Derek Chauvin Retirement Benefit Rights, George Floyd Killer Cop

JAKARTA - Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin can receive $ 1 million in pension benefits. Even if he was found guilty of murdering George Floyd, he still benefited.

Chauvin has been the subject of national outrage since May, when he was caught on video pressing his knee against Floyd's prone neck for nearly nine minutes and causing Floyd to die. Chauvin was fired from the department where he has worked since 2001 and amidst national protests, he was eventually charged with second degree murder.

Three other officers involved in the incident were also fired and face felony charges. However, Chauvin can still benefit from pensions that are partially funded by taxpayers. While a number of other state laws allow foreclosure of pensions for employees convicted of serious work-related crimes, this is not the case in Minnesota.

The Minnesota Public Employee Pension Association confirmed that Chauvin, 44, remains eligible to apply for his pension from the age of 50, although they will not provide details on the specific amount he will receive. The Pension Program Authority says that employees who were laid off voluntarily or for some reason are entitled to future benefits.

But they can also choose to forfeit their future benefits. "Neither our Board nor our staff has the discretion to increase, decrease, decline or revoke benefits," said a spokesman.

"Any changes to the current law need to be carried out through a legislative process," he added.

Chauvin is known to receive pension benefits of US $ 1.5 million or more over a period of 30 years, not including living expenses. Chauvin's annual pay could be higher if he put in a lot of overtime work while he was at work.

The two other officers charged in Floyd's death were still novice and one of the other defendants was also eligible for pension benefits. This is according to a note issued by Minneapolis.

It is impossible for the pension fund to be deducted or withheld from the employee because of the agreement in the public employment contract. Police unions have also struggled to protect workers' pensions. Officers also usually pay a pension from a portion of their own salary and usually receive their pension in lieu of social security.

Amid growing calls across the country to denounce police departments, communities are demanding better distribution of funds to social services, such as youth and community development, and mental health care. Pension funds are likely to be a flashpoint in this ongoing debate.

photo: Unsplash Jeff Ackley