On the amount of overtime some SEPTA managers are taking home. The estimated base pay is $56,219 per year. (In their fourth year of service, Officers will be making $65,080 annually.) This employer has claimed their Employer Profile and is engaged in the Glassdoor community. This arrangement has allowed a cadre of mid-level construction and maintenance managers to catapult their salaries to among the highest in the organization. The union that represents SEPTA workers fought for a $500,000 death benefit a payout that New Yorks MTA provided over the summer. Sign up for our weekly newsletter. The estimated base pay is $56,219 per year. It is slightly less than the . WHYY provides trustworthy, fact-based, local news and information and world-class entertainment to everyone in our community. 90. pic.twitter.com/ZJWy9sZedj. The average salary for Septa employees is $79,863 per year. Bucks a must-win for Philly? Average Salaries at SEPTA Installation & Maintenance Signal Maintainer $33.48 per hour Mechanic $27.59 per hour Maintenance Person $33.07 per hour Project Management Project Engineer $76,191 per year Project Manager $83,851 per year Program Manager $108,277 per year Driving Bus Driver $20.73 per hour Truck Driver $30.41 per hour Driver Those seem like really obvious questions, Kriz said. Additional pay could include bonus, stock, commission, profit sharing or tips. Investigators had said Adams was known to frequent the area around 13th and Market streets. The fundraiser aims to raise $1,000 to help pay for SEPTA Key cards for asylum-seekers who recently arrived in Philadelphia from Texas. Septa pays its employees an average of $27.63 an hour. The Philadelphia Police Department (PPD) is the nation's fourth largest police department, with over Market data provided byFactset. Nestel referred all questions to SEPTA public relations. So to fill in the gaps, the Transit Workers Union, Local 234 (thats the chapter of the union that includes most drivers, other blue collar workers), they spent like $8,000 on hand sanitizer in April, another $11,000 on masks in May. SEPTA Police Officers' salaries on the level of Police Departments throughout the Philadelphia region. The authority's budget has room for up to 260 officers, but SEPTA has fallen behind competing law enforcement agencies to hire for transit jobs that some police officers deem less appealing than other opportunities. SEPTA says the move will help it recruit and retain new officers. Copyright 2008-2023, Glassdoor, Inc. "Glassdoor" and logo are registered trademarks of Glassdoor, Inc. Several high-profile incidents rocked the system last year, including a rape on a train that was caught on camera, a brutal attack by teens on a student of Asian descent, and shootings near or inside several busy transit hubs. A 21-year-old Delaware County man has been arrested in last month's fatal shooting of a Kensington man on SEPTA's Market-Frankford Line train, Philadelphia police said Wednesday. PhillyVoice Staff, Driver charged in fatal Christmas Eve hit-and-run in Bristol, Video shows bouncer punch man outside Center City bar, prompting homicide investigation, City Council pushes for more funding to address quality-of-life issues in underserved communities, by an Allied Universal Security Services employee, two people were pushed onto the subway tracks, Jason Kelce could make a 'Saturday Night Live' cameo with his brother Travis hosting, School District of Philadelphia to relocate Building 21 students following asbestos exposure, Eagles wide receiver Zach Pascal robbed at gunpoint in Maryland, Eli Lilly slashed insulin prices, starting a race to the bottom. Since 1981, the SEPTA Transit Police Department has been dedicated to keeping customers safe and secure, while protecting SEPTA property and staff. According to the data, here are the city's top five highest paid employees: Sam Gulino - Medical Examiner - $260,730 Richard Ross - Police Commissioner - $240,000 Albert Chu - Deputy Medical. The union said the goal of the salary increases was to be more competitive with pay "in an effort to boost our dangerously low officer staffing levels" at SEPTA. 2023 Flower Show Weekend Extra Regional Rail Train Service, Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, Serving Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties. When it comes to the real work that needs to be done on the floor, overtime always seems to be limited., SEPTA: Dire finances prevent agency from paying out COVID death benefits. Busch said even this apparently brutal work schedule did not necessarily raise red flags for the agency. 