Scheduled follow-up · Dec 31, 2026
Scheduled follow-up · Jul 15, 2026
Scheduled follow-up · Jul 01, 2026
Scheduled follow-up · Jun 30, 2026
Scheduled follow-up · Jun 01, 2026
Scheduled follow-up · May 01, 2026
Scheduled follow-up · Apr 15, 2026
Scheduled follow-up · Apr 01, 2026
Scheduled follow-up · Mar 31, 2026
Scheduled follow-up · Mar 15, 2026
Scheduled follow-up · Mar 01, 2026
Scheduled follow-up · Feb 28, 2026
Scheduled follow-up · Feb 15, 2026
Update · Feb 14, 2026, 04:36 AMcomplete
The claim stated that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan. Public sources show that OPM implemented a structure consistent with this plan, with the total effect described as a 3.8 percent increase for affected law enforcement personnel starting in January 2026 (1% base increase plus 2.8% via a special rate, subject to pay caps).
Progress toward the stated goal is documented as completed in early 2026. OPM announced the policy framework in late 2025 and finalized the plan in January 2026, confirming that covered law enforcement employees would receive a total 3.8 percent pay increase beginning with the first full pay period of 2026, with the 1% base increase for all federal employees and the remaining 2.8% delivered via a special rate.
Key milestones include: (1) August 2025 – President Trump issues an Alternative Pay Plan directing a 1% base increase and use of special authorities for a 2.8% law enforcement uplift; (2) December 2025 – OPM issues a Frequently Asked Questions document detailing the 2.8% special rate mechanism; (3) January 2026 – OPM finalizes and implements the 3.8% total increase for eligible frontline law enforcement personnel, effective with the first full pay period of 2026. These steps collectively satisfy the completion condition that OPM implements the special salary rate authority and affected employees receive the pay increase.
Update · Feb 14, 2026, 02:54 AMin_progress
Claim restatement: The administration intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, to support recruitment, retention, and public safety commitments (OPM FAQ and announcement).
Progress evidence: OPM publicly outlined the plan in 2025–2026 materials, noting that special salary rates would be used under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530 to deliver the additional pay after agency consultations, with an initial set of eligible categories (OPM 2026 Special Rates page; OPM Special Rates FAQs). The department signaled an effective date around January 11, 2026, aligned with the General Schedule base increase (OPM page). Reports and agency coverage discussions followed, including early references to the targeted law enforcement categories (OPM FAQ; related agency announcements).
Status as of 2026-02-13: Implementation has begun with the special-rate mechanism in place and pay tables anticipated to apply to eligible personnel, though final coverage and any exceptions remain contingent on ongoing agency consultations and statutory caps (OPM 2026 Special Rates page; FAQ). Public reporting in early 2026 indicated expansions and refinements to the eligible categories, mirroring the evolving nature of the policy rollout (GovExec; Federal News Network coverage).
Milestones and dates: January 2026 was the target effective period for the base pay actions, with the special 2.8% pay increase to be implemented via special salary rates after agency consultation (OPM FAQ). Some reporting in February 2026 described further expansion of the 3.8% total pay package for law enforcement roles, reflecting the interaction between base increases, locality pay adjustments, and the special-rate mechanisms (GovExec; other trade press).
Source reliability and neutrality: The primary source is OPM’s official materials, providing the legal framework, scope, and timelines. Secondary coverage from GovExec and Federal News Network corroborates the rollout progression and context, without partisan framing.
Update · Feb 14, 2026, 12:57 AMcomplete
The claim states that OPM intended to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan. Public sources confirm the plan called for an extra 2.8% pay increase via special rates, to be added to the base 1% increase for January 2026, forming a combined 3.8% raise for covered law enforcement positions. Implementation relied on OPM issuing special-rate tables under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and related authorities after agency consultations. The available government documents and reputable outlets show the special-rate mechanism and coverage were set up as part of the January 2026 pay adjustments, subject to pay caps and agency determinations.
Update · Feb 13, 2026, 11:00 PMcomplete
Brief restatement of the claim: The article stated that OPM would use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan.
Evidence of progress: OPM’s 2026 policy materials confirm the plan to implement a 2.8% supplement via a special salary rate, with a broader framework for a total 3.8% pay rise for law enforcement in many covered positions. The OPM 2026 Special Rates page outlines the mechanism and affected categories, and the agency’s FAQ explicitly describes the 2.8% supplement as part of the program (tentative effective date aligned with January 2026 pay actions).
Progress toward completion: In January 2026, reporting indicates OPM finalized the overall 3.8% raise for federal law enforcement, with the 2.8% special-rate component enabling the higher total for qualifying positions (subject to pay caps). Independent outlets covering the move corroborate that the supplemental rate was enacted as part of the January 2026 pay adjustments to law enforcement personnel.
Dates and milestones: The policy materials reference a tentative January 11, 2026 effective date for the base increase and the special-rate implementation; Government Executive’s reporting confirms a January 8–January 2026 finalization of the 3.8% package. This aligns with the completion condition: affected law enforcement employees receiving the additional ~2.8% via a special rate within the overall 3.8% increase.
Reliability of sources: The primary source is OPM’s official 2026 Special Rates page and its FAQs, which provide authoritative details on the special-rate authority and eligibility. Supplementary validation comes from reputable outlets (GovExec) reporting the finalization of the 3.8% package in January 2026. No evident competing incentives appear to distort the reporting of the policy action.
Update · Feb 13, 2026, 08:39 PMcomplete
Claim restatement: OPM planned to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, on top of base pay adjustments, as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan.
Evidence and progress: In September 2025, OPM published guidance and FAQs detailing the 2026 pay increases under the alternate plan, signaling near-term implementation. By January 2026, OPM finalized and announced the 3.8% total pay raise for eligible personnel, with the 2.8% special-rate component specified as the added amount above the January base adjustment.
Completion status: The administrative steps indicate completion, with reports that affected employees began receiving the combined 3.8% raise in early 2026 and that the 2.8% special-rate portion is the added element beyond base pay.
Dates and milestones: September 2025 — OPM guidance on 2026 pay increases; January 2026 — OPM finalizes and announces the 3.8% total raise for eligible personnel, including the 2.8% special-rate component.
Reliability: The analysis relies on official OPM materials and reputable coverage (GovExec, FedSmith), which support the stated milestones and numeric figures.
Update · Feb 13, 2026, 07:19 PMcomplete
Claim restatement: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, on top of the base adjustment. Evidence of progress: In late 2025, OPM announced approval of special salary rates under 5 U.S.C. 5305 to deliver the 2.8% supplemental increase, yielding about a 3.8% total raise for covered personnel in January 2026. Additional reporting confirms the 3.8% total increase was finalized and implemented for the affected positions starting January 2026. Completion status: The program appears to have completed for the 2026 cycle, with the targeted personnel receiving the combined 1% base increase plus the 2.8% special-rate bump. Reliability note: The claims are supported by official OPM documentation and multiple reputable outlets reporting the same milestones. Incentives context: The policy provides a substantial, targeted pay boost to frontline law enforcement to aid recruitment and retention, reflecting policy incentives tied to public safety and workforce stability.
Update · Feb 13, 2026, 04:22 PMcomplete
Original claim: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for frontline law enforcement personnel, to aid recruitment, retention, and public safety commitments.
Evidence of progress: In December 2025, OPM and the White House indicated a plan to implement a 2.8% supplemental pay raise for certain law enforcement personnel, via special salary rates under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and related authorities, with a tentative effective date of January 11, 2026 alongside a 1% base GS pay raise. The 2026 Special Rates FAQ on OPM’s site confirms this approach and details initial eligible categories.
Status update: By February 2026, authorities began expanding the program to additional law enforcement positions, with OPM designating more job roles (including positions across DHS, Treasury, and Commerce agencies) eligible for the 3.8% total increase (1% base + 2.8% supplemental) in line with the administration’s plan. Reporting indicates that the 2.8% supplement was finalized and the program broadened to cover more roles.
Milestones and dates: January 11, 2026 – planned effective date for the base pay increase and the 2.8% supplement. January–February 2026 – OPM memo and agency actions expanding eligibility to additional law enforcement roles. The total potential increase for covered positions reaches 3.8% when combined with the base raise.
Source reliability note: Primary sources include the OPM official news/FAQ pages and a contemporaneous industry report (Government Executive) confirming the expansion of eligibility and the combined 3.8% framework. These sources are appropriate for government-mearned pay policy and provide explicit dates and eligibility details.
Update · Feb 13, 2026, 02:18 PMcomplete
Claim restated: OPM intends to apply a special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay boost for certain frontline federal law enforcement personnel, atop the standard 1% across‑the‑board increase. The claim cites an OPM plan following President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan and notes the target is to aid recruitment and retention for public safety duties. The key question is whether the 2.8% supplement was actually implemented and paid in 2026.
Evidence of progress: An OPM December 31, 2025 memo publicly announces the creation of a special pay rate for law enforcement positions, establishing a total pay increase of about 3.8% (1% base plus the 2.8% special rate) beginning in the first full pay period of 2026. Multiple reputable outlets and OPM guidance confirm that agencies would apply these special rates under 5 U.S.C. 5305, with a cap at the Executive Schedule level IV. The 3.8% total increase was framed as necessary to address recruitment and retention for mission-critical law enforcement roles.
Status as of 2026-02-13: The special 2.8% pay boost was finalized and implemented, producing a 3.8% total pay increase for most covered personnel starting with the January 2026 pay period. Reports from Government Executive (Jan. 8, 2026) and FedSmith (Jan. 5, 2026) indicate the finalization and deployment of the special rate tables going into effect in January 2026, with pay caps applying to higher steps. This aligns with the stated completion condition that affected employees receive the additional ~2.8% pay increase via the new special rate.
Milestones and dates: The December 31, 2025 OPM memo announced the creation of the special pay rate; implementation followed in January 2026, with pay increases applying to eligible positions and a cap at $197,200 per year. The January 2026 coverage includes agencies such as DOJ (FBI, U.S. Marshals), DHS (CBP, ICE, Secret Service), and other law-enforcement employers listed by OPM. Public reporting confirms the 3.8% total raise for covered personnel beginning the first full pay period of 2026.
Source reliability note: The central claim is supported by the official OPM memorandum and corroborated by reputable outlets (Government Executive, FedSmith). The sources identify covered roles and the mechanics of the 3.8% package, including the 1% base and 2.8% special-rate portion. Overall, coverage appears complete for eligible personnel within statutory caps.
Update · Feb 13, 2026, 01:03 PMcomplete
The claim states that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, intended to aid recruitment and retention and public safety. Official OPM communications and subsequent policy reporting confirm progress from planning to implementation of the 2.8% uplift as part of an Alternative Pay Plan, with a total 3.8% package for many law enforcement personnel.
Milestones include OPM guidance and FAQs issued in 2025 detailing the pay increases for eligible personnel, followed by reporting in early 2026 confirming finalization and implementation of the special-rate component as part of the 2026 pay raise for law enforcement. These sources collectively indicate completion of the stated action as of 2026.
Reliability is high given the core claim originates from OPM and is corroborated by reputable policy outlets tracking federal pay raises, such as GovExec and FedSmith. No credible evidence has surfaced to indicate reversal or rollback of the implemented increase as of the latest reporting.
The policy’s incentive structure—enhancing pay to attract and retain frontline law enforcement—appears aligned with stated public-safety goals, with no conflicting incentives evident in the sources available.
Update · Feb 13, 2026, 11:24 AMcomplete
Restated claim: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan.
Progress evidence: OPM’s 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel page explains the plan to use 5 U.S.C. 5305 special salary rates to raise pay for eligible frontline law enforcement, with a tentative effective date of January 11, 2026 and a framework aligned with the 3.8% military pay increase. Administrative materials began circulating in late 2025, including FAQs detailing eligibility categories and implementation mechanics. Independent reporting in early January 2026 corroborates that OPM finalized the approach and prepared the rate tables.
Status and completion: The policy design and initial communications indicate the special-rate authority was being implemented for qualifying law enforcement positions, with pay tables anticipated by early 2026 and an effective date tied to the military pay increase. By mid-January 2026, outlets reported that OPM had finalized the 3.8% framework for covered positions, of which the additional 2.8% is the targeted enrichment above the base pay.
Milestones and dates: Key milestones include (1) August–September 2025 guidance announcing the plan, (2) late 2025 publication of FAQs, (3) anticipated January 2026 release of special-rate tables and a tentative January 11, 2026 effective date, and (4) early 2026 media coverage confirming the policy’s operationalization for eligible categories. The centralized source for the policy is the OPM page on 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel.
Source reliability note: The primary source is OPM, an official government agency, supplemented by reporting from GovExec and Federal News Network that reference the agency’s announcements and FAQs. This alignment across official materials and reputable outlets supports the credibility of the status update. Given the incentives of the participating agencies to recruit and retain frontline law enforcement, these moves are consistent with stated policy aims.
Update · Feb 13, 2026, 09:05 AMcomplete
Claim restatement: The article asserts that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an approximately 2.8% additional pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan. Evidence from OPM confirms the policy framework and initial scope, detailing that OPM would apply a special rate under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530 to support recruitment and retention for designated law enforcement categories (with a tentative effective date linked to the general pay increase). Source: OPM 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel FAQ (OPM.gov).
Progress and milestones: In late 2025, OPM communicated plans to issue special rates and to align the law enforcement uplift with the 3.8% military pay increase. A December 31 memo from OPM Director Scott Kupor outlined the approach and the anticipated coverage, followed by formal guidance and the release of related FAQs. Source: OPM Special Rates FAQ (OPM.gov) and December 31 memo (OPM.gov).
Current status as of 2026-02-12: The policy progressed to finalization and implementation. Media reporting and policy roundups indicate OPM finalized the plan to grant a total 3.8% raise for covered law enforcement employees beginning with the first full pay period in January 2026, consisting of a base 1% increase plus the 2.8% special-rate uplift. Source: Government Executive coverage of the Jan. 2026 finalization; multiple outlets corroborate the combined 3.8% package and the role of the 2.8% special rate.
Specific categories and timing: The initial coverage list centered on frontline federal law enforcement across agencies (e.g., DHS, DOJ, DOI, DOS, and related components), with the special rate subject to ongoing agency consultations to finalize eligibility. The tentative effective date aligned with the January 2026 pay adjustments. Source: OPM FAQ and follow-on guidance in 2025–2026 communications.
Reliability and context of sources: The primary, official source is OPM’s own 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel page and FAQ, providing authoritative details on authority, categories, and timing. Independent reporting from Government Executive confirms the finalization and integration into the 2026 pay raise, while FedSmith content echoes the policy framing. Taken together, these sources support the completion claim while noting the incentive-driven rationale behind the policy.
Update · Feb 13, 2026, 05:31 AMcomplete
The claim stated that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan. Evidence from official and reputable outlets confirms that this plan was enacted and implemented for January 2026.[OPM FAQ, 2025; GovExec, 2026-01; FedSmith, 2026-01]
OPM’s 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel page explains that OPM would use 5 U.S.C. 5305/5304a authorities to implement additional pay through special rates, with an anticipated tentative effective date of January 11, 2026, and that the increase is designed to address recruitment and retention challenges in mission-critical law enforcement positions. It also notes a total potential increase of 3.8% (1% base + ~2.8% special rate) subject to the applicable pay cap. This provides the procedural basis for the promised 2.8% supplemental pay.
Independent reporting and summaries corroborate the implementation: January 2026 coverage of a 3.8% total raise for covered law enforcement personnel, beginning with the first full pay period of 2026. GovExec’s summary cites a December 31 memo and confirms the finalization of a 3.8% package, with the 2.8% being delivered via a new special pay rate. FedSmith lists the same 3.8% figure and provides the detailed job-category coverage announced by OPM.
The completion condition—OPM implementing the special salary rate and affected law enforcement employees receiving the additional ~2.8%—has been met in practice for the January 2026 pay period for many covered positions, noting the 3.8% total raise and the pay cap limitation. The coverage includes a broad set of federal law enforcement jobs across multiple agencies, with the rate tables going into effect January 11, 2026, as indicated by the official FAQ and subsequent reporting. The coverage and timing align with the Administration’s stated priorities to recruit and retain frontline law enforcement personnel for border/security duties.
Reliability notes: the core sources are official OPM materials (policy/FAQ) and established trade press coverage (GovExec and FedSmith), which consistently describe the mechanism, scope, and timing of the pay increase. While some outlets note that the 3.8% total raise is subject to the pay cap and may not apply universally across all positions, the fundamental claim that OPM used special salary rate authority to deliver an estimated 2.8% supplemental pay for eligible frontline personnel is supported by the primary documents and reporting. Overall, the claim is supported by primary government documents and corroborated by reputable industry coverage.
Update · Feb 13, 2026, 03:48 AMcomplete
Claim restatement: OPM intended to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel as part of the President's Alternative Pay Plan.
Progress evidence: OPM issued guidance in December 2025 describing the use of a special rate to deliver the 2.8% supplement, with a tentative January 11, 2026 effective date for the rate alongside the 1% base increase. Independent reporting confirms the administration finalized the 3.8% total raise for covered personnel in January 2026.
Current status: The law enforcement special pay rate was implemented, delivering a total 3.8% increase beginning with the first full pay period of 2026, subject to the Executive Schedule cap.
Dates and milestones: December 31, 2025 OPM guidance; January 2026 pay period implementation; coverage includes various agencies and categories as described in the FAQs and final memo.
Reliability note: Primary sources are OPM policy pages and FAQs; corroboration comes from Government Executive coverage of the final implementation.
Update · Feb 13, 2026, 02:07 AMcomplete
Restated claim: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel as part of President Trump’s alternative pay plan.
Progress and evidence: OPM published 2025 guidance announcing the use of 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530, subpart C to implement a 2.8% special rate for qualifying law enforcement positions, with consultations planned across agencies. The agency’s FAQ notes a tentative effective date of January 11, 2026 for the special rates, and the 2026 special rate tables were expected to be released after reviews.
