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New Albany Police Chief Opposes Retirement System Reforms

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/0 .. ice-chief-opposes-retirement-system-reforms.html
  Published in House and Home on Wednesday, February 4th 2026 at 21:39 GMT by Daily Journal
      Locales: Mississippi, UNITED STATES

NEW ALBANY, February 5th, 2026 - A growing debate over the future of the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) is intensifying, with New Albany Police Chief Robert Doane leading a chorus of local law enforcement officials voicing strong opposition to proposed reforms. Chief Doane, along with representatives from surrounding departments, argues that alterations to the current PERS structure could have dire consequences for recruitment, retention, and ultimately, public safety.

The proposed changes, currently under consideration by state legislators, center around extending the vesting period for new employees and revising the formulas used to calculate retirement benefits. While proponents of the reforms cite long-term financial sustainability as the driving force, law enforcement leaders fear the immediate impact on their ability to maintain adequate staffing levels. Chief Doane recently addressed legislators, outlining the potential negative ramifications for his department and the wider community.

"The core issue isn't necessarily the need for PERS to remain fiscally sound," explained Chief Doane in an exclusive interview, "but the method being proposed to achieve that stability. Lengthening the vesting period - the time an employee must serve before qualifying for full benefits - and reducing benefit calculations introduces a significant degree of uncertainty. In a profession where individuals put their lives on the line daily, a secure and predictable retirement plan is a fundamental component of the overall compensation package."

The proposed increase in the vesting period would require future officers to dedicate a longer portion of their careers before becoming eligible for retirement benefits. Simultaneously, the revised benefit calculations are projected to result in a decrease in the total amount of money received by retirees. Chief Doane fears this combination will make law enforcement less attractive as a career path, particularly to younger generations facing mounting student loan debt and rising living costs.

"We are already battling a critical officer shortage," Doane stated. The New Albany Police Department currently has ten vacant positions, a number that has remained consistently high despite ongoing recruitment efforts. "Competition for qualified candidates is fierce. We're competing with private sector jobs offering comparable or even higher salaries, and a robust retirement plan often tips the scales in our favor. Removing that incentive will undoubtedly exacerbate the existing problem."

The concerns extend beyond simply filling vacancies. Experienced officers may also be discouraged from remaining in service for the duration of their careers, potentially leading to a loss of valuable expertise and institutional knowledge. The possibility of diminished future benefits could prompt officers to seek employment in other fields, even those offering lower salaries but greater long-term financial security.

This isn't an isolated issue; similar anxieties are being expressed by law enforcement agencies across the state. Several police chiefs have formed a coalition to collectively lobby against the proposed PERS changes, emphasizing the crucial link between retirement security and public safety. They are advocating for alternative solutions that prioritize both the financial health of the system and the well-being of those who dedicate their lives to protecting communities.

Some experts suggest exploring options such as phased-in changes, targeted adjustments to benefits for higher earners, or increased contributions from the state government. A report from the State Pension Review Board highlighted that while adjustments are necessary, a sudden and drastic overhaul could have unintended consequences. The report suggests a more nuanced approach, considering the long-term effects on recruitment and retention.

The legislature is expected to continue debating the PERS reforms in the coming weeks. The outcome will undoubtedly have a profound impact on the future of law enforcement in New Albany and across the state. Chief Doane remains hopeful that legislators will carefully consider the concerns raised by the law enforcement community and adopt a solution that safeguards both the financial stability of the PERS system and the safety of the public it serves.