860 talking about this. That program lasted about two years, but didnt survive a round of budget cuts. Oh said the problem wasn't the position but the pay. Get your daily rundown of Philly happenings in less than 10 minutes, Philadelphia local news: Neighborhoods, politics, food, and fun, Get Philly smart with BPs free daily newsletter. As the transit police struggled with understaffing, union officials pointed to pay as a major sticking point in recruiting, with salaries for SEPTA transit police officers falling $10-15k. Press Tab to Move to Skip to Content Link, SEPTA Transit Police Officer (0007) - 1234 Market, Recruitment Department is currently accepting applications for the position of Transit Police Officer. Has anyone else stood behind Thomas Nestel and thought, "Exactly HOW bleeping wide are those shoulders?" Ridership and revenue are both way down and the agency is considering service cuts. The pandemic has thrown SEPTA into a budget crisis. These units receive an additional level of training and provide specialized support in policing a public transit system. "One of the biggest problems that we've had in terms of rider safety and the safety of the public is that police were leaving," Philadelphia City Councilmember David Oh said. In 2015, the agency settled a class-action lawsuit for $13.1 million over claims the agency had forced employees to perform pre-shift work without compensation. Equal parts funny and fascinating, Bullseye sifts the wheat from the chaff, and brings you hot culture picks, in-depth interviews with the most revered and revolutionary creative people and irreverent original comedy. A 29-year-old man was stabbed in the arm at Suburban Station during a confrontation during the early morning hours on Saturday. Sign up for the free Billy Penn newsletter and stay in the know. So the unions specifically asked for a $500,000 death benefit for [Teds family] and all of the families who lost a SEPTA employee. (Kimberly Paynter/WHYY). SEPTA increases starting salaries for its police officers by 25%. There are three patrol districts, allowing officers to easily respond to emergencies while empowering them to quickly make decisions and address local issues. Right now, the lack of authority gives some people the feeling that they can get away with crime.". The transit system in Philadelphia is nearing the end of one of its most violent months in recent memory, including an alleged rape on the Broad Street Line subway last weekend, a gunpoint robbery and a pair of stabbings, among other incidents. And he earned $116,000 in overtime, which is more than his annual salary. PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- The union for SEPTA's transit police has sent a third letter to the agency's board chairman and general manager about the need to hire more officers. Aug 3, 2021 #SEPTA is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of a suspect wanted in an assault of a SEPTA employee. But former SEPTA employees, like Chris Coyne, werent so sure. Between January and mid-October, reports from SEPTA transit police of unarmed robberies and theft of mislaid property increased in comparison to the same period last year, from 63 to 141 and from 413 to 471, respectively. SEPTA Transit Police Officers are responsible for policing the entire regional SEPTA system, covering an area of five Pennsylvania counties (Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia) and three states (Delaware, New Jersey and Pennsylvania). 2023 WWB Holdings, LLC. As a matter of fact, I hope it will help," Lynn Watson said. Trivia quiz: How much do you know about Philadelphia? *Be at least 21 years of age and a U.S. citizen. On the connection between SEPTAs overtime spending and decision on death benefits. A sweeping pay increase in SEPTA's fight to improve safety as transit police officers brace for the largest salary boost in two decades. Officers will also attend an additional 40 hours of training annually to retain their certification. Busch defended the overtime payments, asserting that all three were charged with mission- critical maintenance roles, and that SEPTAs seniority rules meant veteran employees, like the trio, got first dibs. Be contacted by a dispatcher to obtain additional information. Did you see that people were working 76 hours a week? FAQ - New Privacy Policy. These efforts have had mixed results, but SEPTA has struggled to recruit new armed officers. The numbers are what the numbers are. Currently there are about 212 on the force, SEPTA spokesperson Busch said. But not only did [Kappler] lose their job, now theyre in the criminal justice system.. As of 2020, the starting salary for State Troopers is $69,542. The authority's private security contractors have not been as effective as hoped in improving the situation during the pandemic. How accurate is this most likely Total Pay range (base + additional) of $50K-$74K/yr? Robberies and