compensation for FTO, replacing the 6 hours of weekly overtime with a 5 percent (%) FTO incentive calculated on base wage on a prospective basis, and other related terms. Per Finance, there is not a financial impact associated with this change. The parties also agreed to changes in the departmental policy as part of the Side Letter.
The parties tentatively agreed to the terms set forth in the Side Letter on July 31, 2026.
City Council approval is required to execute the Side Letter.
NEXT STEPS:
City staff recommend adoption of the resolution to execute the Side Letter between the City and RPOA regarding Field Training Officer.
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
Attachment 1 – Resolution and Side Letter