Police protest outside St. Petersburg City Hall

[Times photo | James Borchuck]

ST. PETERSBURG - Frustrated by contract negotiations, several dozen police officers and family members protested on the steps of City Hall this morning, holding signs that said "Support St. Pete Police" and "Please Be our 911."

Mark Deasaro, the president of the Police Benevolent Association of Pinellas County, said negotiations were nearing an impasse and that officers need a 7-percent raise to keep up with other jurisdictions. The Fraternal Order of Police, the union that represents sergeants and lieutenants, already has declared an impasse.

Although the department recently boasted 520 sworn officers, the highest in years, Deasaro dismissed the department's statistics saying "their math couldn't pass the FCAT."

"You need to take care of the people who take care of you," Deasaro said.

In the wake of state cutbacks, contract negotiations have taken on a new intensity this year.

Officer John Deluca, 28, said he often feels that he's rushing from call to call on the street.

"We need more people," he said. "We need help."

- Abhi Raghunathan,
Staff Writer