Baltimore City Sheriff's Office Ratifies New Contract

Agreement includes 17% pay increase and new rank structures for deputies

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The Baltimore City Sheriff's Office has ratified a new three-year collective bargaining agreement with the Mayor of Baltimore and the Deputy Sheriffs. The deal provides a 17% total salary increase over three years, including a 7% increase retroactive to June 2025, followed by two 5% increases. The contract also establishes new rank structures below sergeant to create a career path for deputies and eliminates outdated "law enforcement bonus pays" in favor of clearly defining all deputy work as law enforcement.

Why it matters

This contract represents progress for the Baltimore City Sheriff's Office, which only recently gained collective bargaining rights in 2021. The new agreement aims to improve recruitment, retention, and support for deputy sheriffs, which is seen as crucial for public safety in the city.

The details

The new contract was ratified by the active FOP 22 members on February 9, 2026. It includes provisions to improve safety, accountability, and professional development for deputy sheriffs. For example, the contract mandates that two deputies must be present during eviction warrants. It also establishes four new rank structures below sergeant, including Deputy First Class, Experienced Deputy, Senior Deputy, and Corporal, which come with incentive pay and create a career path for deputies.

  • The Sheriff's Office gained collective bargaining rights in 2021.
  • The new three-year contract was ratified on February 9, 2026.
  • The 7% retroactive pay increase took effect on June 1, 2025.

The players

Sam Cogen

The Baltimore City Sheriff who negotiated this first labor contract since assuming office.

Baltimore City Labor Commissioner

Helped resolve outstanding issues through the collective bargaining process.

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What they’re saying

“This agreement reflects how far the Sheriff's Office has come as a modern law enforcement agency. Over the past several years, our responsibilities have expanded significantly, and this agreement ensures our deputies are recognized, supported, and compensated in a way that matches the work they do every day for the people of Baltimore.”

— Sam Cogen, Baltimore City Sheriff (Baltimore Fishbowl)

“Our deputies are sworn law enforcement officers who perform complex and demanding work. This agreement recognizes that reality while also providing stability, predictability, and fairness for our workforce.”

— Sam Cogen, Baltimore City Sheriff (Baltimore Fishbowl)

What’s next

The new contract will go into effect immediately, providing the pay increases and establishing the new rank structures for deputy sheriffs in Baltimore.

The takeaway

This contract represents an important milestone for the Baltimore City Sheriff's Office, which has gained more recognition and support for its deputies through the collective bargaining process. The agreement aims to improve public safety by investing in the law enforcement workforce and creating clearer career paths for deputies.