aggravated assaults were up 80% from 2019 to 2021, according to the Inquirer, despite or perhaps furthered by a sharp decline in ridership during the pandemic. $56,507 annually - Starting rate for six months at the Police Academy, $62,379 annually - After academy to 12 months of service, $71,011 annually - 13 to 24 months of service, $74,588 annually - After 24 months of service. Investigates illegal or suspicious activities. Average SEPTA Police Officer yearly pay in Philadelphia is approximately $50,000, which is 8% below the national average. Transit Police Officers are responsible for policing the entire regional SEPTA system, covering an area of five Pennsylvania counties (Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia) and three states (Delaware, New Jersey and Pennsylvania). that they couldnt really afford to pay a death benefit to each of the families who lost someone. The estimated total pay for a Septa Police Officer at Septa is $60,798 per year. No arrests have been made in either incident. GOOD LUCK! These units receive an additional level of training and provide specialized support in policing a public transit system. It's a move SEPTA hopes will attract new employees. SEPTA highlights signs of human trafficking in new campaign. Share: By Mia Machado. Some intentionally avoid promotion because such a move might, paradoxically, mean more work with less pay. Fundraiser created to front the cost of SEPTA Key cards for asylum-seekers. Reports any safety concerns, compromises or hazards affecting operations, the public, self and/or other employees. And at the end of the fiscal year, he had earned $212,000 altogether. Get a free, personalized salary estimate based on today's job market. The transit force is armed, though there have been recent issues with the type of guns they carry. The authoritys budget allows for up to 260 officers. In the first half of his tenure at SEPTA, the force gained fame for cracking down on fare evaders. There are three patrol districts, allowing officers to easily respond to emergencies while empowering them to quickly make decisions and address local issues. Police officer wages are heavily dependent on the cost of living in each state. "If SEPTA needs more police officers, the reality is that more needs to be done to make this a job people want and that can compete with other agencies," Bervine said. Homicides and rapes were rare, and thefts fell 18% during that period. The estimated additional pay is $4,578 per year. Busch, the SEPTA spokesperson, said these initiatives will continue under acting chief Lawson. Want a digest of WHYYs programs, events & stories? In-depth, original reporting on housing, transportation, and development. Charles Cole Credit: Courtesy SEPTA. The SEPTA Transit Police Department extends beyond the regular beat with units of specially trained officers. Aggravated assaults and robberies in SEPTA stations, transit hubs, and vehicles rose more than 80% between 2019 and 2021, the agency said. And he earned $116,000 in overtime, which is more than his annual salary. SEPTA Police Get Largest Salary Boost In Two Decades As Agency Fights To Improve Safety June 15, 2022 / 5:00 AM / CBS Philadelphia PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- It's the largest salary increase for. The transit agency is adding information about trafficking on digital signage in addition to static signs being posted in bus depots. Kriz said workloads like his raised questions about safety for everyone involved including riders who depend on the specialist to keep subway cars in safe operating condition. "But it's common sense that having more officers present on SEPTA will make people think twice about committing crimes. Glassdoor has salaries, wages, tips, bonuses, and hourly pay based upon employee reports and estimates. Worse thing is taking so long to get to it., Very minimal what you have to pay and that includes family plan. They would call a guy like me in, a union guy, to justify that a man needed supervision. The first SEPTA Transit Police Department class started training in February 1981, and ended with 55 new officers. After several months of negotiations with the Fraternal Order of Transit Police Lodge 109, SEPTA agreed to raise the starting pay from $49,858 to $62,379. All rights reserved. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. WHYY offers a voice to those not heard, a platform to share everyones stories, a foundation to empower early and lifelong learners and a trusted space for unbiased news. And now were seeing this sketchy [overtime] system where theyre paying out excessive amounts to a handful of employees. Oh is threatening an amendment to withhold $10 million from SEPTA's budget unless more officers are hired, a position that has the full support of the transit police union, Bervine said. By continuing to use and navigate this website, you are agreeing to the use of cookies. Here is the Kenya Police salary scale list the National Police Service Commission (NPSC) wanted to implement after pay cuts: NPSC's Kenya Police salary scale list (proposed pay cuts included). Pay for Transit Police candidates in the police academy will jump 21% from $46,536 to $56,507, just under what Philadelphia Police Department recruits get. According to Busch, that amounts to working 12-hour shifts, six days a week, every week, for the entire fiscal year. Jobs at SEPTA COVID-19 Vaccination Policy SEPTA currently requires all new employees to be fully vaccinated and provide proof of vaccination at their pre-employment medical appointment Search by Specialty Transportation Transportation Skilled Trades Skilled Trades Professional Professional Entry Level Entry Level Support Support View All Jobs Updated Apr 15, 2020. Tahmir Banks, of the unit block of Beverly Avenue in East Lansdowne, was arrested and charged Friday with murder, gun violations, and related . The move also comes as SEPTA continues to struggle to recover ridership, which dropped during the height of the pandemic, and perceptions of danger dont help bring people back. How much do Septa employees make? The citys next mayor will need to step up its involvement, writes transit advocate Matt Sullivan. Transit Police did. You may: 1234 Market Street Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) Oct 2014 - Sep 20206 years 1234 Market Street, Philadelphia Pa. 19107-3780 Management of Special Operations Division which includes :. SEPTA Transit Police officer wears a face mask in Center City Philadelphia, PA on May 8, 2020. A police narrative of people watching a man rape a woman was 'not true', but it still ran wild in the press - similar to a 1964 murder that prompted the 'bystander effect' Sign up for the free Billy Penn newsletter to get everything you need to know about Philadelphia, every day. You see that the people above you dont care.. Nestel is a fourth-generation police officer. Billy Joel & Stevie Nicks floor seat tickets, Regional rail stations were nearly empty in the wake of the coronavirus shutdown. Also on Sunday, at 15th Street Station, a man was robbed at gunpoint an incident Bervine said was "overshadowed" by the amount of crime SEPTA saw over the weekend. Call SEPTA Transit Police at (215) 580-8111 or text (215) 234-1911. Below, meet 20 SEPTA workers on the front lines, continuing their duties so Philadelphians who need to can still get around. That total means the police lieutenant was the fourth highest-paid SEPTA employee, earning considerably more than SEPTA Police Chief Thomas Nestels $175,744 salary and a little less than the $218,000 brought in by Mayor Jim Kenney each year. Overall Benefits Rating.css-11cfy92{color:#0caa41 !important;}.css-11cfy92{color:#0caa41 !important;}4. The job of a SEPTA transit officer can be dangerous, too. Others said the generous overtime payouts had warped the transit agencys workplace culture. The community relies on everyone sharing. PHILADELPHIA MASS SHOOTING: VICTIMS IDENTIFIED BY POLICE, INCLUDING MENTOR TO YOUNG BOYS. He suggested other infrastructure changes that would reduce crime: low-income fare programs, improved lighting and mural art to make stations more welcoming, and having more vendors at or around stations. The extra working hours boosted all three mens salaries to around $165,000, putting them on the same pay rung as executives like Regional Rail director John Lauser or inspector general David Bannan. He threatened to withhold $10 million from the $100 million City Council gives SEPTA in order for changes to be made. The department is already stretched thin, the transit police union says. 00:00 / 01:17. Labor costs account for about 70% of SEPTAs $1.5 billion budget, and the agency shelled out nearly $59 million just in overtime payments for the fiscal year ending in June 30, 2020. Last month, SEPTA and the union for SEPTAs transit police, FOP Lodge 109, reached an agreement to raise salaries, effective June 19. This posting is for FUTURETransit Police Officer openings in our Transit Police Department. Date: October 25, 2020. in: Breaking News, Civil Rights, Sacramento Region. Emergency Call Boxes in subway stations also put you in immediate contact with Transit Police. As he runs to succeed Wolf as governor, Shapiro says he is against some of the same COVID measures that his fellow Democrat used to help manage the pandemic. The former Regional Rail employee, who retired from SEPTA this year, said top agency officials had long known about bloated overtime payouts and more widespread mismanagement.