A seven percent pay raise is on the way to St. Louis Metropolitan Police officers in an effort to help with staffing shortages. The negotiations were voted on and approved by the St. Louis Police Officers’ Association (SLPOA).

St. Louis' mayor and police chief announced 7% across-the-board raises for city police officers. But to do it, they cut 124 empty officer positions.

The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, their union and the city announced Tuesday they have all agreed to a raise for officers and sergeants.

The agreement includes 7% raises for police officers and sergeants but also slashes the number of budgeted officers from 1,224 to 1,100.