Current status and completion: By early 2026, OPM had disclosed the framework and target categories, and press reporting and agency communications indicate the special rates were implemented as part of the 2026 pay adjustments accompanying the base 1% increase and locality adjustments, culminating in the targeted 2.8% uplift for eligible frontline law enforcement.
Dates and milestones: President Trump’s August 2025 Alternative Pay Plan directed a 1% base increase with additional authorities to address recruitment and retention; OPM’s 2025–2026 guidance specifies a January 11, 2026 effective date for the law enforcement special rates, with initial categories including CBP, ICE, Secret Service, FBI, and others. Subsequent coverage discussions identified expansion potential based on agency consultations.
Source reliability and balance: Primary sources include OPM’s official 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel page and its FAQ, which provide concrete details on authorities, categories, and effective dates. Supplementary reporting from GovExec and FedSmith corroborates the implementation timeline and the interpretation of the policy, with attention to potential caps and coverage limits. Overall, the information aligns across reputable government and professional outlets and shows a completed implementation as of February 2026.
Update · Feb 12, 2026, 11:30 PMcomplete
Claim restated: OPM intended to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay boost for certain frontline federal law enforcement personnel, on top of the 1% base increase. Evidence of progress: December 2025 OPM memo outlined the 2.8% supplemental rate; January 2026 reporting confirms the plan was finalized and the total 3.8% pay raise was applied to covered personnel, within the applicable pay cap. Completion status: The official memo and subsequent reporting indicate the targeted 3.8% total raise was implemented for eligible personnel starting with the first full pay period of 2026. Milestones and reliability: August 2025 initial pay plan; December 31, 2025 memo; January 2026 implementation; sources include OPM memo and coverage from GovExec and FedSmith. Sources are official or reputable trade outlets, providing corroboration of policy intent and implementation.
Update · Feb 12, 2026, 07:08 PMcomplete
Claim restatement: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of the Alternative Pay Plan. Evidence of progress: OPM’s 2025 and 2026 policy memos confirm the use of special salary rate authority to implement an additional about 2.8% pay increase for covered frontline law enforcement personnel, on top of base pay adjustments, with a total increase of about 3.8% in January 2026 (and ongoing implementation steps outlined in CPM/CHCOC updates). The 2026 memo specifically states the authority and the expected pay outcomes, and the January 2026 pay adjustments EO/OMB documents align with the announced plan. Completion status: By January 2026, the targeted frontline law enforcement personnel received the additional 2.8% increase (resulting in a roughly 3.8% total increase when combined with the base adjustment), meeting the stated completion condition. Dates and milestones: The original article references the 2025 President’s Alternative Pay Plan; CPM/CHCOC materials dated late 2025 and early 2026 confirm the issuance and operationalization of the special rates, with the January 2026 pay actions marking concrete milestones. Source reliability: The primary sources are official OPM policy memos and pay adjustment communications, which are authoritative for federal pay actions; cross-checks with the 2025 article excerpt from OPM’s site corroborate the framing of the plan. Follow-up note: If needed, monitor any subsequent guidance or revisions to the law enforcement special rate schedules in 2026 and beyond to confirm ongoing applicability and any adjustments.
Update · Feb 12, 2026, 04:24 PMcomplete
The claim is that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for frontline law enforcement personnel. The official OPM page describing the policy shift as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan states that OPM will use a special salary rate authority to deliver an additional ~2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel to support recruitment, retention, and public safety commitments (OPM, 2025-12-31).
Independent reporting confirms that the policy moved from intent to implementation. A December 2025/January 2026 trajectory and related FAQs on OPM’s site outline the mechanism (special pay rates under 5 U.S.C. 5305/530, subpart C) and the anticipated January 2026 effective date, with specified law enforcement categories and coverage (OPM 2025 FAQ page; 2026 Special Rates page).
Concrete milestones supporting completion include OPM’s January 2026 implementation of a total 3.8% raise for covered law enforcement personnel, combining the base 1% across-the-board increase with the 2.8% special-rate boost (GovExec report covering Kupor’s December memo and the January 2026 pay period).
Source reliability: the core claim rests on
U.S. government primary sources (OPM policy pages and memos) corroborated by coverage from a mainstream trade publication (Government Executive) detailing the memo, affected agencies, and the effective date. The combination of official documentation and subsequent reporting provides a high-confidence view of progress and completion to date.
Update · Feb 12, 2026, 02:24 PMcomplete
Restated claim: The OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, on top of the 1% base, totaling about 3.8% for January 2026. Evidence shows that in late 2025 OPM prepared and announced use of special pay authorities, culminating in finalization of a 3.8% total raise for eligible law enforcement staff in early 2026. Multiple reputable outlets and the agency itself confirm the mechanism and the completion of the pay adjustment, with the key milestone being the December 31, 2025 announcement and the first full pay period of 2026 implementation.
Update · Feb 12, 2026, 12:53 PMcomplete
Restated claim: OPM planned to use its special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan. Progress and evidence: OPM publicly described using its special salary rate authority under 5 U.S.C. 5305 to implement the 2.8 percent supplemental raise for law enforcement positions, with an anticipated January 2026 effective date alongside the general 1 percent base increase. In late December 2025, OPM issued guidance and FAQs clarifying coverage and timelines, and in early January 2026, outlets reported that OPM finalized the 3.8 percent total raise for eligible law enforcement personnel, effective with the first full pay period of 2026. Current status: The targeted 2.8 percent special-rate increase was implemented as part of the January 2026 pay adjustments, yielding a combined 3.8 percent increase for covered law enforcement employees. Dates and milestones: The plan circulated in August 2025; Dec. 31, 2025 memo establishing the special pay rate; January 2026 pay period enacted the raise. Reliability: Information from OPM’s official guidance and corroborating reporting from Government Executive and Fed/defense outlets supports the rollout as credible.
Update · Feb 12, 2026, 11:10 AMcomplete
The claim stated that OPM would use special salary rate authority to provide an additional ~2.8% pay increase for frontline law enforcement personnel. Public records show the plan was implemented as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan, with OPM announcing special rate increases to reach a 3.8% total raise for eligible officers (1% base plus 2.8% supplemental) starting in January 2026. By early January 2026, reputable coverage confirmed the finalization and implementation of the 3.8% pay raise for covered positions, delivered through new special pay rates.
Update · Feb 12, 2026, 09:00 AMcomplete
Restatement of the claim: The claim stated that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan. Evidence of progress: OPM published a 2025-12-31 FAQ and later a 2026-01-08 notice finalizing a 3.8% total pay increase for qualifying law enforcement, with 1% base (across-the-board) plus an approximately 2.8% supplemental increase implemented via a new special pay rate. The supplemental 2.8% is delivered through OPM’s special salary rate authority under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and related rules, targeting mission-critical law enforcement categories across multiple agencies. Official documentation and reporting confirm a tentative January 2026 effective date for the combined increase, subject to applicable pay caps.
Scheduled follow-up · Feb 12, 2026
Update · Feb 12, 2026, 04:24 AMcomplete
Restatement of claim: OPM would use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel. Evidence of progress: Following President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan, OPM issued guidance and implemented a plan to apply a 2.8 percent supplemental raise via a special salary rate for eligible frontline law enforcement roles, in concert with a 1 percent base increase. Final implementation: On January 8, 2026, OPM finalized a plan to grant a total 3.8 percent raise for covered law enforcement personnel, with a tentative effective date for the special rates of January 11, 2026 (first full pay period in 2026). Milestones and scope: Initial eligibility was identified across agencies including DHS, DOJ, DOI, and DOS, with further expansions as agencies confirm coverage; the special rate is subject to the usual pay cap. Reliability of sources: The information comes from OPM’s official 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel page and contemporaneous reporting from Government Executive, both reputable and aligned with
U.S. government communications. Conclusion: The claim’s objective—the 2.8 percent special-rate uplift for qualifying frontline law enforcement as part of a 3.8 percent total pay increase—has been completed as of January 2026.
Update · Feb 12, 2026, 02:59 AMcomplete
What the claim stated: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) would use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, complementing a base pay change to support recruitment and retention.
Evidence of progress: OPM outlined the mechanism (special salary rate authority under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530, subpart C) and began coordinating with agencies to establish eligible law enforcement categories, with anticipated tables and an effective date around January 11, 2026. Independent reporting confirms the 2.8% supplemental increase would be delivered via a special rate, producing a total 3.8% raise for some personnel.
Current status and milestones: The plan calls for a 1% base increase for general GS pay, locality pay frozen, and a 2.8% special rate for designated law enforcement positions, implemented through new tables. Implementation was underway for 2026 payroll periods with affected agencies identified.
Reliability of sources: The official OPM page detailing the 2026 special rates and FAQs provides the authoritative basis, supported by coverage from GovExec and FedSmith that corroborates timing and implementation.
Conclusion on completion status: The claim has moved from planning to implementation, and affected frontline law enforcement employees have begun to receive the additional 2.8% pay increase via the special rate, resulting in a 3.8% total raise for qualifying personnel. Ongoing eligibility determinations may adjust final categories or amounts.
Update · Feb 12, 2026, 01:18 AMcomplete
Claim restated: OPM would use special salary rate authority to provide an additional about 2.8% pay boost for certain frontline law enforcement personnel to aid recruitment and retention. Progress/evidence: By January 2026, OPM finalized a 3.8% total pay increase for covered law enforcement staff (1% base + 2.8% special-rate) beginning with the first full pay period of 2026, per an official memo and corroborating reporting. Completion status: The policy adjustment was completed and implemented; the scope included major federal law enforcement agencies, subject to the pay cap. Reliability: Primary sources include the official OPM memo and reporting from Government Executive; coverage is consistent about the implementation date and scope.
Update · Feb 11, 2026, 11:01 PMcomplete
Claim restatement: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan. Evidence of progress: OPM published 2026 guidance and FAQs detailing the use of special salary rate authority (5 U.S.C. 5305) to deliver the 2.8% increase for selected law enforcement categories, with initial consultations and a planned effective date around January 11, 2026. The agency also released 2026 Special Rates materials outlining eligible positions and geographic applicability, indicating concrete steps toward implementation. Status as of February 2026: the special rate tables and related guidance were published, and the targeted pay increase was set to be applied to eligible frontline law enforcement personnel in alignment with the January 2026 pay actions. Reliability note: sources are official OPM communications and policy pages, which provide primary documentation of the policy and its implementation timeline.
Update · Feb 11, 2026, 08:31 PMcomplete
Restated claim: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan. The plan was described in OPM materials and press communications as a targeted rise to recruit and retain critical law enforcement personnel. Evidence shows progress through 2025–2026, with finalization of the policy and a path to implementation in January 2026. The policy ties the 2.8% supplement to a total 3.8% raise for eligible personnel, subject to pay caps and final agency coverage decisions. The sources include OPM’s official pages and contemporaneous reporting confirming the finalization and rollout.
Progress and milestones: OPM announced in December 2025 that it would establish a special pay rate under 5 U.S.C. 5305 to deliver the 2.8% increase for qualifying law enforcement roles, with an anticipated January 2026 effective date. Government Executive reported in January 2026 that the 3.8% total raise was finalized and began with the first full pay period of 2026. OPM’s FAQ and 2026 special rates page provide the framework and initial coverage categories.
Current status and completion: By early 2026, the arrangement was in place for eligible front-line law enforcement personnel, delivering the additional 2.8% via a special rate, combined with the base 1% increase for a total around 3.8% where applicable. Final coveragelists may evolve as agencies confirm which positions are eligible within the stated categories. The policy aligns with the administration’s priorities to recruit and retain mission-critical law enforcement staff.
Dates and concrete milestones: December 31, 2025 memo from OPM Director announcing the policy; January 2026 implementation of the total 3.8% raise for covered employees; initial coverage categories cited include CBP, DHS components, DOJ, Interior, and others. The official pages also note the pay cap at
Executive Schedule level IV as a potential limiting factor. These milestones are corroborated by Government Executive reporting and OPM communications.
Source reliability note: Primary sources are official OPM materials (special rates page and FAQ) supplemented by reputable outlets reporting the finalization and rollout. The coverage may be refined as agencies submit determinations on eligible positions, but the core claim of a 2.8% supplement is supported by official documentation.
Follow-up: No additional follow-up date provided.
Update · Feb 11, 2026, 07:07 PMcomplete
OPM announced and implemented a special salary rate to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, above the usual base and January adjustments. The December 31, 2025 CPM-2025-25 memo formalized approval, and implementation followed in January 2026, delivering a total pay increase of about 3.8% for affected personnel. This completion aligns with OPM’s Alternative Pay Plan and the stated goal of improving recruitment and retention in mission-critical law enforcement roles. Source material includes the OPM memo and contemporaneous reporting from GovExec and FedSmith; primary verification rests with the OPM documentation and agency bulletins.
Update · Feb 11, 2026, 04:29 PMcomplete
The claim states that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, aligning with President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan to support recruitment and public safety.
Evidence of progress shows OPM publishing 2026 special rates for law enforcement, indicating the 2.8 percent addition atop the base 1 percent January adjustment, yielding about a 3.8 percent total increase for affected personnel, to take effect in the first full pay period of 2026. Government and policy memos confirm the directive and implementation path.
The completion condition—OPM implementing the special salary rate and affected employees receiving the ~2.8 percent increase—appears met as of early 2026, with reports noting the finalized 3.8 percent total raise for covered law enforcement roles. Coverage is limited to select positions and is tied to the administration’s pay plan.
Reliability and context: the primary confirmation comes from OPM’s official 2026 special rates documentation and corroborating reporting from GovExec, Federal News Network, FedSmith, and related outlets. These sources consistently describe the policy move as implemented, with incentives aimed at recruitment/retention within targeted law enforcement categories.
Update · Feb 11, 2026, 02:30 PMcomplete
Claim restatement: OPM planned to use special salary rate authority to grant frontline law enforcement personnel an additional ~2.8% pay increase, atop the standard across-the-board raise, to aid recruitment, retention, and public safety.
Progress and evidence: On December 31, 2025, OPM issued guidance approving special salary rates under 5 U.S.C. 5305 to provide the ~2.8% supplement, yielding a total approximate 3.8% raise for eligible personnel (subject to the pay cap).
Milestones and dates: The December 2025 memo allocates which positions and agencies are covered and indicates the first full pay period of 2026 as the start of the new rates, with subsequent reporting confirming the 3.8% package would be implemented in January 2026.
Reliability: Primary sourcing includes the official OPM memo and corroborating coverage from reputable outlets noting the finalization and implementation of the policy in early 2026.
Assessment: The policy promise progressed to implementation, with eligible federal law enforcement personnel receiving the 3.8% total raise starting January 2026 (complete).
Update · Feb 11, 2026, 12:53 PMcomplete
Claim restated: OPM intended to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, atop the base 1% across-the-board adjustment.
Progress and milestones: On December 31, 2025, OPM announced approval of special salary rates under 5 U.S.C. 5305 to deliver the ~2.8% premium for eligible frontline law enforcement staff, producing a total increase of about 3.8% in January 2026 when combined with the base adjustment. This was followed by official guidance and subsequent reporting confirming the rollout.
Current status: The January 2026 pay adjustment for covered personnel appears implemented, with later expansions of the premium to additional law enforcement roles reported through early February 2026. The completion condition—OPM implementing the special rate and affected employees receiving the ~2.8% increase—was met per official memos and reputable reporting.
Reliability note: The key evidence includes the OPM memo announcing the policy, plus coverage from GovExec and FedSmith that corroborate the timeline and figures. These sources align on the policy change, its statutory basis, and the January 2026 rollout.
Update · Feb 11, 2026, 11:03 AMcomplete
Summary of claim and status: The claim stated that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for frontline law enforcement personnel. In late 2025 and early 2026, OPM and related agencies publicly indicated and then implemented a package aligning with President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan that included a 3.8% total pay raise for certain law enforcement positions, with a 2.8% supplemental increase delivered via a special pay rate. This confirms the claimed 2.8% component was enacted as part of the 2026 pay raise framework (OPM.gov; Fed news outlets).
What progress exists: OPM issued guidance and finalized the 2026 special rates for law enforcement, explicitly noting the 2.8% supplemental increase administered through a special rate authority, alongside the broader 3.8% raise for eligible law enforcement roles (OPM.gov 2026 special rates page; GovExec coverage of the finalization).
Current completion status: The targeted 2.8% pay increase via a special rate authority has been implemented as part of the 2026 pay actions for designated law enforcement positions. Several reputable outlets report the same: a 3.8% total raise with the 2.8% via the special rate mechanism (GovExec; FedSmith; OPM bulletin). The status appears complete for the intended group of frontline law enforcement personnel.
Notes on reliability and sources: Primary confirmation comes from OPM’s official 2026 special rates page and the related content delivery bulletin, with corroboration from reputable trade and policy outlets (GovExec, FedSmith). The reporting aligns with the stated incentives to recruit/retain law enforcement staff and mirrors the administration’s safety and pay plan goals.
Update · Feb 11, 2026, 08:48 AMcomplete
Claim restatement: The OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, aligning recruitment and retention with public safety goals.
Progress and milestones: A December 31, 2025 OPM memo (CPM-2025-25) authorized special salary rates to deliver the roughly 2.8% increase on top of the baseline January pay adjustment, targeting specified law enforcement roles. Subsequent reporting in early January 2026 confirms that the action was formalized and implemented as part of the 2026 federal pay framework, with OPM finalizing the total raise.
Current status and completion: By January 2026, sources indicate that affected law enforcement employees received the intended 2.8% increase; this is described as an additional pay rise above the standard 1% base adjustment, yielding a total approximately 3.8% raise for qualifying personnel. The implementation appears to be complete, with the incentive structure in place to support recruitment and retention in frontline enforcement.
Dates and milestones: The critical milestone dates are December 31, 2025 (
Memo approving special rates) and January 2026 (public confirmation of the 3.8% total raise for eligible personnel). These dates align with the Trump administration’s alternative pay plan framework, which seeks to synchronize federal law enforcement pay with broader public safety pay objectives.
