GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The coronavirus pandemic has put front-line workers like police officers at even higher risk as they serve the public.
"Officers are going to block parties in the middle of the night, domestic assault calls in the middle of the night and often times there is alcohol and drugs involved," said David Lamontaine with the Police Officers Association of Michigan. "There is no way to social distance."
That's why the union is now requesting hazard pay for law enforcement members across the state.
"These first responders are being exposed to not just your everyday hazards, but a significant increased safety risk gave birth to this notion of hazardous duty pay," Lamontaine said.
Hazard pay varies but it can represent up to a 5% bonus. Some agencies like Michigan State Police are already receiving hazard pay, but union leaders say there are many West Michigan departments like Montcalm, Ionia and Kalamazoo who are not.
"It's frustrating but don't think for a second the men and women of law enforcement are not going to do their jobs, they've been out there this whole time doing it," Lamontaine said.
Some politicians are pushing for hazard pay, but statewide legislation has not yet been finalized.
"Everybody up and down in the political spectrum want to get this done but the problem is it literally takes an act of congress," says Lamontaine.
More stories on 13 ON YOUR SIDE:
►Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the 13 ON YOUR SIDE app now.
Have a news tip? Email news@13onyourside.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter. Subscribe to our YouTube channel.