VILLE PLATTE, La. (KATC-TV) — Police in a south Louisiana city are getting a raise.

The Ville Platte City Council voted Wednesday to increase officer's starting pay from $11.63 an hour to $15 an hour. KATC-TV reports the raises go into effect immediately and will be reflected in officer's checks on Friday.

Mayor Jennifer Vidrine said police pay raises are the first step in getting a grip on crime in the city.

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