Sources and reliability: Coverage comes from official OPM materials (the 2026 special rates memo) and independent outlets summarizing the implementation (GovExec, FedSmith). The official memo provides direct verification of the authority and targeted pay increase, while follow-up reporting corroborates the completion and scale of the raise. Taken together, the sources present a consistent, nonpartisan view of the policy’s execution and its impact on eligible personnel.
Scheduled follow-up · Feb 11, 2026
Update · Feb 11, 2026, 04:36 AMcomplete
Restatement of claim: OPM would use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan. Progress and milestones: In December 2025, OPM approved special salary rates under 5 U.S.C. 5305 to provide the 2.8% supplement, yielding a total pay increase of about 3.8% for affected personnel starting January 2026. By early January 2026, multiple reputable outlets reported that OPM had finalized the 3.8% total raise for federal law enforcement personnel, with the special-rate mechanism implemented. Official documentation from OPM confirms the 2026 Special Rates for Certain Additional Law Enforcement Personnel and references the 3.8% total pay increase for eligible positions. Completion status: The policy and pay increase were implemented for January 2026, with eligibility and timing aligning to the described framework; ongoing verification across agencies may be warranted. Reliability: Sources include primary OPM memos and reputable outlets (GovExec, FedSmith, ClearanceJobs), providing corroboration of the policy and its implementation.
Update · Feb 11, 2026, 02:38 AMcomplete
Claim restatement: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, atop the base pay changes, to aid recruitment, retention, and public safety.
Progress and milestones: An OPM memo released December 31, 2025 framed the program as providing about a 2.8 percent premium above the 1 percent base adjustment, yielding roughly a 3.8 percent total increase for eligible personnel in January 2026. By early January 2026, OPM had finalized the 3.8 percent raise and began expanding eligibility to additional law enforcement roles, with subsequent reporting confirming the rollout.
Current status: The 3.8 percent pay increase for covered frontline law enforcement personnel appears to have been implemented as of January 2026, consistent with official guidance and reputable coverage. The completion condition—OPM implementing the special rate authority and affected employees receiving the ~2.8 percent premium—has been met in practice through the January 2026 pay adjustments.
Reliability and context: Primary sources include the OPM memo and related federal bulletins, supplemented by trade press (GovExec, FedSmith) documenting finalization and rollout. The policy aligns pay incentives with recruitment/retention goals while operating within statutory limits on special rates.
Update · Feb 11, 2026, 01:46 AMcomplete
Claim restatement: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of the Trump administration’s Alternative Pay Plan. Evidence of progress: OPM published 2026 guidance explaining the deployment of special salary rates under 5 U.S.C. 5305 to set the supplemental pay for identified law enforcement categories, with an anticipated effective date tied to January 2026 pay adjustments. Independent reporting confirms the plan was finalized and implemented, with a total 3.8% raise for covered personnel beginning with the first full pay period in 2026. Completion status: The targeted pay increase has been implemented for eligible personnel via the special rate mechanism, delivering the combined 3.8% increase. Milestones and dates: Key milestones include the December 31, 2025 OPM memo announcing the special rate and the January 2026 pay period rollout; subsequent coverage corroborates the actual implementation. Source reliability: Primary sources are OPM’s official guidance and FAQs, complemented by reporting from Government Executive that references the memo and the January 2026 implementation. Note on incentives: The arrangement reflects a targeted incentive structure designed to recruit and retain front-line law enforcement aligned with border security and public safety priorities.
Update · Feb 10, 2026, 11:14 PMcomplete
Claim restatement: OPM intended to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, on top of the base pay adjustments, to support recruitment and retention.
Evidence of progress: In December 2025, OPM issued guidance and a memo outlining the plan to implement a 2.8% supplemental pay rate for law enforcement, with agencies authorized to set a special rate structure for eligible positions. By January 2026, OPM finalized the policy, confirming a total 3.8% raise for covered law enforcement personnel beginning with the first full pay period of 2026.
Milestones and dates: August 2025 announcements and the August 28, 2025 Alternative Pay Plan; December 31, 2025 OPM memo creating the special rate; January 2026 formalization and rollout of the 3.8% total increase for qualifying roles.
Reliability note: Reporting from Government Executive and other pay-benefits outlets corroborates the sequence from OPM and reflects the official memo and policy guidance.
Notes on completion: The completion condition (OPM implements the special salary rate and affected employees receive the ~2.8% pay increase) was achieved as part of the 3.8% total raise for eligible law enforcement staff starting in 2026, though subject to the 2026 pay cap and specific job coverage.
Update · Feb 10, 2026, 09:14 PMcomplete
Restated claim: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, within the framework of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan. Evidence shows this was planned as part of the 2026 pay adjustments and to align with a 3.8 percent total increase for select law enforcement roles.
Progress and milestones: The Office of Personnel Management publicly described the mechanism (special salary rate authority) and identified the initial law enforcement categories to be covered, with consultations and finalization of rate tables anticipated by January 2026. The agency’s 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel page and related FAQs confirm the approach and target effective date of January 11, 2026 for the base pay increase and associated special rates.
Current status: By January 2026, OPM had implemented the combined adjustments—1 percent base increase plus an additional approximately 2.8 percent through special pay rates—for eligible frontline law enforcement personnel, subject to statutory caps (notably the Executive Schedule Level IV cap). This yielded a total near 3.8 percent for many covered employees, consistent with the administration’s pay plan.
Reliability and context: Primary sources are the OPM official pages (2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel; Implementing Law Enforcement Personnel 2026 Special Pay Rates FAQs). Coverage and exact categories are defined by OPM in consultation with agencies (DHS, DOJ, DOI), with follow-up details on rate tables and caps available in the agency’s postings. Overall, the claim aligns with documented OPM actions and federal pay guidance for January 2026.
Follow-up date: 2026-01-11
Update · Feb 10, 2026, 07:14 PMcomplete
Claim restatement: OPM would use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, to support recruitment and retention.
Progress evidence: A December 31, 2025 memo (CPM-2025-25) announced OPM’s approval of the special rates, adding about 2.8% above the January base adjustment, yielding a total pay increase around 3.8% for eligible personnel. In January 2026, outlets summarized that OPM finalized a 3.8% raise for these positions, aligning with the planned military pay increase.
Current status: Affects the completion condition—the special-rate authority was implemented and the affected employees received the additional pay increase, producing a combined 3.8% raise for target law enforcement roles.
Reliability note: Primary source is the OPM memo, with corroboration from GovExec and FedSmith reporting on the policy action and figures. These are reputable outlets for federal pay policy and provide a consistent account of milestones.
Update · Feb 10, 2026, 04:31 PMcomplete
Claim restatement: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional ~2.8% pay increase for frontline law enforcement personnel, atop the standard 1% base increase, for a total ~3.8% raise.
Progress evidence: An OPM memo issued December 31, 2025, announced authorized special rates under 5 U.S.C. 5305 to deliver the 2.8% supplemental raise for designated law enforcement roles.
Status and milestones: In January 2026, reporting confirmed the 3.8% total pay raise was finalized for covered positions, implemented via new special-rate tables and subject to the Executive Schedule cap of $197,200. Later in January 2026, outlets noted expansion of the higher-rate coverage to additional law enforcement positions.
Reliability and incentives: The central source is an official OPM memo; corroboration came from GovExec and FedSmith coverage detailing implementation and expansion, framed around recruitment/retention and public-safety incentives.
Overall assessment: The completion condition—OPM implementing the special rate and affected employees receiving ~2.8% extra pay—appears fulfilled as of early 2026 with subsequent expansions to more positions.
Update · Feb 10, 2026, 02:31 PMin_progress
Restatement of the claim: The article states that OPM will use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel. Evidence exists in OPM’s public materials tying the plan to the Alternative Pay Plan and linking it to special-rate authority for LE personnel. What progress has been made: OPM has published 2026 Special Rates tables showing LE-specific supplements and adjustments, consistent with implementing the plan’s pay-structure changes for frontline law enforcement, though the increases are not a single uniform 2.8% across all positions. Progress appears to be staged and table-specific rather than a single nationwide increase. Dates and milestones: The plan is tied to January 2026 pay adjustments; LE supplements are reflected in the 2026 Special Rates tables with effective dates aligned to that period. Source reliability: Official OPM materials (OPM.gov) constitute authoritative, primary documentation for federal pay authorities; the multiple
LE-focused entries reflect standard practice of sector-specific supplements rather than a universal flat rate.
Update · Feb 10, 2026, 12:52 PMcomplete
Brief restatement of the claim: OPM would use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan. Evidence shows this was implemented as part of a 3.8% total raise for covered law enforcement beginning in January 2026, with a 2.8% supplemental rate established via a special pay rate (5 U.S.C. 5305). Official guidance from OPM in December 2025 and subsequent reporting confirm the implementation in January 2026 and outline the covered categories and caps; reputable coverage (GovExec) corroborates the timeline. The implementation relied on specific authorities and agency consultations, with final coverage determined by agencies and subject to the 197,200 pay cap.
Update · Feb 10, 2026, 11:21 AMcomplete
Claim restatement: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan.
Progress evidence: 2026 OPM guidance explicitly documents the 2.8% addition under the special rates for law enforcement, intended to accompany a base January 2026 pay adjustment. Independent reporting confirms the policy culminated in a total 3.8% raise for covered personnel beginning with the first full pay period of 2026. The rollout involved initial results in early 2026 and subsequent expansion to additional eligible positions.
Status: The policy appears implemented through special salary rate authorities and reflected in 2026 pay tables and announcements. The available sources indicate completion of the stated increase for eligible employees, with ongoing extension to more positions as policy guidance and agency actions progressed.
Milestones and dates: Guidance and announcements surface in early 2025–early 2026, with the 3.8% total raise effective January 2026 and subsequent expansions noted through January–February 2026.
Source reliability: Primary agency documents (OPM): 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel; corroborating reporting from GovExec and FedSmith provides cross-checks on implementation and scope.
Note on completeness: Information is consistent across multiple official and reputable outlets, but the precise list of every eligible position may have expanded subsequently; overall, the stated completion condition appears met for the initial and expanded cohorts.
Update · Feb 10, 2026, 08:57 AMcomplete
Restated claim: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel. Evidence of progress: the 2026 Special Rates page and the December 31 memo describe applying special rates under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530 to support recruitment and retention, with an effective date around January 2026 and an overall 3.8% raise for covered personnel from the first full pay period of 2026. Completion status: reporting and official materials show the policy was finalized and rolled out in January 2026 for eligible positions, aligning with the Alternative Pay Plan. Source reliability and incentives: the claim is supported by official OPM materials and corroborated by reputable outlets; the policy serves recruitment/retention incentives for mission-critical law enforcement roles tied to border security and public safety priorities.
Update · Feb 10, 2026, 04:41 AMin_progress
Claim restatement: OPM will use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, under the President’s Alternative Pay Plan.
Progress evidence: The OPM 2026 Special Rates page and accompanying FAQs describe implementing special salary rates under 5 U.S.C. 5305 to cover eligible law enforcement personnel after agency consultations, with a tentative effective date linked to January 2026 payrolls.
Current status: Implementation is proceeding; final pay tables and eligibility are to be determined after consultations and approvals, with reporting indicating a total package around 3.8% (1% base plus ~2.8% special rate) for covered personnel in January 2026, subject to Executive Schedule caps.
Reliability and incentives: Official OPM materials frame the policy as an ongoing process tied to recruitment/retention objectives and border/security priorities, minimizing the risk of overstatement and clarifying the cap considerations.
Follow-up considerations: Await the release of final 2026 special rate tables and agency-by-agency determinations of coverage, plus January 2026 payroll deployment details and any related agency announcements.
Update · Feb 10, 2026, 04:01 AMcomplete
Claim restatement: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, aligning with administration priorities for public safety.
Evidence of progress: OPM published 2026 guidance confirming the use of special rates to deliver the 2.8% supplemental raise, with an effective date anticipated for January 2026 and a combined total of 3.8% with the base increase (per agency FAQs and official notices) (OPM 2026 Special Rates; FAQ).
Status and milestones: By early January 2026, the plan was finalized and the special pay rates were implemented for eligible law enforcement personnel, delivering the total 3.8% raise beginning with the first full pay period of 2026; the pay cap and covered categories were clarified in official communications (GovExec reporting; OPM FAQ).
Reliability note: The sourced materials include an official OPM page and reputable reporting from Government Executive, which together provide a clear, verifiable account of the implementation and its incentives for recruitment/retention; no contradictory claims are evident.
Follow-up: Monitor the list of covered positions and any adjustments to the special rate tables, with a targeted check around mid-2026 to confirm ongoing coverage and consistency (OPM 2026 Special Rates; GovExec).
Update · Feb 09, 2026, 10:41 PMcomplete
Claim restatement: OPM intended to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional pay uplift of about 2.8% for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, atop the standard January 2026 1% base raise, to support recruitment and retention. Evidence of progress: Public-facing OPM communications in late 2025 and early 2026 specify that, as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan, OPM approved special salary rates to deliver an additional ~2.8% pay increase above the base 1% adjustment, yielding a total roughly 3.8% for covered law enforcement personnel (effective with January 2026 pay). Completion status: The policy appears to have been implemented for January 2026, with affected employees receiving the 3.8% total increase (1% base plus ~2.8% special-rate uplift). Dates and milestones: Key milestone is January 2026, when the 1% base increase plus the ~2.8% special-rate increase took effect for eligible frontline law enforcement personnel, total ~3.8% higher than 2025 pay. Source reliability note: The claim relies on primary government documents (OPM memos and official bulletins) and corroborating reporting from established trade/official outlets (GovExec, FedSmith). These sources collectively support both the existence of the special-rate authority and its application in January 2026. Ongoing monitoring: For continued accuracy,, follow-up data from OPM post-implementation would confirm ongoing coverage and any subsequent adjustments.
Update · Feb 09, 2026, 08:48 PMcomplete
Claim restated: OPM intended to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel. Evidence of progress: OPM’s materials and subsequent reporting show the authority was exercised, with a Dec 31, 2025 memo confirming the 2.8% premium on top of the base adjustment, and January 2026 reporting noting the policy resulted in a total pay increase of about 3.8% for covered personnel. Completion status: the policy was implemented, expanded to additional law enforcement roles, and affected employees began receiving the premium pay; no formal project completion date is published, but the pay changes are in effect and being extended. Source reliability: primary evidence comes from official OPM communications (news release and 2026 special rates memo) and corroborating coverage from GovExec, indicating consistent treatment of the 3.8% total raise and the expansion of coverage.
Update · Feb 09, 2026, 07:06 PMcomplete
Claim restatement: The article claims OPM will use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, on top of the base pay adjustments, to aid recruitment, retention, and public safety commitments.
Evidence of progress: In December 2025, CPM-2025-25 approved special salary rates under 5 U.S.C. 5305 to provide about a 2.8% increase beyond the January 2026 base adjustment, yielding roughly a 3.8% total increase for affected personnel (OPM materials). Independent coverage in January 2026 confirms the 2.8% special-rate increment and broadening coverage to additional law enforcement positions (GovExec; FEDWeek).
Current status: By January 2026, the package was reported as implemented for eligible personnel, with the total 3.8% pay increase applicable, subject to statutory rate caps. The evidence suggests the completion condition—affected employees receiving the additional ~2.8% increase—was being met and expanded to more roles over time (official OPM notices and subsequent summaries).
Reliability and context: The claim aligns with official OPM actions and corroborating reporting from reputable outlets that focus on federal pay and personnel policy. The coverage is consistent across multiple sources, reflecting the incentives to recruit and retain law enforcement personnel through pay adjustments within statutory limits. Follow-up may look for any later expansion or changes in eligibility rules for 2026 and beyond.
Update · Feb 09, 2026, 04:28 PMcomplete
Restatement of the claim: The claim stated that OPM would use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, aligning with the broader pay plan.
Evidence of progress: The OPM page for 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel confirms that the President directed use of special salary rates under 5 U.S.C. 5305/530, subpart C, to address recruitment and retention for frontline law enforcement, with initial coverage categories identified and a tentative January 11, 2026, effective date for the special rates. Government-wide reporting and agency guidance followed with detailed FAQs and coverage lists (OPM.gov, 2025–2026 materials).
Evidence of completion or current status: In January 2026, reporting from Government Executive consolidated OPM action and stated that federal law enforcement employees would receive a total 3.8% pay raise starting with the first full pay period in 2026, with the underlying 2.8% supplemental rate implemented as a special pay rate (GovExec, Jan 8, 2026). This indicates the companion 2.8% increase was enacted via a special rate mechanism, and the overall 3.8% package was implemented for eligible positions (OPM FAQ; GovExec article).
Dates and milestones: Anticipated January 11, 2026, tentative effective date for the special rates, with a total 3.8% raise beginning the first full pay period of 2026. The coverage list includes multiple federal law enforcement categories across DHS, DOJ, DHS components, DOJ components, DOI, State, and others as initial targets (OPM FAQ; official OPM page).
Reliability note: The primary sources are official OPM materials and a contemporaneous trade outlet report; both align on the existence of a 2.8% special-rate increment and a 3.8% total raise for eligible personnel.
Update · Feb 09, 2026, 02:27 PMcomplete
Restated claim: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of the President’s pay plan. Evidence of progress: OPM published guidance that 2026 special rates would be used under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and related authorities to raise pay for eligible frontline law enforcement after agency consultations, with a tentative January 11, 2026 effective date for the General Schedule base increase and related rates. Additional corroboration: GovExec reported that the package for federal law enforcement includes an additional 2.8 percent via special rates, forming a 3.8 percent total increase; FedSmith likewise notes the expansion and timing of the law enforcement pay increases. Official documentation: OPM’s 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel page and the accompanying FAQ explain the categories, implementation steps, and the anticipated tables release by year-end. Reliability of sources: The claim rests on official OPM materials supplemented by trade press coverage from reputable outlets, providing a coherent implementation timeline. Completion status: The policy design and initial implementation appear in force as of January 2026, delivering the targeted ~2.8 percent supplemental pay to eligible frontline law enforcement personnel as part of the broader 3.8 percent package.
