Anaheim Police March Outside Disneyland in Protest Over Pay

Rank-and-file officers of the Anaheim Police Department took to the streets outside Disneyland on Saturday to protest contract negotiations between the city and the police force. About 100 people, including officers, family and friends, joined the march. Police officers have been working without a contract since July, 1992, and have not had a pay raise since July, 1991. The officers are asking for a 10% pay raise divided over two years and additional officers.

City officials say they face an $8-million deficit next year and cannot afford such a steep pay hike or the estimated $8.8 million annually it would cost to add 100 officers to the 350-member force. The city has offered police a 6.5% raise over two years.

The police union chose the city’s most noted tourist spot to highlight their concerns about police pay and crime, said Anaheim Police Assn. President Bruce Bottolfson. In the past, Bottolfson has pushed for a $1 admission tax on tickets to Disneyland and concerts and on admission to Angels, Rams and Mighty Ducks games costing more than $10. The tax could then be used for new officers and raises, he said.

Other police union proposals have included diverting $2.5 million from the city’s hotel bed tax and dismantling a $500,000 school crossing-guard program.

Disneyland officials have previously voiced opposition to the tax. A spokesman declined to comment on the protest Saturday.

The marchers traveled down Harbor Boulevard past Disneyland, local hotels and the Anaheim Convention Center. It marked the third demonstration by police officers, who have twice picketed City Council meetings.