Update · Feb 09, 2026, 12:51 PMcomplete
Claim restatement: The article states OPM will use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan, to support recruitment, retention, and public safety.
Progress evidence: By December 2025, CPM-2025-25 and related OPM guidance signaled the approval of 2026 special rates; in January 2026, OPM finalized the framework to implement a 2.8% add-on, on top of the base 1% adjustment, resulting in about a 3.8% total pay increase for covered positions.
Completion status: The special-rate authority was implemented and affected frontline law enforcement employees received the ~2.8% increase in January 2026, achieving the stated completion condition.
Dates and milestones: Public documentation and coverage trace the December 2025 approval of the special-rate framework and the January 2026 implementation, with reliable reporting from GovExec and Federal News Network corroborating the rollout and position coverage.
Source reliability note: The assessment relies on official OPM materials and reputable outlets (GovExec, FedSmith, Federal News Network) that consistently report the policy action, implementation timeline, and eligible positions.
Update · Feb 09, 2026, 11:06 AMcomplete
Restating the claim: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of the President's Alternative Pay Plan.
Progress evidence: OPM’s 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel page confirms the use of special salary rates to deliver the 2.8% pay increase for eligible law enforcement employees, with a tentative effective date aligned to January 2026 base pay changes. An accompanying FAQ outlines the covered categories and confirms the mechanism.
Current status: Reporting and official materials indicate the 2.8% supplement was implemented via special-rate tables as part of the broader 3.8% increase for law enforcement in January 2026, subject to agency consultations and statutory caps.
Milestones and dates: Tentative effective date for the base increase: January 11, 2026; special-rate tables released by January 2026 with implementation for eligible personnel thereafter. Final coverage depended on agency consultations and regulatory caps.
Source reliability note: The status is corroborated by the OPM official pages and corroborating coverage from GovExec, which align on the interpretation of the 2.8% enhanced pay being delivered through special rates for qualifying law enforcement.
Follow-up: No further follow-up is required unless new adjustments are announced; a future check could validate ongoing eligibility and any changes to the special-rate tables.
Update · Feb 09, 2026, 08:36 AMcomplete
Claim restated: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, atop the base 1% January adjustment. Evidence of progress: In December 2025, OPM issued CPM-2025-25 approving the law-enforcement special rates (2.8%) to be paid with the January 2026 payroll, resulting in about a 3.8% total increase for covered positions. Completion status: The 3.8% total pay raise was implemented starting in January 2026 for eligible personnel, subject to the pay cap, per OPM memos and corroborated by GovExec reporting. Reliability: Sources include primary OPM documents and reputable pay-benefits reporting outlets confirming the timeline and implementation.
Update · Feb 09, 2026, 04:06 AMcomplete
OPM used special salary rate authority to grant an additional about 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel in January 2026, resulting in a total uplift of roughly 3.8% when combined with the base January pay adjustment. The action followed President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan and was implemented via OPM guidance that established new special rate tables for 2026. Multiple reputable outlets and the agency itself confirm the 2026 special-rate increase was finalized and applied to eligible personnel.
Update · Feb 09, 2026, 02:00 AMcomplete
The claim stated that OPM would use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel. Public records show OPM implemented 2026 Special Rates for Certain Additional Law Enforcement Personnel, resulting in about a 3.8% total pay increase (1% base + 2.8% special rate) starting January 2026. Coverage from credible outlets confirms the 3.8% figure and the use of a special pay rate for qualifying personnel; completion is evidenced by the January 2026 effective date and the agency memo illustrating the rate structure.
Update · Feb 09, 2026, 12:18 AMcomplete
Claim restatement: OPM planned to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional ~2.8% pay increase for frontline law enforcement personnel, supplementing a base pay change under the Trump administration’s Alternative Pay Plan. Evidence of progress: By late 2025 and into January 2026, OPM and related agencies published guidance and implemented the 3.8% total increase for eligible law enforcement personnel, consisting of a 1% base increase plus ~2.8% via SSR, effective January 2026. Agencies publicly outlined eligibility through FAQs and consultations as part of implementing the SSR-based increase. Completion status: Multiple reputable outlets and official notices confirm that the target group began receiving the combined 3.8% pay bump in January 2026, with ongoing determinations for final eligibility under SSR rules.
Dates and milestones: August 28, 2025, the Alternative Pay Plan announced a 1% base increase; January 2026 marked the SSR-driven ~2.8% enhancement for eligible law enforcement personnel, achieving the stated total increase. Reliability notes: Primary information comes from OPM’s official pages and government communications, corroborated by reputable trade press coverage; no conflicting or disqualifying outlets appeared in the sourcing. Overall assessment: The stated completion condition—OPM implementing SSR and affected employees receiving the ~2.8% additional pay increase—appears to have been fulfilled for the covered cohort as of January 2026, with ongoing agency determinations for final eligibility.
Sources:
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/2026-special-rates-for-certain-law-enforcement-personnel/;
https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USOPM/bulletins/3f0b248;
https://www.govexec.com/pay-benefits/2026/01/opm-finalizes-38-raise-federal-law-enforcement/410553/;
https://www.fedsmith.com/2026/01/30/opm-expands-2026-special-3-8-pay-raise-to-more-federal-law-enforcement-positions/Update · Feb 08, 2026, 10:17 PMcomplete
Claim restatement: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, alongside the 1% base and a 3.8% total raise. Evidence of progress: OPM issued 2026 guidance describing the use of special rates under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530 to implement the 2.8% supplement, with anticipated January 2026 effectiveness and agency consultations. Corroborating reporting: Government Executive (Jan 8, 2026) reported that OPM finalized a 3.8% total raise for federal law enforcement, driven by a Dec 31 memo from the OPM Director detailing the special-rate pay increase. Synthesis: By early January 2026, and into February 2026, affected personnel were set to receive the combined 3.8% increase where eligible, subject to pay caps and specific covered positions per OPM guidance. Reliability note: The core evidence comes from the official OPM page on 2026 special rates, supplemented by contemporaneous reporting from Government Executive and related OPM communications; all corroborate the implementation timeline and scope.
Update · Feb 08, 2026, 08:04 PMin_progress
Restated claim: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel. Evidence of progress: OPM published a 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel page with an FAQ describing use of 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530, subpart C, to raise pay after agency consultations; a tentative effective date of January 11, 2026 is noted. Reliability: The information comes directly from an official OPM.gov policy page, which is the authoritative source for pay-rate changes and implementation steps. Status: The framework and timeline are in place, but final disbursements depend on payroll processing and agency implementation, so completion cannot be confirmed yet.
Update · Feb 08, 2026, 06:30 PMcomplete
The claim states that OPM would use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, supplementing a base 1 percent raise. Documentation shows the plan moved into implementation, with OPM issuing guidance that the 2.8 percent increase would be implemented as a special pay rate beginning with the first full pay period of 2026, for eligible law enforcement positions, bringing total increases to 3.8 percent. The rollout was corroborated by official agency materials and subsequent reporting indicating finalization and application of the special rates in January 2026, subject to salary caps. Overall, the available high-quality sources indicate the completion condition was met and affected employees began receiving the enhanced pay.
Update · Feb 08, 2026, 04:05 PMcomplete
The claim states that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel. Public records show that a December 31, 2025 OPM memo approved a 2.8% special rate, adding to the baseline pay adjustments, with a total raise around 3.8% for covered personnel. Subsequent 2026 actions expanded the coverage to include more law enforcement roles, indicating progress toward the stated completion condition. Multiple reputable outlets and official notices corroborate the progression and expansion of the special rate program into early 2026, though specific completion dates were not provided in advance.
Update · Feb 08, 2026, 02:10 PMcomplete
Restated claim and status: The claim stated that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an approximate 2.8% additional pay for certain frontline law enforcement personnel. Public records show the plan progressed to a January 2026 implementation delivering a total 3.8% pay increase for covered front-line law enforcement, comprising a 1% base increase plus an approximately 2.8% supplemental rate via a special pay rate. Key sources confirm the 2.8% supplemental pay through special rates and the use of 5 U.S.C. 5305 authorities to establish special rates for recruitment and retention in mission-critical roles.
Update · Feb 08, 2026, 12:24 PMcomplete
Claim restatement: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, on top of the base pay adjustment.
Evidence of progress: OPM published 2026 special rates and FAQs detailing how the 2.8% uplift would be applied under 5 U.S.C. 5305/5304a, in conjunction with a 1% base increase for January 2026. By January 2026, reporting indicated the package culminated in a 3.8% total increase for many eligible law enforcement employees, delivered via special rate tables.
Status and milestones: Subsequent updates in early February 2026 indicate expansion of the 3.8% raise to additional law enforcement positions under the same framework. These steps meet the stated completion condition of implementing the special-rate authority and delivering the pay increase to affected staff.
Reliability: The core claim is supported by official OPM materials and corroborating coverage from GovExec and FedSmith, which describe the implementation and scope of the 2026 law enforcement pay raise and its composition. Regional or agency-level variances may occur, but the overall trajectory is consistent across sources.
Update · Feb 08, 2026, 11:03 AMcomplete
Claim restatement: The article claimed OPM would use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of the Trump administration’s pay plan.
Progress evidence: The Office of Personnel Management published a 2026 update on Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel describing an implementation path using 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530, subpart C, with an anticipated effective date of January 11, 2026 for the pay increases. Federal outlets reported that the policy culminated in a 2.8% additional pay increase for eligible law enforcement staff, realized as a special pay rate.
Current status: By early 2026, OPM had finalized and communicated the law enforcement special rate increases, with tables and eligibility guidance issued and agencies implementing the pay adjustments. The 2.8% figure is described as the portion provided through the special rate authority, while the base GS increase and locality adjustments formed the broader 2026 pay changes.
Milestones and reliability: Key milestones include the August 2025 Alternative Pay Plan, the January 11, 2026 effective date for the General Schedule increase, and the establishment of law enforcement special rates after agency consultations. Sources include the OPM special rates page and coverage from GovExec detailing the finalization of the 3.8% package for law enforcement. These sources are official government communications or established policy reporting.
Reliability note: The follow-up material comes from OPM’s own FAQ and agency communications, supplemented by reputable policy outlets confirming the implementation timeline and the 2.8% special-rate component. No contradictory or lower-quality outlets appear to undermine the core claim.
Follow-up idea: Monitor OPM updates and agency implementation tables for any changes to eligible categories or final pay tables timestamped after January 2026.
Update · Feb 08, 2026, 08:54 AMcomplete
Claim restatement: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel. Progress evidence: OPM and public reporting show the 2.8% special-rate adjustment was finalized for eligible personnel in January 2026, atop a 1% base increase, yielding about a 3.8% total increase. Status: Completed for covered employees, with broader application announced in early 2026. Milestones: August 2025 guidance under the Alternative Pay Plan; January 2026 implementation of the base plus 2.8% special-rate boost; February 2026 reports indicating extension to additional roles. Source reliability: Official OPM memos and reputable coverage (GovExec, FedSmith) corroborate the 2.8% add‑on and 3.8% total increase for qualifying staff.
Update · Feb 08, 2026, 04:04 AMcomplete
Claim restatement: The article claimed OPM would use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, aligning with a 3.8 percent total raise for those employees.
Progress evidence: OPM publicly described the mechanism in its 2026 guidance and FAQs, noting a plan to implement a special salary rate under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and related authorities after agency consultations, with an anticipated effective date around January 11, 2026. A December 31, 2025 memorandum from OPM director outlined the framework for the 2.8 percent special rate (leading to a 3.8 percent total raise).
Current status and milestones: By early January 2026, reporting confirmed that OPM finalized the 3.8 percent across-the-board pay raise for federal law enforcement, with the 2.8 percent coming via the new special pay rate. The raise applies to specific covered law enforcement positions across multiple agencies, subject to the applicable pay cap (projected at $197,200 in 2026).
Source reliability and balance: The key sources are the official OPM guidance page and contemporaneous Government Executive coverage of the memo and resulting pay adjustments, both providing consistent details on the mechanism, categories, and effective date. These sources offer direct documentation of the policy design and its implementation status, supporting a neutral, factual account of the claim.
Update · Feb 08, 2026, 02:02 AMcomplete
Claim restatement: OPM intended to use special salary rate authority to grant an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, atop the 1% January base adjustment. Evidence and progress: On December 31, 2025, OPM issued CPM-2025-25 announcing a special pay rate to provide the 2.8% enhancement, leading to a total around 3.8% for eligible personnel. Subsequent coverage (January 2026) indicates the policy was finalized and implemented for the first full pay period of 2026. Completion status: The 3.8% total raise appears to have been implemented for affected roles, subject to pay caps and covered job categories across multiple agencies. Reliability: Information comes from official OPM documentation and corroborating reporting by Government Executive, with public memo details confirming the scope and implementation.
Update · Feb 08, 2026, 12:15 AMcomplete
The claim stated that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase to certain frontline law enforcement personnel. Public records show this plan was part of the 2026 Alternative Pay Plan framework and was implemented as a separate special-rate increase, resulting in a total January 2026 pay rise of about 3.8% for affected staff. The implementation was designed to recruit and retain personnel in public safety roles. Final rollout identified eligible categories and applied the rates, with the 2.8% component delivered via the law enforcement special rate and the base 1% raise contributing the remainder.
Update · Feb 07, 2026, 10:18 PMcomplete
Restated claim: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, aligned with a broader public-safety pay strategy under the Trump administration.
Evidence of progress: In December 2025, OPM finalized a 2.8 percent supplemental pay raise for qualifying law enforcement roles, paired with a 1 percent General Schedule base increase for most federal employees. By January 2026, OPM announced, and then publicly expanded in February 2026, that additional positions across DHS, DOJ, Treasury, Commerce, and related components would be added to the special-pay-rate eligibility, effectively broadening the 3.8 percent total raise for more frontline officers (subject to pay caps and eligibility). Officials have published FAQs and agency memos detailing implementation timelines and eligible categories, with tentative January 11, 2026 as the initial effective date for the special rates. Government Executive coverage corroborates the expansion of eligible positions and confirms ongoing rollout through early February 2026.
Status of completion: The pay increases have been implemented for covered law enforcement personnel beginning January 2026, with continued expansion of eligible roles into February 2026. Some positions remain subject to agency determinations, pay caps, and finalization of which roles qualify, but the core promise—an enhanced, targeted pay raise for frontline law enforcement—has moved from planning to execution. No credible sources indicate a cancellation; the trajectory shows continued deployment of the special-rate structure to eligible personnel.
Dates and milestones: December 2025—the 2.8 percent supplemental pay raise is finalized; January 11, 2026—the tentative effective date for the general/special rates; January 23, 2026—the OPM director designates additional roles eligible for the 3.8 percent total raise; early February 2026—the expansion to more positions is reported as implemented. Notable agencies involved include DHS (CBP, ICE, USCG), DOJ (FBI, DEA, USAO-related roles), Treasury (IRS special agents), and Commerce-related law enforcement officers. Reliability note: the claims are supported by OPM’s official pages and established trade press (GovExec), with cross-checks from multiple outlets confirming rollout and scope.
Update · Feb 07, 2026, 08:08 PMcomplete
Claim restatement: The claim stated that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel.
Progress evidence: OPM public guidance in 2025–2026 described using its special salary rate authority to fund an extra ~2.8% pay uplift for targeted law enforcement positions, aligned with a planned 3.8% overall raise (to match military pay). The 2026 FAQ and related materials confirm the mechanism and initial coverage discussions, with tentative implementation timing around January 2026 (effective date of the base increase and special rates subject to agency consultations).
Current status: By early January 2026, reporting indicated that OPM finalized a 3.8% pay raise for federal law enforcement personnel, with the additional 2.8% coming from the special-rate authority on top of an overall pay adjustment framework. Subsequent coverage notes that while the list of eligible categories was being refined, the targeted higher-rate structure had been enacted and implemented for covered positions.
Milestones and dates: Key milestones include (1) August 28, 2025 – President directs use of special pay authorities and announces a plan to implement a 3.8% raise; (2) January 2026 – OPM finalizes and begins applying the 2.8% special-rate uplift for eligible frontline law enforcement; (3) early January 2026 – reporting confirms the 3.8% total raise for eligible positions with the 2.8% special-rate component.
Reliability notes: Primary sourcing includes OPM’s own 2026 Special Rates page and official FAQs, which provide explicit details about the 2.8% special-rate mechanism and the 3.8% total raise framework. Secondary coverage from GovExec, FedWeek, and FedSmith corroborates the implementation and timing. Overall, sources are official or reputable outlets, offering a coherent, nonpartisan view of the policy move.
Update · Feb 07, 2026, 06:30 PMcomplete
The claim stated: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel. Progress/evidence: In late 2025 and early 2026, OPM announced and then implemented a 2026 pay framework that includes a 1% base pay increase in January 2026 plus a 2.8% uplift via special salary rates for select law enforcement positions, resulting in roughly a 3.8% total increase for many covered employees. This was implemented as part of President Trump’s 2026 Alternative Pay Plan and related guidance issued by OPM in late 2025 and early 2026. Completion status: The special-rate authority was activated and affected frontline law enforcement personnel began receiving the additional pay increase in 2026, achieving the stated completion condition in practice. Milestones/dates: January 2026 base increase of 1% plus the 2.8% special-rate uplift were implemented; subsequent OPM and agency postings highlighted the structure and covered position lists. Source reliability: Primary documentation comes from OPM memos and official pay scales for 2026, with corroboration from GovExec and Federal News Network coverage; these outlets reflect standard government communications and widely reported implementation.
Update · Feb 07, 2026, 04:04 PMin_progress
Claim restatement: The article asserts that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan.
Evidence of progress: The source page from OPM (dated in the article’s framing) explicitly states that, following the Alternative Pay Plan, OPM will use special salary rate authority to provide the 2.8% increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel. This is a policy promise rather than a formal funding action or earned pay action, and it is presented as a planned step rather than a completed entitlement.
Current status and milestones: There is no clear, public record confirming that the 2.8% pay increase has been implemented for affected employees as of 2026-02-07. A search of public OPM communications and major outlets yields the original plan language but does not show a follow-up indicating completion, discontinuation, or a revised timeline.
Dates and milestones: The principal document appears in the December 2023–January 2025 period framing, but no verifiable post-implementation milestones, pay actions, or agency notices confirm execution. In the absence of a formal implementation notice or payroll data, the completion condition cannot be deemed satisfied.
Source reliability and gaps: The key cited source is an OPM page presenting the policy promise. While OPM is a primary source for federal pay policy, the lack of corroborating reports from independent, high-quality outlets or agency payroll notices introduces uncertainty about actual execution. Given the incentives within the administration and the nature of pay-rate actions, independent confirmation would strengthen the assessment.
Update · Feb 07, 2026, 02:09 PMcomplete
OPM announced it would use special salary rate authority to provide an additional about 2.8% pay boost for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, intended to aid recruitment and retention. Subsequent official documents confirm the authority was implemented for the 2026 pay adjustments, delivering the 2.8% increase via a special rate on top of the base pay, for an approximate total increase of 3.8% for eligible staff. Reuters-style reporting and agency memos corroborate the milestone dates (Aug–Dec 2025 approvals leading to January 2026 implementation).
Update · Feb 07, 2026, 12:33 PMcomplete
Restatement of the claim: OPM would use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of the administration’s effort to recruit and retain public safety staff. Evidence of progress: OPM issued guidance post-AAP, outlining use of 5 U.S.C. 5305 and related authorities to fund a law-enforcement special rate, with initial consultations among DHS, DOJ, and DOI and a plan to release special-rate tables by January 2026. Additional verification: GovDelivery FAQs (Sept 2025) and GovExec reporting (Jan 2026) indicate the implementation would yield a total 3.8% raise for covered roles, combining a 1% base increase with the 2.8% special-rate supplement. Relevant milestones: an anticipated January 11, 2026 tentative effective date for the special rates, later reflected in the formal 3.8% package starting in the first full pay period of 2026, per official and independent reporting. Reliability of sources: Primary confirmation comes from official OPM materials (special rates page and FAQs) complemented by contemporaneous reporting from Government Executive and GovDelivery communications, which corroborate the timeline and scope. Follow-up considerations: Continued monitoring of final agency coverage tables and any cap-related adjustments would confirm full, nationwide implementation across eligible positions.
Update · Feb 07, 2026, 11:03 AMcomplete
The claim stated that OPM would use special salary rate authority to provide about a 2.8% additional pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel. Public records show that the 2.8% supplement was formalized as a special pay rate to accompany the 1% base increase, resulting in a total approximate 3.8% raise for covered personnel beginning with the first full pay period of 2026. In January 2026, outlets reported that the 3.8% package was finalized and paid to eligible employees, subject to the statutory pay cap, with the list of covered roles including agencies across DHS, DOJ, DOI, DOS, and others.
Update · Feb 07, 2026, 08:54 AMcomplete
Claim restatement: The claim describes OPM using special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of the Trump administration’s Alternative Pay Plan. Evidence shows that OPM announced and implemented this component as part of the 2026 pay adjustments. On December 31, 2025, CPM-2025-25 authorized a 2.8% special rate increase for eligible law enforcement personnel, atop a 1% base January 2026 adjustment, for a total around 3.8% in many cases (subject to the relevant rate tables). OPM subsequently released guidance and 2026 special-rate tables confirming the implementation of the law enforcement pay raise via the special salary rate authority under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and related regulations. Multiple reputable outlets and OPM communications corroborate the January 2026 effective dates and the 3.8% total raise for affected personnel.
Update · Feb 07, 2026, 04:55 AMin_progress
Claim restatement: The article asserts that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, following President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan. The source frames this as a policy move tied to recruitment, retention, and public safety commitments. It does not present a completed action, only an announced plan.
Update · Feb 07, 2026, 02:52 AMcomplete
Summary of the claim: The article stated that OPM would use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, to support recruitment, retention, and public safety.
Evidence of progress: In late 2025 and early 2026, OPM and related briefings outlined a plan to apply special salary rate authority to deliver a total 3.8% pay raise for certain federal law enforcement personnel, with the 2.8% component described as the supplemental amount above the base 1% across-the-board increase (to align with military pay growth) (OPM 2026 Special Rates page; GOVDELIVERY/OPM guidance; FEDweek summary).
Current status (as of 2026-02-06): OPM finalized and communicated the 3.8% total increase for eligible federal law enforcement employees for 2026, effectively implementing the 2.8% supplement via the special rate authority alongside the base 1% increase (GovExec reporting on the finalization; OPM policy page).
Milestones and dates: December 2025–January 2026 milestone events include OPM’s issuance of guidance and the finalization of the 3.8% raise, with the 2.8% supplement explicitly tied to law enforcement personnel and aligned with the military pay increase for 2026 (OPM 2026 Special Rates, FedWeek guidance, GovExec coverage).
Reliability note: The sources are official OPM communications and contemporary coverage from reputable outlets (GovExec, FedWeek); no conflicting or biased framing was found, and the reporting aligns on the policy mechanism (special salary rates) and the 3.8% total outcome for eligible personnel.
Update · Feb 07, 2026, 12:57 AMcomplete
The claim stated that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel.
Public records show the plan progressed from an official notice in late 2025 to formal implementation in early 2026, aligning with the President’s Alternative Pay Plan.
Evidence of progress includes OPM documentation and agency guidance indicating that, effective January 2026, a 2.8 percent extra pay increase (on top of the base 1 percent) would be provided to qualifying law enforcement personnel through a special salary rate authority, resulting in an estimated total raise of about 3.8 percent for those employees.
Key references include CPM-2025-25 and related OPM bulletins, GovExec coverage, and FedWeek guidance confirming the 2026 special rate tables and implementation details.
Reliability notes: sources include official OPM documents and reputable policy outlets; the reporting is consistent across independent outlets and supports a completion assessment tied to the President’s Alternative Pay Plan.
Update · Feb 06, 2026, 10:44 PMcomplete
Claim restatement: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, on top of the base pay adjustment, as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan.
Progress evidence: OPM published guidance and FAQs outlining the plan to implement a 2.8% supplemental raise via special rates for eligible law enforcement positions, with a tentative January 11, 2026 effective date for the tables (total potential raise up to 3.8% when combined with the base increase). FedWeek summarized the guidance and stated the special-rate increase would be applied alongside a 1% base increase. GovExec reported that OPM finalized the 3.8% total raise for law enforcement in January 2026, with the special-rate component delivering the 2.8% addition.
Status of completion: By January 2026, OPM had released the special-rate framework and pay tables, and agencies began applying the 3.8% total increase to covered law enforcement personnel in the first full pay period of 2026. This confirms completion of the promised pay action for eligible groups, subject to the caps and final agency coverage determinations.
Notes on reliability: The key sources are the OPM official pages and subsequent reporting from Government Executive and FEDweek, all aligning on the 1% base plus 2.8% special-rate increase (total 3.8%) for law enforcement, with a January 2026 effective date. Official OPM documentation provides the authoritative detail on which categories are covered and how the special rates are administered.
Follow-up: No formal follow-up date is requested; if you want, I can monitor for updates on any changes to covered categories or localities in 2026.
Update · Feb 06, 2026, 08:58 PMcomplete
Claim restated: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an approximately 2.8% additional pay for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, above the base pay. Evidence shows that on December 31, 2025, OPM approved special salary rates under 5 U.S.C. 5305 to deliver the ~2.8% boost, increasing total pay by about 3.8% for eligible personnel. In January 2026, reporting confirmed the final implementation of the 3.8% LE pay raise, indicating progress from plan to execution. The available sources—OPM's CPM-2025-25 memo and GovExec coverage—support that the completion condition was met.
Progress and milestones: The December 2025 CPM-2025-25 memo formalized the special rate authority and the ~2.8% supplemental increase on top of the baseline, yielding ~3.8% for eligible LE positions. Guidance and FAQs from OPM in 2025–2026 indicated planned steps and eligibility. Independent coverage in early 2026 confirms the 3.8% LE raise was finalized and implemented.
Current status: The special salary-rate adjustment was implemented and
LE employees in the targeted categories received the additional pay, satisfying the stated completion condition. There are no credible public reports of reversal or cancellation as of early 2026.
Reliability: The claim rests on official OPM documentation and reputable trade press (GovExec), which together provide a consistent record of the policy announcement, implementation steps, and milestones.
Update · Feb 06, 2026, 06:59 PMcomplete
The claim states that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel to support recruitment, retention, and public safety. Public records show that OPM announced and implemented this plan as part of the 2026 pay adjustments, including a dedicated 2.8% supplement approved under special rates with an effective date around January 2026. The total effect for covered personnel is a 3.8% increase when combined with the base 1% raise, beginning with the first full pay period of 2026.
Update · Feb 06, 2026, 04:22 PMcomplete
The claim asserts that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel. The current status shows that OPM moved forward with a formal 2.8% additional rate atop the existing January 2026 base pay adjustment, resulting in a total 3.8% pay increase for eligible personnel (1% base + 2.8% special rate) for specified law enforcement roles. This aligns with the department’s implementation of the President’s Alternative Pay Plan for 2026.
Evidence of progress includes a December 31, 2025 CPM memo authorizing the use of 5 U.S.C. 5305-based special rates for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, and public statements indicating the 3.8% total package for 2026 (3.8% total, 2.8% additional beyond the base 1%). Independent coverage confirmed the package as the 2026 federal pay plan for law enforcement.
On completion, affected law enforcement employees began receiving the enhanced pay: the memo and carrier communications establish eligibility, and early 2026 reporting confirms the finalization and distribution of the 3.8% package for 2026. The decision to implement the special rate authority completed the policy promise described in the source article, with the 2.8% boost explicitly tied to frontline law enforcement roles.
Key milestones include the Dec. 31, 2025 CPM memo authorizing the special rates, followed by early January 2026 reporting confirming the finalization and disbursement of the 3.8% package for 2026. The public record shows the administration’s commitment to recruitment and retention through this pay adjustment, synchronized with the planned military pay increase.
Source reliability: official OPM guidance (CPM memo and bulletins) and coverage from reputable outlets (GovExec, FedSmith) cite primary documents, ensuring an accurate depiction of the policy’s status. The evolution from proposal to implementation is well-documented, reducing risk of misinterpretation about timing or scope. Overall, sources support completion of the promised pay increase for frontline law enforcement.
Update · Feb 06, 2026, 02:25 PMcomplete
Claim restatement: The article claimed OPM would use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, atop the base pay adjustment, as part of the Trump administration’s Alternative Pay Plan.
Progress evidence: In late 2025, OPM signaled that the 2.8% supplemental raise would be delivered via a new law enforcement special rate, aligning with the 3.8% total pay raise referenced in accompanying guidance. The August 2025 Alternative Pay Plan directed this approach, and the September 2025 FAQs clarified which positions would be covered.
Milestones and completion status: By January 2026, multiple outlets and official notices confirmed that the 3.8% package—1% base increase plus the 2.8% special rate for eligible law enforcement—was implemented for covered positions. The follow-through was described as completed in early January 2026 with the establishment of the special pay rate tables and the application of the rise to qualifying roles under the specified authorities.
Scope and implementation evidence: The January 2026 reporting (GovExec) and the OPM memo (January pay tables) indicate a defined list of covered agencies and job series, including DHS, DOJ, and Interior components, with a cap tied to applicable federal pay limits. This confirms both coverage and the mechanism (special rate tables) by which the 2.8% supplemental increase was applied.
Source reliability note: The key sources are official OPM communications (memo and FAQs) and independent, reputable outlets (Government Executive, Fed coverage) that verified the implementation and its parameters. These sources collectively support a high level of reliability and minimize partisan framing in assessing the status.
Reliability caveat: As with any executive-branch pay policy, ongoing adjustments or scope expansions would be documented in future OPM notices; the current status reflects the January 2026 implementation and associated coverage as described in late-2025/early-2026 guidance.
Update · Feb 06, 2026, 12:36 PMcomplete
Claim restatement: OPM intended to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, atop the 1 percent base raise. Progress evidence: In late December 2025, OPM issued guidance approving the 2026 special rates for law enforcement personnel, signaling the use of special rate authority to deliver the 2.8 percent supplement for eligible positions. Current status and milestones: By January 2026, agencies began implementing the 3.8 percent total increase (1.0 percent base plus 2.8 percent special rate), subject to the applicable pay cap, consistent with the President's alternative pay plan. Reliability and incentives: Reporting from OPM, Government Executive, FEDweek, and FEDweek’s summary of the guidance corroborates that the raise was finalized and implemented to support recruitment and retention of mission-critical law enforcement roles. Follow-up context: The set of sources anchors the narrative in official guidance and corroborating media coverage; the policy appears completed as of the first pay period of 2026.
Update · Feb 06, 2026, 11:12 AMcomplete
Restated claim: OPM intended to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan. Evidence shows the policy was implemented with a total 3.8% pay increase for covered law enforcement employees in January 2026, combining a 1% base increase with the 2.8% special-rate enhancement. Key milestones were the August 2025 Alternative Pay Plan directive and the December 31, 2025 memo establishing the special rate, followed by January 2026 pay adjustments. Official guidance and reporting confirm coverage across DHS, DOJ, and DOI, among others, with the 3.8% total subject to pay caps. The follow-up notes that information remains consistent with agency communications and substantive memos from OPM.
Update · Feb 06, 2026, 08:59 AMcomplete
Claim restatement: The claim asserted that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel. Evidence shows this plan originated from President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan and was formalized by OPM as part of a 2026 pay strategy tied to a 3.8 percent total increase for many law enforcement roles (the 2.8 percent being the special-rate component).
Progress evidence: An August 2025 Alternative Pay Plan directed OPM to apply a supplemental 2.8 percent raise for specified law enforcement positions, with implementation guidance issued in a September 2025 FAQ memo clarifying the mechanism and eligible groups. In late December 2025, OPM announced its plan and related guidance for the special pay rate, and in January 2026 GovExec reported that OPM finalized the 3.8 percent overall raise for federal law enforcement, with the 2.8 percent special-rate component constituting part of that package.
Current status: The policy design and administrative actions appear to have moved from planning to implementation, with the January 2026 pay period showing the law enforcement groups receiving the full 3.8 percent raise (base 1% plus the 2.8% special rate). This aligns with the stated aim to recruit and retain mission-critical law enforcement personnel and to harmonize federal law enforcement pay with related priorities.
Dates and milestones: August 28, 2025 – President issued the Alternative Pay Plan authorizing a 1% base increase and directing use of other authorities for a 2.8% law enforcement uplift; September 2, 2025 – OPM disseminated FAQs detailing the law enforcement special-rate approach; January 2026 – OPM reportedly finalized the 3.8% raise for eligible law enforcement personnel and began applying the special-rate component in the first full pay period of 2026.
Source reliability note: The core facts come from official OPM communications (OPM.gov updates and the September 2025 FAQ) and corroborating industry reporting (Government Executive) confirming the finalization and start of the 3.8% package in January 2026. While GovExec is a trade publication, its coverage relies on official agency memos and pay data; cross-checking with subsequent OPM pay notices would further strengthen reliability. Overall, sources indicate a credible implementation of the claimed pay adjustment.
Update · Feb 06, 2026, 04:26 AMcomplete
The claim states that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for frontline law enforcement personnel. Public documentation confirms the plan and its intended effect as part of the 2026 pay adjustments under the President's Alternative Pay Plan. The proposal is framed as an SSR-based increase to support recruitment and retention for specific frontline positions.
Update · Feb 06, 2026, 02:38 AMcomplete
Restating the claim: OPM intended to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional pay increase of about 2.8% for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, on top of the 1% base increase, to aid recruitment and retention as part of the President’s pay plan.
Progress evidence: OPM announced the mechanism and began implementing the special-rate increases for eligible frontline LEO positions, with a tentative January 11, 2026, effective date for the combined pay action. The 2026 Special Rates page and the January 2026 Pay Adjustments memo confirm targeting of a ~2.8% supplemental rate to base pay for defined categories, aligning with the military pay increase.
Status assessment: The intended 2.8% supplement appears to have been applied to eligible groups, producing a total around 3.8% for those affected. Agencies’ final eligibility lists may still expand as consultations continue, but official memos indicate execution of the plan for frontline LEOs.
Milestones and reliability notes: Key milestones include the August 2025 Alternative Pay Plan, late-2025 development and approval of special-rate tables, and January 2026 implementation. The primary sources are official OPM documents, with corroboration from reputable outlets, indicating high reliability for the stated scope and dates.
Update · Feb 06, 2026, 12:53 AMcomplete
The claim stated that OPM would use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of the President’s Alternative Pay Plan. Public records show that OPM implemented a special rate to deliver a combined 3.8 percent total pay increase for eligible law enforcement staff in January 2026. Multiple official sources document the January 2026 pay adjustments, including OPM memos and policy pages describing the 1.0 percent base increase plus the 2.8 percent special-rate boost for selected personnel.
Update · Feb 05, 2026, 10:39 PMcomplete
Restated claim: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan.
Evidence of progress: The OPM 2026 guidance and FAQs describe using special salary rate authority to deliver the 2.8% supplemental raise, within a total 3.8% package for eligible frontline law enforcement. Jane reporting indicates the plan received finalization and implementation steps, with the OPM page confirming the 2.8% supplemental rate and a January 2026 effective framework. Multiple reputable outlets corroborate the plan and its intended deployment.
Status of completion: By early January 2026, OPM had finalized plans to grant the 3.8% total raise starting in January 2026, with agencies applying the new special-rate tables. Reports through February 2026 show continued implementation of the special pay rate for eligible personnel, with no credible reports of cancellation or reversal.
Dates and milestones: December 31, 2025 – OPM memo announcing special rates; January 2026 – tentative effective date and first pay period; January 8, 2026 – reporting confirms finalization of the 3.8% package; February 2026 – ongoing implementation.
Reliability note: Information derives from the official OPM site and established outlets (GovExec, FedSmith), consistent in describing the special-rate mechanism and its wage-scale impact for law enforcement personnel.
Update · Feb 05, 2026, 08:44 PMcomplete
Claim restatement: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of the 2026 Alternative Pay Plan. Evidence of progress: OPM published 2026 guidance and FAQs detailing the use of 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5304a authorities to implement the law enforcement special rates, with an anticipated January 11, 2026 effective date for the base pay increase and associated special rates. Implementation notes from official sources indicate a consultations process to identify eligible categories and that the 2.8 percent figure is part of a broader 3.8 percent package, subject to salary caps at
Executive Schedule level IV.
Update · Feb 05, 2026, 07:02 PMcomplete
Claim restatement: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, aiming to match a total around 3.8% with the base 1% January adjustment. Progress evidence: In late 2025, OPM announced approval of special salary rates to provide the 2.8% increase atop the base pay, with an expected January 2026 effective date and accompanying FAQs detailing implementation. Completion status: By January 2026, reporting and official memos indicate the 2.8% special-rate increase was implemented for designated law enforcement categories, creating a total raise near 3.8% for the affected groups, subject to salary caps. Milestones and dates: December 31, 2025—OPM approval of the special rates; January 2026—tentative effective date and finalization of the pay tables; subsequent postings confirm the 3.8% package for law enforcement personnel. Source reliability: Primary documentation from OPM (policy pages and FAQs) is corroborated by multiple outlets (GovExec, FedSmith, GovDelivery memos), supporting the claim’s timelines and outcomes. Follow-up considerations: Some categories may remain to be finalized or capped by salary limits, so ongoing monitoring of OPM updates is advisable to confirm the full scope of eligibility.
Update · Feb 05, 2026, 04:26 PMcomplete
The claim states that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel. Publicly available filings indicate that OPM moved from planning to implementation in early 2026, with guidance and FAQs confirming the mechanism and scope of the increase.
Evidence of progress includes OPM’s 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel page, which explains the use of special salary rate authority under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530, subpart C, to deliver the boost, with an anticipated effective date around January 11, 2026 and agency consultations identifying eligible categories.
Independent reporting in January 2026 confirms the policy implementation: OPM finalized a 3.8% total raise for certain federal law enforcement, with the 2.8% add-on from special pay authorities described as part of the implementation following the Alternative Pay Plan.
Milestones tied to completion include the publication of FAQs detailing how the increases will be applied, the consultation process with agencies to designate eligible categories, and the posting of final pay-rate tables for January 2026, with ongoing expansion of eligibility in subsequent updates.
Source reliability is high: OPM’s official page provides primary details, corroborated by GovExec and FedSmith contemporaneous reporting, all aligning with the stated policy incentives to recruit/retain frontline law enforcement for public safety and border enforcement.
Note: final outcomes depend on exact eligibility, caps, and category expansions; consult the OPM 2026 Special Rates page and FAQs for precise current coverage.
Update · Feb 05, 2026, 02:21 PMcomplete
Restating the claim: OPM intended to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, aligning with President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan. Evidence from agency communications confirms the policy was implemented as part of the 2026 pay adjustments, via a base 1% increase plus a 2.8% special-rate component for eligible personnel. By January 2026, the 2.8% special-rate increase was applied to the targeted workforce as part of a 3.8% total package, with extensions to additional personnel where applicable. The rollout appears to have completed per the completion condition, though ongoing updates to which positions qualify may continue.
Reliability and sources: The assessment relies on OPM memos and bulletins about 2026 special rates and the Alternative Pay Plan, supplemented by reporting from GovExec and Fed policy outlets corroborating the timing and structure of the pay increases. These sources are current and centrally document the January 2026 effective date and the 3.8% total increase for covered personnel.
Update · Feb 05, 2026, 12:54 PMcomplete
Claim: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional ~2.8% pay increase for frontline law enforcement, creating a total ~3.8% raise starting January 2026. Progress: December 31, 2025 memo and subsequent coverage confirm a 3.8% total raise beginning with the first full pay period of 2026, via a special pay rate for covered positions, subject to pay caps. Milestones: finalization of the 3.8% raise and publication of the eligible positions list, with reporting in January 2026 that agencies would apply the new rate. Reliability: sources include an official OPM memo and corroborating reporting from Government Executive; these are standard primary/secondary sources for federal pay policy changes. Follow-up is warranted if the pay cap or covered job list changes.
Update · Feb 05, 2026, 11:09 AMcomplete
Claim restatement: The article asserts OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, atop the 1% base pay adjustment, resulting in a total pay bump to support recruitment and retention for public safety.
Evidence of progress: In late 2025, OPM signaled the plan to implement a 2.8% supplemental rate for eligible law enforcement positions as part of an overall 3.8% January 2026 increase. A December 31, 2025 memo from OPM directed agencies to apply a special pay rate for mission-critical law enforcement roles, with the total 3.8% effective in the first full pay period of 2026. Public reporting confirmed the list of covered positions and the timing of the pay change.
Current status and completion: The January 2026 pay cycle explicitly implemented the 3.8% raise for eligible law enforcement personnel, combining the 1% base increase with the 2.8% special-rate bump. Reliable outlets and OPM communications note that the special-rate pay is capped by the federal pay cap and that agencies could extend eligibility to additional positions over time. Coverage and timing are corroborated by GovExec, Meritalk, and FedS reporting.
Dates and milestones: Key dates include the August 2025 President’s Alternative Pay Plan, the December 31, 2025 OPM memo creating the special pay rate, and the first full pay period of January 2026 when the 3.8% increase took effect. The pay cap limit and the initial listing of covered agencies were highlighted in official communications and reputable coverage.
Source reliability note: The claim is supported by primary agency documents (OPM memos) and corroborated by reputable outlets (GovExec, Meritalk, FedSmith, Federal News Network). The reporting aligns with incentives of the administration to recruit and retain law enforcement for border security and public safety missions, within the framework of an Alternative Pay Plan.
Update · Feb 05, 2026, 08:45 AMcomplete
OPM implemented President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan by approving special salary rates to provide an approximate 2.8% supplemental pay for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, resulting in a total pay increase of about 3.8% beginning in the first full pay period of 2026. The key milestone was CPM-2025-25 (Dec 31, 2025) approving the 2.8% rate, with multiple official and reputable outlets confirming the implementation through January 2026. Official guidance and subsequent reporting indicate the policy is in effect for the 2026 cycle.
Scheduled follow-up · Feb 05, 2026
Update · Feb 05, 2026, 04:37 AMcomplete
The claim states that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel. Public documents and reputable coverage show that OPM moved beyond intention to action for 2026: a guidance memo and related materials established a 2026 pay framework that included a 2.8% special-rate boost for eligible law enforcement personnel, atop the base 1% January 2026 pay raise. This produced a total increase of about 3.8% for affected staff (subject to the applicable rate ceilings). By late 2025 and January 2026, official materials and reporting confirm the implementation: the 2026 Special Rates for Certain Additional Law Enforcement Personnel were approved and enacted, and coverage in
GovExec and FedWeek note that the new special-rate tables took effect in January 2026. These sources describe the mechanism as a special rate, distinct from locality pay, designed to aid recruitment and retention for frontline law enforcement. Milestones include: (1) Aug–Sep 2025 guidance under the President’s Alternative Pay Plan, (2) December 2025–January 2026 establishment and publication of 2026 special rate tables, and (3) January 2026 pay changes applying the 2.8% bonus to eligible personnel. The available reporting indicates that affected employees began receiving the combined 3.8% increase in January 2026, effectively completing the promised adjustment for frontline law enforcement under this plan. Source reliability is high here: OPM’s own 2026 special rates memo and multiple independent outlets corroborate the policy’s existence, timing, and the concrete pay outcome. The coverage aligns with the President’s stated pay plan and with standard federal-pay administration practices, reducing incentives for mischaracterization.
Update · Feb 05, 2026, 03:02 AMcomplete
Claim restatement: The article claimed that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of the Trump administration’s pay plan.
Evidence of progress: OPM publicly described the 2026 plan to use special salary rates under 5 U.S.C. 5305 to fund the additional 2.8% for designated law enforcement positions, with an expected tentative effective date of January 11, 2026 and tables to follow after agency consultations (OPM policy page and FAQ). A January 2026 report confirmed the completion of the plan, noting the final implementation would yield a total 3.8% increase for covered law enforcement employees beginning with the first full pay period of 2026.
Current status: As of early February 2026, the law enforcement pay increase was finalized and implemented, with the 2.8% special-rate component integrated into the overall 3.8% raise for eligible personnel (subject to the standard pay cap). This aligns with the Administration’s Alternative Pay Plan and subsequent OPM action.
Milestones and reliability: Key milestones included the August 2025 Alternative Pay Plan, the December 2025–January 2026 publication of the law-enforcement-specific pay-rate FAQs, and the January 8–11, 2026 finalization and invoicing of the special-rate tables. Reputable outlets (Government Executive) and the official OPM page corroborate the implementation and scope (OPM 2026 Special Rates page; GovExec article). The sources are consistent on the categories and caps involved, including the $197,200 annual pay cap.
Reliability note: The official OPM page documents the policy mechanism and intended coverage; Government Executive provides contemporaneous reporting on the finalization and specific job categories. While early coverage emphasized potential category scope, the final administration-losure confirms implementation of the 2.8% special-rate component as part of a 3.8% total increase for affected personnel.
Update · Feb 05, 2026, 01:19 AMcomplete
Restated claim: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of President Trump’s alternative pay plan.
Progress evidence: OPM’s 2026 Special Rates page confirms the plan to use 5 U.S.C. 5305/530, subpart C to establish law enforcement special rates after agency consultation, with initial coverage expected across major agencies. A contemporaneous FAQ indicates the process, coverage discussions, and the rationale tied to recruitment and retention concerns.
Current status: The plan culminated in a January 2026 implementation where eligible law enforcement personnel receive a total 3.8% pay increase (1% base plus ~2.8% special rate), subject to the statutory salary cap. Multiple reputable outlets report that this included a 2.8% supplemental rate implemented via a special pay rate, effective with the first full pay period of 2026.
Key milestones and dates: President Trump’s August/December 2025 guidance directed a 1% base increase with a freeze on locality pay and authorized supplemental means for law enforcement. OPM circulated a December 31, 2025 memo outlining the special rate, and the first full 2026 pay period realized the 3.8% total increase, capped at Executive Schedule level IV (about $197,200).
Source reliability and caveats: The primary claims come from OPM’s official 2026 Special Rates page and a memo, complemented by coverage from Government Executive and FedWeek, which align on the 3.8% total raise and the use of a special rate. While initial listings described potential coverage Start-in-January 2026, the implemented facts are corroborated by multiple reputable outlets and the agency’s own publications.
Follow-up date: 2026-07-01
Update · Feb 04, 2026, 10:58 PMcomplete
The claim states that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, above the standard pay adjustments. This framing ties the raise to the Administration’s Alternative Pay Plan and to progress in recruitment and retention for public safety roles. It implies a concrete, policy-driven increment specific to frontline law enforcement under a special authority.
Public documentation shows that OPM approved a 2026 framework to implement special salary rates for certain law enforcement personnel. On December 31, 2025, CPM-2025-25 announced OPM’s approval of these special rates under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530, subpart C, designed to provide an approximately 2.8 percent additional increase above the January base pay adjustment, yielding a total pay rise around 3.8 percent for eligible personnel. This establishes the policy mechanism behind the promise. (OPM memo; 2025–12–31)
Several sources confirm the execution of the plan into 2026. The OPM guidance and subsequent reporting indicate the additional 2.8 percent applies to covered job series and positions, with the total 3.8 percent effective in the first full pay period of 2026. Coverage has expanded through subsequent updates to include more roles eligible for the special rate. (OPM memo; GovExec; FedSmith, January–February 2026)
The policy is subject to statutory rate caps (e.g., Executive Schedule level IV), which constrain eligible pay levels, and updates have clarified which positions fall under the special rate. These constraints are reflected in official implementations and in reporting on the broader pay raise package for 2026. The available official and reputable industry reporting supports that the core promise—an additional 2.8 percent—was implemented as part of a broader 3.8 percent package for eligible frontline law enforcement personnel. (OPM memo; GovExec; FedSmith)
Reliability notes: sources include the OPM memo and reporting from GovExec and FedSmith, which are standard, policy-focused outlets for federal pay and personnel matters. The timeline aligns with January 2026 pay actions and reflects ongoing updates to eligibility, as indicated in federal communications and coverage. The consensus indicates a completed implementation of the 2.8 percent premium within the overall 3.8 percent package for eligible frontline law enforcement personnel.
In summary, the claim appears to be fulfilled: OPM implemented the special salary rate authority resulting in an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for eligible frontline law enforcement personnel, with the total package around 3.8 percent beginning in January 2026. The completion condition is met under the documented actions and subsequent reporting.
Update · Feb 04, 2026, 08:35 PMcomplete
OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional ~2.8% pay raise for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, on top of the 1% base increase. On Dec 31, 2025, OPM announced the special rates (CPM-2025-25) to deliver a total ≈3.8% starting in January 2026, in alignment with planned military pay raises. By January 2026, OPM had finalized the 3.8% package for eligible positions, with the 2.8% component implemented via a new special pay rate, covering multiple federal agencies. Independent reporting corroborates the finalization and scope of eligible roles, confirming completion of the stated action.
Update · Feb 04, 2026, 07:09 PMcomplete
The claim states that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for frontline law enforcement personnel, on top of the base 1% pay raise, totaling about 3.8%. This aligns with formal actions pursued under the 2026 Alternative Pay Plan and related law enforcement special rates. The key promise was to use 5 U.S.C. 5305 authorities to grant the extra 2.8% via a special rate for eligible personnel (OPM, Dec 31, 2025; GovDelivery/OPM, Sep 2025).
Evidence of progress includes OPM’s December 31, 2025 memorandum announcing approval of the special salary rates to provide the approximately 2.8% increase, resulting in a total 3.8% pay raise for qualifying law enforcement staff (OPM 2025-12-31 memo). In January 2026, reputable outlets reported that OPM finalized the 3.8% raise, with the 2.8% coming as a special rate (GovExec, Jan 8, 2026).
Regarding completion, federal coverage began in January 2026 as part of the 2026 pay adjustment cycle, with the 1% base increase and the 2.8% special-rate increase implemented for eligible personnel (GovExec, 2026-01-08; FedSmith, 2026-01-30). Multiple summaries indicate the policy was enacted, and more job roles were later expanded to receive the special rate (GovExec Feb 2026; FedSmith Jan 2026).
Concrete milestones include the CPM-2025-25 notice on December 31, 2025, the subsequent OPM implementation of the 2.8% special rate, and the January 2026 pay adjustments bringing total pay increases to about 3.8% for eligible frontline law enforcement personnel (OPM memo;
GovExec, Jan 2026). The coverage expanded to additional positions in subsequent months as OPM and press reports noted broader eligibility (GovExec Feb 2026).
Source reliability appears high: OPM official memos and reputable outlets corroborate the 2.8% special rate and 3.8% total raise starting January 2026. The alignment between an official OPM document and multiple follow-on reports supports the claim’s completion status (OPM, GovExec).
Update · Feb 04, 2026, 04:21 PMcomplete
Claim restatement: OPM planned to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan. Evidence of progress: OPM published 2025 guidance describing the use of a special pay rate to deliver the 2.8% supplemental raise, resulting in a total 3.8% increase for eligible law enforcement personnel beginning in January 2026 (base 1% plus 2.8% special rate). Final reporting in January 2026 confirmed the implementation and the affected employees receiving the combined raise, subject to the pay cap. Completion status: The completion condition—OPM implementing the special salary rate and affected law enforcement employees receiving the ~2.8% pay increase—appears satisfied as of early 2026, with ongoing agency coverage determinations as needed. Reliability note: The information rests on official OPM guidance and downstream reporting from Government Executive, which corroborates the policy outcome and timing.
Update · Feb 04, 2026, 02:21 PMcomplete
The claim states that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel. Public sources show that OPM implemented this plan under President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan, delivering a total of about 3.8% (1% base + 2.8% supplemental) for covered officers starting with the first full pay period of January 2026. Evidence of progress includes the December 31, 2025 OPM memo and subsequent reports confirming the January 2026 rollout and the list of positions affected. The completion condition—OPM implementing the special pay rate and affected employees receiving the ~2.8% pay increase—has been met, with implementation and coverage documented by official memos and corroborating coverage from Government Executive and FEDweek. Reliability notes: OPM memos provide primary official detail; and cross-confirmation from GovExec and FEDweek supports the timing and scope of the rollout.
Update · Feb 04, 2026, 12:42 PMcomplete
Claim restated: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan.
Evidence of progress: OPM issued 2026 guidance confirming use of 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530 subpart C to raise pay for eligible law enforcement personnel via special rates, with an anticipated effective date of January 11, 2026, and ongoing agency consultations.
Status of completion: The policy move was implemented as part of a 3.8% total pay increase for covered law enforcement personnel in January 2026 (1% base plus ~2.8% via special-rate mechanism), subject to statutory caps. Major outlets and OPM documentation corroborate the timeline and structure.
Milestones and dates: Pay tables and eligible categories were to be established by end of 2025 with an effective date of January 11, 2026; subsequent expansions to include additional law enforcement positions were reported in January 2026.
Reliability and incentives: Primary sourcing from OPM’s official materials provides authoritative detail; corroborating reporting from GovExec and FedSmith confirms implementation and scale. The policy aligns incentives for recruitment and retention of frontline law enforcement tied to border security and public safety goals.
Follow-up: A targeted check on or after 2026-03-01 could confirm any further category expansions or adjustments to the special-rate tables.
Update · Feb 04, 2026, 08:50 AMcomplete
Claim restatement: The article asserted that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of President Trump’s alternative pay plan. Evidence from OPM confirms the plan to implement a 2.8% supplemental pay via special rates, to accompany a 1% base increase and a freeze on locality pay in 2026 (OPM FAQ and policy page, 2025–2026).
Progress evidence: OPM published formal guidance and FAQs outlining the law enforcement special rates, with initial consultations identified across DHS, DOJ, and DOI to determine eligible categories (OPM 2026 Special Rates page; GovDelivery FAQ, Sep 2025). A subsequent government-wide update clarifies that the target is a total 3.8% raise for covered law enforcement employees starting with the first full pay period of January 2026, comprising the 1% base increase plus the 2.8% special rate (GovExec reporting of the Jan 2026 action; OPM FAQ). The administrative steps—issuance of a Dec. 31, 2025 memo detailing the special rate structure and the anticipated January 2026 effective date—are documented in official OPM materials and press coverage (OPM memo; GovExec summary).
Progress completion and current status: The completion condition is met: affected law enforcement employees began receiving the combined 3.8% increase in January 2026, with the 2.8% supplemental component delivered via the new special rate, as described by OPM and corroborated by independent outlets (OPM 2026 special rates FAQs; GovExec January 2026 article; FedSmith coverage). The pay cap remains in effect, noting that some rates are subject to the Executive Schedule maximum (OPM FAQ; GovExec article). Reliability notes: The primary sources are OPM’s official pages and government deliveries, supplemented by industry reporting (GovExec, FedSmith). Where applicable, dates and figures align with the President’s August 2025 Alternative Pay Plan and subsequent OPM guidance (OPM pages; GovDelivery FAQ).
Update · Feb 04, 2026, 04:45 AMcomplete
The claim states that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel. Public records show that in late 2025, OPM announced a 2026 plan to implement a law enforcement special rate that would deliver an extra 2.8% on top of the 1% base January 2026 adjustment, for a total around 3.8% for covered positions. By January 2026, OPM had finalized and communicated the new special pay rates, with the 3.8% total raise effective for the first full pay period of 2026 (subject to the pay cap). (OPM memos and
GovExec coverage, 2025–2026).
Update · Feb 04, 2026, 03:33 AMcomplete
The claim states that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel. Public records show that on December 31, 2025, OPM announced through CPM-2025-25 the approval of special salary rates under 5 U.S.C. 5305 to provide an approximately 2.8% increase above the January base pay adjustment for eligible law enforcement staff, bringing the total to about 3.8% (subject to the statutory cap). This indicates a formal mechanism and timeline for the increase in the 2026 pay cycle. Subsequent reporting in January 2026 confirms the implementation of the 3.8% total raise for qualifying law enforcement personnel, with the 2.8% provided as a special rate separate from the base 1% pay rise.
Update · Feb 04, 2026, 01:47 AMcomplete
The claim that OPM would use special salary rate authority to provide an additional pay increase of about 2.8% for certain frontline law enforcement personnel has progressed. OPM approved 2026 special rates under 5 U.S.C. 5305, indicating an approximately 2.8% increase above the January base adjustment, for a total near 3.8% for eligible positions (OPM CPM-2025-25; 2026 special rates memo). Multiple outlets and official memos confirm the implementation occurred with January 2026 pay adjustments, aligning with the stated plan to recruit and retain law enforcement staff.
Update · Feb 03, 2026, 11:45 PMcomplete
Claim restated: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, in support of recruitment, retention, and public safety.
Evidence of progress: In late 2025, OPM signaled use of the alternative pay plan and special rate authority to deliver the targeted 2.8% increase for eligible frontline law enforcement, with official guidance issued and communications referenced by OPM and federal outlets. By January 2026, multiple reports and OPM/agency briefings described the implementation of a 3.8% total increase for covered personnel (1% across-the-board plus ~2.8% via special rate), subject to the usual statutory caps for special-rate levels.
Completion status: The policy appears to have been implemented in January 2026, delivering the combined 3.8% pay raise to qualifying law enforcement employees. Coverage notes indicate specific job categories and participating agencies, with the 2.8% component provided under the special-rate authority and the 1% across-the-board increase applying as directed.
Source reliability: Primary sources include OPM’s own 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel page and official agency communications, complemented by reporting from GovExec and FedWeek that summarized the implementation and the 3.8% total raise. These sources are consistent and align with standard federal pay processes and public-release timelines.
Bottom line: The claim’s proposed mechanism and the intended 2.8% addition have progressed to implementation, resulting in a 3.8% total pay increase for eligible frontline law enforcement personnel in January 2026. This aligns with the administration’s stated pay strategy and OPM guidance.
Update · Feb 03, 2026, 08:23 PMcomplete
Claim restated: The article asserts that OPM would use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, in line with President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan. The policy rationale framed this as aiding recruitment and retention to support public safety.
Evidence of progress: OPM publicly documented plans to implement a law enforcement-specific pay uplift via special rates under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and related authorities. The agency’s 2026 Special Rates page describes the targeted use of special rates to address recruitment/retention needs for frontline law enforcement categories and lists expected participating agencies and job families. A December 31, 2025 memorandum and subsequent FAQs outline the mechanism and coverage.
Evidence of completion: In January 2026, independent outlets reporting on OPM and White House plans state that OPM finalized a 3.8% total pay raise for covered law enforcement personnel, consisting of a 1% base increase plus the 2.8% special-rate supplement. GovExec notes the implementation would apply beginning with the first full pay period of 2026 and that the special-rate component is subject to the annual salary cap.
Milestones and dates: President’s August 2025 Alternative Pay Plan set the stage with an overall 1% base raise and a 2.8% supplemental pay notching; OPM issued a Dec. 31, 2025 memo establishing a special pay rate for law enforcement jobs; a January 2026 memo/publication confirmed the 3.8% total raise beginning in January 2026 (subject to cap). The coverage list includes major federal law enforcement offices (e.g., DHS, DOJ, DHS components, and others) with potential for expansion.
Source reliability and incentives: The core claims originate from OPM’s official pay policy pages and from contemporaneous reporting by Government Executive, which is a reputable outlet for federal pay/benefits news. Together, these sources provide a coherent account of the policy mechanism, target groups, and actual implementation timing. The coverage aligns with the stated incentives: improving recruitment/retention for mission-critical frontline law enforcement.
Update · Feb 03, 2026, 07:03 PMcomplete
Restated claim: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan.
Progress and evidence: OPM published guidance and FAQs indicating it would implement a 2.8% supplemental pay rate for targeted law enforcement categories, with the intention that the total effect would resemble a 3.8% pay uplift when combined with the base GS/ locality changes. In late 2025 and into January 2026, OPM officials and cross‑agency communications outlined the plan and coverage, and media reporting confirmed adherence to a 3.8% total increase beginning in the first full pay period of 2026 (subject to the pay cap). The change relies on 5 U.S.C. 5305 and related authorities to establish the special rate.
Status and completion: By early January 2026, outlets reported that OPM finalized the law enforcement pay raise, with eligible personnel receiving a 3.8% total increase starting in 2026, comprising a 1% base pay increase plus the 2.8% special-rate supplement. The pay tables and eligible categories were to be determined through agency consultations, but the overall completion condition—implementing the special salary rate and delivering the 2.8% supplement within the 2026 pay cycle—appears met in practice. The pay cap (approximately $197,200 in 2026) remained a restrictor for some positions.
Milestones and dates: Key milestones included (1) the Aug 2025 Alternative Pay Plan, (2) OPM guidance to establish a 2.8% special rate for law enforcement, and (3) the January 2026 implementation of a 3.8% total raise for covered personnel. Official OPM materials and accompanying memos set the January 2026 effective date for the special rates, with agency consultations to finalize coverage. Public reporting in January 2026 corroborated the plan’s implementation and status.
Source reliability and balance: Primary official sources are OPM’s 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel page and FAQs, which provide authority, coverage, and timing. Independent reporting from Government Executive corroborates the implementation timeline and the 3.8% total raise, with other outlets outlining policy details. Taken together, sources present a consistent, document-backed account of the policy’s status as of early 2026.
Update · Feb 03, 2026, 04:19 PMcomplete
Restated claim: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for frontline law enforcement personnel, on top of the base pay raise, to support recruitment and retention.
Evidence of progress: In late 2025, OPM indicated it would implement a 2.8% special-rate uplift for covered law enforcement positions, with a tentative January 2026 effective date for the combined 3.8% increase (1% base plus the 2.8% special rate). The OPM FAQ explicitly describes the mechanism and eligible categories, and the agency guidance anticipated finalization and release of the special-rate tables for January 2026.
Progress toward completion: By January 2026, several outlets and official channels reported that the plan had moved to finalization and implementation, culminating in a 3.8% total raise for eligible law enforcement personnel starting with the first full pay period of 2026. GovExec summarized Kupor’s December 31 memo creating the law-enforcement special rates; FedWeek listed the covered categories and the January 11, 2026 pay period start; a Government-wide FAQ clarified the authority and scope.
Dates and milestones: August 2025 – President’s Alternative Pay Plan announcement; December 31, 2025 – OPM memo establishing the special law enforcement pay rate; January 2026 – 3.8% total raise begins (1% general increase + 2.8% special rate) for eligible personnel, subject to the $197,200 pay cap. Coverage includes federal law enforcement jobs across agencies such as DHS, DOJ, and DOI, with potential for expansion to additional roles.
Reliability of sources: The core claim is supported by primary source material from OPM (2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel page and FAQ) and corroborated by reputable outlets (GovExec, FedWeek) reporting the memo and implementation timeline. These sources provide consistent details on the mechanism, scope, and effective dates, and they align with standard pay authorities and the President’s plan.
Update · Feb 03, 2026, 02:24 PMcomplete
Claim recap: OPM intended to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional ~2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, on top of the 1% base, for a total ~3.8% raise prior to any statutory cap. Evidence shows the plan moved from proposal to implementation, culminating in a 3.8% total increase for covered positions beginning with the first full pay period of 2026. Documentation identifies the agencies and job series included and notes the pay cap at $197,200 for certain rates.
Update · Feb 03, 2026, 12:31 PMcomplete
The claim stated that OPM would use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel. This aligns with the President’s plan to bolster recruitment and retention for critical law enforcement roles.
Evidence of progress includes OPM’s 2025–2026 policy guidance and FAQs, which describe the mechanism (special salary rates under 5 U.S.C. 5305) and the initial categories to be covered, with an anticipated effective date of January 11, 2026. The agency also indicated that rate tables would be released after consultations with agencies.
Subsequent reporting confirms that OPM moved from guidance to implementation, finalizing the law enforcement pay raise as part of the 2026 package and coordinating with agencies to set the applicable special rates. GovExec and related federal-pay outlets reported the 3.8 percent total raise for qualifying personnel (1 percent base + 2.8 percent special rate) in early January 2026, consistent with the alternative pay plan.
Reliability notes: the core facts rest on OPM’s own 2026 Special Rates guidance page and on coverage from reputable outlets (GovExec, Federal pay-focused outlets). The information reflects official agency actions and cross-checks with the administration’s stated pay plan, maintaining neutrality about eligibility, timing, and rate structure.
Update · Feb 03, 2026, 10:56 AMcomplete
The claim stated that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel. This was anchored in the President’s Alternative Pay Plan and OPM guidance directing use of special rates to support recruitment and retention of mission-critical law enforcement staff (OPM FAQ on 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel). A related OPM posting noted that the plan would be developed in consultation with agencies and that the initial scope would cover several federal law enforcement categories (OPM 2026 FAQ page).
Progress evidence exists in official guidance and agency communications. OPM indicated that special rates would be set under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530, with a tentative effective date around January 11, 2026, aligning with the General Schedule base pay increase schedule (OPM FAQ). The aim was to identify eligible categories in coordination with DHS, DOJ, and DOI, among others, to address recruitment and retention under the President’s priorities (OPM FAQ).
The completion milestone appears to have been achieved in early January 2026. Government Executive reported that OPM finalized a 3.8 percent total raise for federal law enforcement, with the additional 2.8 percent delivered via a special pay rate and subject to the 2026 pay cap, effective with the first full pay period of 2026 (GovExec, 2026-01-08). The plan mirrors the stated structure: a 1 percent base increase for most feds plus an extra approximately 2.8 percent for covered law enforcement personnel (OPM FAQ; GovExec overview).
Reliability notes and scope considerations are important. The initial categories and exact lists of covered positions were to be identified in consultation with agencies and may adjust within statutory pay caps (OPM FAQ). The applicable cap in 2026 was set at level IV of the Executive Schedule ($197,200), which could moderate increases for higher-earning positions (GovExec, 2026-01-08). Overall, multiple high-quality sources corroborate that the 2.8 percent supplemental pay rate was authorized and implemented as part of a 3.8 percent total pay increase for eligible frontline law enforcement personnel (OPM FAQ; GovExec).
Update · Feb 03, 2026, 10:08 AMcomplete
The claim states OPM would use special salary rate authority to provide an additional ~2.8% pay increase for frontline law enforcement, on top of a 1% base increase, totaling ~3.8% starting January 2026. OPM’s 2026 Special Rates page and related FAQ materials describe the plan and expected effective date, with initial consultations and a tentative January 11, 2026 date for the special rates. Public reporting, including Government Executive coverage, confirms that OPM finalized the policy and enacted the 3.8% total increase for covered personnel in January 2026, subject to the pay cap. The available sources indicate progress and completion of the implementation plan, though the precise final category coverage and caps are governed by ongoing agency determinations and statutory limits.
Update · Feb 02, 2026, 10:29 PMcomplete
Claim restatement: The article states that OPM will use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, aligned with the President’s Alternative Pay Plan to support recruitment and retention.
Progress evidence: OPM published 2026 guidance and rates confirming the use of special salary rate authority to grant an additional 2.8% pay increase for eligible law enforcement personnel. In early January 2026, reports indicate that the overall 2026 pay raise for covered federal law enforcement staff was finalized at 3.8%, with coverage for positions under the special pay rate authorities.
Current status: The pay increase has been implemented for 2026, with official OPM documentation and reputable outlets noting that eligible personnel received the targeted increases consistent with the plan. The combined 3.8% raise appears to satisfy the stated goal of matching military pay increases, including the intended 2.8% supplemental component.
Milestones and reliability: Key milestones include OPM’s 2026 special rates page announcing the 2.8% supplemental increase and subsequent reporting by GovExec confirming the 3.8% total raise beginning with the first full pay period of 2026. These sources are government or high-quality trade/press outlets, supporting reliability. While some outlets frame the breakdown, the official channels indicate the completion of the stated policy mechanism and payment adjustments.
Notes on incentives: The policy aligns federal compensation with military pay boosts, reinforcing recruitment/retention incentives for frontline law enforcement. The release and subsequent coverage demonstrate a coordinated incentive shift rather than a partial or stalled initiative.
Update · Feb 02, 2026, 08:21 PMcomplete
The claim states that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel. Public sources confirm this plan was implemented as part of a 3.8% total raise for eligible law enforcement staff in January 2026, with the 2.8% via a special pay rate authority layered on top of a 1% base increase. The key actions occurred in late December 2025 (alternative pay plan) and a December 31, 2025, memo from OPM; implementation took effect in January 2026. High-quality coverage from OPM directly and policy outlets corroborates the 3.8% total raise and the use of the special rate authority to support recruitment and retention of mission-critical law enforcement positions.
Update · Feb 02, 2026, 06:52 PMcomplete
Restated claim: OPM intended to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan.
Evidence progress: In late 2025, OPM announced creation of a special pay rate to deliver the 2.8% supplemental increase for mission-critical law enforcement roles, tied to recruitment and retention goals (Dec. 31 memo).
Evidence of implementation: By January 2026, agencies began applying a total 3.8% raise for eligible law enforcement employees, with the 2.8% special rate constituting the supplemental portion of that total (reporting on the memo and implementation).
Milestones/dates: Dec. 31, 2025 memo announcing the special rate; Jan. 2026 start of the 3.8% pay raise for affected positions; caps and covered job series detailed in subsequent reporting.
Source reliability: The primary official source is the OPM press release; corroborating coverage from Government Executive confirms the 3.8% total raise and the role of the 2.8% special rate in implementation.
Follow-up will be to verify continued adherence to the 3.8% total raise in subsequent pay periods and any changes to the covered job categories or cap adjustments.
Update · Feb 02, 2026, 04:22 PMcomplete
Restated claim: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan. The agency’s published materials confirm use of 5 U.S.C. 5305/530 subpart C special rates to deliver the increase, following agency consultations (OPM 2026 Special Rates page).
Progress and evidence: OPM issued a 2026 framework detailing the plan, and FAQs indicate the 2.8% increase would be delivered via special rate tables with an effective date around January 2026. Coverage was described for multiple frontline law enforcement categories across agencies such as CBP, ICE, Secret Service, FBI, and others (including U.S. Park Police).
Current status: By January–February 2026, reporting from reputable outlets and official posts indicates finalization and deployment of the special-rate mechanism for eligible personnel, aligned with the 3.8% total pay package. Subsequent coverage from GovExec and FedSmith confirms the 2.8% component being implemented through special rate tables, with the base 1% adjustment referenced in the broader plan.
Reliability and context: The conclusions rely on OPM’s own 2026 Special Rates page and FAQs, complemented by coverage from GovExec and FedSmith that track the implementation timeline and affected positions. The information reflects official intent and subsequent implementation consistent with the stated incentives for recruitment, retention, and public safety.
Update · Feb 02, 2026, 02:22 PMin_progress
Claim restated: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, tied to President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan. The source ties this to an official policy direction on OPM’s site.
Evidence of progress: The primary corroboration comes from an OPM.gov page describing the policy intention, but it does not show concrete implementation steps, agency names, or dates for execution. There is no independent follow-up confirming actual disbursement or a dated rollout.
Status and completion: No publicly verifiable update confirms completion. Without a documented effective date, affected population, or payment notices, the claim remains unverified as completed.
Reliability and context: The material originates from an official government site, lending credibility to the stated intention, but the lack of implementation milestones or payout evidence means the status remains uncertain. If incentives (recruitment/retention) are driving this, the absence of granular milestones limits assessment of near-term impact.
Update · Feb 02, 2026, 12:45 PMcomplete
Claim restated: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan.
Progress evidence: In late 2025, President Trump issued an Alternative Pay Plan directing a 1% base increase and a separate 2.8% supplemental raise for mission-critical law enforcement personnel. OPM subsequently issued a December 31 memo establishing a special pay rate that enabled a total 3.8% raise beginning with the first full pay period of 2026.
Status of completion: By January 2026, agencies began implementing the new rates, with the 3.8% total raise applying to covered positions (e.g., FBI agents, U.S. Marshals, CBP personnel, and other designated law enforcement roles across multiple departments).
Milestones and dates: August 2025 – President’s Alternative Pay Plan announced; December 31, 2025 – OPM memo creating a law-enforcement special pay rate; January 2026 – first full pay period reflecting the 3.8% total increase.
Reliability and incentives: The account relies on official OPM communications and corroborating reporting from Government Executive; these sources align with the administration’s stated pay-raise policy and administrative execution, indicating a coherent and credible implementation.
Follow-up note: Future checks could verify ongoing retention and recruitment outcomes tied to the 3.8% total raise and any scope adjustments to affected job categories.
Update · Feb 02, 2026, 11:02 AMin_progress
Claim restatement: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan. Evidence so far shows official guidance and rate-planning steps are underway, with agencies consulted to determine eligibility and the final list of covered positions. OPM has issued a Frequently Asked Questions document outlining the mechanism and anticipated January 11, 2026 effective date for the base 1% increase plus the 2.8% special-rate uplift, subject to rate-table finalization and statutory caps. Progress appears incremental and contingent on agency coordination and rate-table publication; a definitive final list of eligible employees and precise increases await completion of consultations and rate-table issuance.
Update · Feb 02, 2026, 08:37 AMcomplete
Claim restatement: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, to aid recruitment and retention.
Evidence of progress: In late 2025, OPM announced a 2026 framework under President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan and published a dedicated 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel page with a FAQ confirming the plan to apply about a 2.8% increase via special salary rates (5 U.S.C. 5305; 5 CFR 530, subpart C). The FAQ and related materials specify an effective date tentatively around January 11, 2026 and outline eligible categories in consultation with agencies (e.g., CBP, ICE, Secret Service, FBI, DHS components).
Completion status: The policy appears implemented in 2026 guidance and pay-rate tables, with 2.8%追加 pay for covered personnel described as a special rate alongside the 1% base GS increase and locality-pay decisions. Multiple reputable outlets and the OPM site corroborate the mechanism and scope, indicating the promise has moved past planning into execution.
Dates and milestones: August 28, 2025–January 11, 2026 timeline for base adjustments and the anticipated release of special rate tables; January 2026 as the period when the General Schedule base increase took effect and the special rates were to be applied to eligible law enforcement personnel. The OPM FAQ explicitly outlines the intended coverage and maximums (subject to 5 U.S.C. 5305 salary caps).
Source reliability: Primary source is the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) 2026 Special Rates page and FAQs, supported by contemporaneous reporting from GovExec noting the 3.8% total concept (2.8% special rate + 1% base) and by policy aggregators summarizing the plan. These sources are government-facing and focus on pay policy and implementation, reducing risk of misrepresentation. The material aligns with the incentive structure emphasized by the administration to recruit/retain frontline law enforcement.
Follow-up note: For ongoing accuracy, monitor OPM’s 2026 special rates tables and any agency notices on covered categories and caps as the year progresses.
Update · Feb 02, 2026, 04:05 AMcomplete
Summary of the claim and current status: The claim stated that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, on top of a base 1% raise. Progress and evidence: OPM issued a December 31, 2025 memo confirming a 3.8% total 2026 raise for covered law enforcement personnel, comprising 1% base plus ~2.8% via special rates, with an anticipated January 2026 effective date. OPM then released 2026 special rate tables and FAQs detailing eligible categories, the cap at
Executive Schedule level IV ($197,200), and the implementation process. Milestones and current status: The special-rate tables became effective for the first full pay period of 2026, and multiple outlets reported the finalization and rollout of the 3.8% increase for law enforcement personnel. Reliability note: Primary sources are OPM’s official pages and FAQs; contemporaneous trade press (GovExec, FedSmith) corroborate the implementation details and scope.
Update · Feb 02, 2026, 01:59 AMcomplete
The claim stated that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an approximate 2.8 percent additional pay for certain frontline law enforcement personnel. Public records show that OPM formalized 2026 special rates for law enforcement, with the plan to increase pay by about 2.8 percent through special salary rates atop the standard 1 percent January 2026 base increase. Official OPM materials describe the approach as using 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530, subpart C, to set targeted rates after agency consultation, with a tentative January 11, 2026, effective date for the combined increase.
Update · Feb 02, 2026, 12:13 AMcomplete
Claim restated: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, alongside a base pay plan, to aid recruitment and retention. The core promise traces to President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan and subsequent OPM guidance about leveraging 5 U.S.C. 5305/5304a authorities for a targeted supplement to law enforcement pay. Evidence indicates a clear plan and directions from the White House and OPM to implement the extra raise via a special rate mechanism (not just a general across-the-board increase).
Progress and milestones: In August 2025, President Trump issued an Alternative Pay Plan directing a 1% base increase and instructing OPM to consider additional pay authorities for law enforcement. On December 31, 2025, OPM Director Kupor announced a memo authorizing a new special pay rate to deliver a total 3.8% raise for covered law enforcement, with the 2.8% supplemental component specifically tied to the special rate. Government sources describe the plan as adopting a “special salary rate” under 5 U.S.C. 5305 to support mission-critical law enforcement recruitment and retention (with a tentative January 2026 effective date). By early January 2026, reporting confirmed that the 3.8% total raise would begin with the first full pay period of 2026 and that the 2.8% supplement is delivered via the special rate to eligible positions.
Current status: The 2.8% supplement was implemented as part of the law enforcement pay raise for eligible positions, effective with the 2026 pay period, and detailed lists of covered agencies/roles were published by OPM and summarized by outlets documenting the implementation. This satisfies the completion condition that OPM implement the special salary rate authority and affected law enforcement employees receive the additional approximately 2.8% pay increase. See OPM 2026 Special Rates page and the January 2026 reporting on finalization of the 3.8% raise for federal law enforcement (2.8% via special rate) for details and scope.
Dates and milestones: August 28, 2025 – President issues Alternative Pay Plan; December 31, 2025 – OPM memo establishing the 2.8% supplemental special rate; January 8, 2026 – media/official reporting confirms the 3.8% total raise with the 2.8% special-rate component, effective in January 2026. Source materials include OPM’s official 2026 Special Rates page and contemporaneous reporting from GovExec detailing the finalization of the plan.
Update · Feb 01, 2026, 10:03 PMcomplete
Claim restated: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, aligned with President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan. Evidence shows the plan was issued in August 2025, with OPM guidance and FAQs published through late 2025 detailing the mechanism and eligible categories, and subsequent finalization in early 2026 to apply a total 3.8% raise for covered personnel.
Update · Feb 01, 2026, 08:02 PMcomplete
Restated claim: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, on top of a 1 percent base pay adjustment, as part of the Trump administration’s Alternative Pay Plan.
Progress and evidence: In August 2025, President Trump issued an Alternative Pay Plan directing a 1 percent base increase and instructing OPM to use other authorities to support a roughly 2.8 percent supplemental raise for designated law enforcement positions. By December 31, 2025, OPM published guidance confirming the 2.8 percent special-rate mechanism and the intended path to a 3.8 percent total raise for covered personnel. In January 2026, OPM finalized the implementation, with a total 3.8 percent increase for eligible law enforcement staff beginning with the first full pay period of 2026, subject to the statutory cap on special rates.
Status and milestones: The sequence of announcements and the January 2026 pay period implementation indicate completion of the promised pay increase for eligible law enforcement personnel. Coverage determinations were to be refined through agency consultations, as is common with these authorities, but the central mechanism is enacted.
Dates and concrete milestones: August 28, 2025 – Alternative Pay Plan announced; December 31, 2025 – OPM FAQ memo confirming the 2.8% special-rate add-on and 3.8% total; January 2026 – implementation for eligible personnel begins.
Reliability and caveats: The assessment relies on official OPM postings and established reporting from Government Executive. While some categories may be refined through agency consultations, the core result—3.8% total pay increase for covered law enforcement in January 2026—has been implemented.
Update · Feb 01, 2026, 06:28 PMcomplete
Claim restated: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan.
Evidence shows that in late 2025, OPM approved 2026 special rates for certain law enforcement personnel, creating an approximately 2.8% increase above the January base pay adjustment, with a total around 3.8% when combined with the base adjustment (1%). This structure was implemented in January 2026, with public confirmations that the 3.8% package was finalized and applied to eligible personnel.
Key milestones include CPM-2025-25 (Dec 31, 2025) and January 2026 pay-rate updates; official guidance and reporting indicate implementation occurred as planned. Primary documents from OPM govern pay policy, and corroboration from GovExec, FedWeek, and FedSmith supports the implementation details.
Reliability notes: OPM memos are the authoritative source for pay policy; coverage from established government- and trade-focused outlets provides corroboration. No credible adverse reports identified as of February 2026.
Update · Feb 01, 2026, 04:03 PMcomplete
The claim states that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel. Publicly available official documents confirm that OPM approved and implemented a 2.8% additional pay increase (above the base January adjustment) for eligible personnel, resulting in about a 3.8% total increase for those positions starting January 2026. Evidence includes CHCO memos and pay-adjustment guidance from OPM describing the authority under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and related regulations, and detailing who is eligible. Primary sources indicate the completion condition—affected employees receiving the ~2.8% pay boost—has been met, with the January 2026 adjustments effectively in place.
Update · Feb 01, 2026, 02:06 PMcomplete
The claim stated that OPM would use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for frontline law enforcement personnel.
Update · Feb 01, 2026, 12:21 PMcomplete
The claim states that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan. Public records show that OPM enacted a mechanism to deliver a 2.8 percent uplift via a special pay rate, contributing to a total of 3.8 percent for many covered positions.
OPM described using its special salary rate authority (5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530, subpart C) to address recruitment and retention needs for mission-critical law enforcement roles, with agency consultations to determine eligible categories as part of the 2026 rollout. This framework is documented in the 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel page and accompanying FAQs.
By January 2026, reporting indicated the plan was finalized and the 3.8 percent total increase would take effect with the first full pay period of 2026, subject to applicable pay caps. Coverage was to be implemented for a defined list of law enforcement positions and could expand as agencies request additions.
Milestones noted include the December 31, 2025 OPM memo authorizing the special pay rate and the anticipated January 2026 effective date for the increased pay tables, with subsequent agency implementation across covered roles.
Reliability assessment: primary government sources (OPM pages and FAQs) provide the official basis for the policy, while contemporaneous reporting from Government Executive corroborates the timing and scope of the rollout. As implementation can vary by agency, some details may lag or expand over time.
Update · Feb 01, 2026, 10:57 AMcomplete
The claim states that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel. Official OPM materials show the plan to implement a total 3.8% raise for qualifying staff in 2026, with 2.8% delivered via a special pay rate and the remainder through base pay adjustments. The 3.8% total was slated to take effect in the first full pay period of 2026 and is subject to the federal pay cap (Executive Schedule level IV).
Key milestones include the August 2025 Alternative Pay Plan directing a 1% base increase and the use of other authorities to deliver the 2.8% supplemental raise, with FAQs and guidance issued by OPM in September 2025. By early 2026, OPM and agency briefs indicated implementation of the special rate structure and identified eligible law enforcement categories.
OPM’s 2026 Special Rates page confirms the mechanism (special salary rates under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530) and that agencies would consult with DHS, DOJ, and DOI to identify eligible categories. The September 2025 OPM FAQ memo reiterates the plan to address recruitment and retention for mission-critical law enforcement roles.
Overall, the status as of February 2026 indicates that the special pay rate approach was implemented to deliver the 2.8% supplemental component, achieving a 3.8% total raise for eligible personnel beginning with the first full 2026 pay period. Reputable sources and official postings corroborate the timeline and mechanism, supporting a conclusion of completion.
Reliability notes: The core claims align with OPM’s official postings and coverage from GovDelivery, GovExec, and pay-benefits outlets, which document the implementation and eligible categories (with ongoing agency consultations).
Follow-up considerations: Monitor any updates to covered categories, pay caps, or regional tables as agencies finalize their specific rate tables for 2026.
Update · Feb 01, 2026, 08:55 AMcomplete
Claim restatement: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan. Progress evidence: OPM’s 2026 Special Rates page and a Dec. 31, 2025 memo from OPM Director Scott Kupor outline implementing a supplemental 2.8% rate, with a combined 3.8% total raise for eligible law enforcement employees and an anticipated January 11, 2026 effective date. Independent reporting confirmed the final plan and its January 2026 rollout for covered positions. Completion status: The policy was finalized and the targeted 3.8% total raise was set to begin with the first full pay period of 2026 for affected personnel. Reliability: Sources include official OPM communications and corroborating coverage from Government Executive, both consistent on scope and timing. Follow-up note: Monitor any agency-specific implementations or adjustments beyond the initial roll-out date.
Scheduled follow-up · Feb 01, 2026
Update · Feb 01, 2026, 04:00 AMcomplete
Restated claim: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay boost for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, atop the 1% base pay increase, for a total around 3.8% in January 2026. Eligibility and scope were outlined as part of the 2026 Alternative Pay Plan and related guidance.
Evidence of progress: In September 2025, OPM communicated that the 2026 plan would include a 1% base increase with no locality adjustment, and that an additional ~2.8% would be provided under special pay authorities for specified law enforcement roles (FAQs and CHCO guidance). A December 31, 2025 memo from OPM's leadership formalized the creation of a special pay rate for covered law enforcement positions. An early January 2026 reporting cycle confirms the finalization and deployment of this plan.
Status of completion: Agencies began applying the plan for the first full pay period of 2026, with a total raise of 3.8% for covered personnel (1% base + 2.8% special rate). The pay cap remained in effect (e.g., $197,200/year for most special rates).
Milestones and dates: August 28, 2025 (Alternative Pay Plan announced). September 2025 (FAQs released detailing law enforcement rate). December 31, 2025 (OPM memo creating the special pay rate). January 2026 (3.8% total raise for applicable law enforcement positions; first full pay period of 2026).
Source reliability note: Primary sources include OPM memos and FAQ postings, corroborated by policy-focused coverage noting the 3.8% total raise and the eligibility list. These sources align with the administration's stated incentives to recruit and retain mission-critical law enforcement personnel and reflect standard federal pay practices and caps.
Update · Feb 01, 2026, 02:11 AMcomplete
What the claim states: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, intended to aid recruitment and retention and support public safety. Evidence of progress: OPM publicly described the use of special salary rates under the President’s Alternative Pay Plan, with initial consultations and plans to publish special-rate tables. By late 2025 and into January 2026, OPM issued guidance and FAQs confirming the implementation approach and an anticipated January 11, 2026 effective date for the base pay increase, with the 2.8% supplement tied to the 3.8% planned military pay increase. Reliability note: sources are official OPM pages and contemporaneous government-focused reporting confirming the policy path and milestones.
Update · Feb 01, 2026, 12:08 AMcomplete
The claim stated that OPM would use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel. Public documentation shows this mechanism was implemented as part of the 2026 pay adjustments, aligning with the administration’s Alternative Pay Plan.
OPM’s January 2026 pay adjustments memo and related guidance describe establishing a dedicated special pay rate to support recruitment and retention for mission-critical LE positions, with a tentative January 11, 2026 effective date for the base increase and a combined 3.8% package for covered
LE employees.
Independent reporting corroborates that the LE supplement was finalized and applied beginning with the first full pay period of 2026, resulting in a total 3.8% increase for eligible personnel (subject to pay caps). The available coverage emphasizes the incentive to recruit/retain frontline federal law enforcement.
Reliability notes: sources include official OPM communications and corroborating coverage from Government Executive, both aligning on the implementation timeline and the incentive rationale for the LE special pay rates.
Update · Jan 31, 2026, 10:02 PMcomplete
What the claim stated: The article claimed that OPM would use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel. What progress existed: In late 2025, OPM announced and began implementing plans under President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan to target law enforcement pay using a special rate authority, with the aim of a combined 3.8% increase effective January 2026. The agency’s 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel page and accompanying FAQs detailed the mechanism, scope, and coverage of the special rates, in coordination with affected agencies (initial categories including CBP, ICE, FBI, BOP, USMS, Secret Service, and others). How the completion status stands: By January 2026, multiple reporting outlets confirmed that OPM finalized the 3.8% increase for eligible law enforcement personnel, with the 2.8% special-rate component implemented atop the 1% base raise, effective with the first full pay period of 2026. Concrete milestones include the December 31, 2025 memo outlining the 2.8% special pay rate and the January 2026 formalization and rollout of the 3.8% total raise. Reliability of sources: The information comes from OPM’s official 2026 special rates page and FAQs, corroborated by reputable coverage from Government Executive (Jan 8, 2026) and aligned reporting from Fed-focused outlets confirming the implementation. Inference and incentives: The incentives cited by OPM emphasize recruiting and retention for mission-critical law enforcement positions to support border security and public safety; the package is bounded by the 197,200 annual pay cap for special rates. Follow-up note: If needed, monitor OPM’s payTables and agency notices for any adjustments or covered-category expansions beyond the initial rollout.
Update · Jan 31, 2026, 07:59 PMcomplete
The claim refers to OPM using special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for frontline law enforcement personnel as part of the Alternative Pay Plan. Public OPM releases confirm the plan and the targeted increase for January 2026, intended to aid recruitment/retention and public safety commitments. These sources indicate the completion condition—OPM implementing the authority and affected employees receiving the ~2.8% increase—has been addressed in official communications. Reliability is high, as the sources are primary government documents from OPM outlining the policy change and implementation details.
Update · Jan 31, 2026, 06:25 PMcomplete
What the claim stated: The claim is that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of the Alternative Pay Plan, to align with a 3.8% total increase in 2026.
Progress evidence: The 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel page from OPM states that the President directed use of special pay authorities to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain law enforcement personnel, in line with a 3.8% military pay increase. OPM’s Frequently Asked Questions detail the mechanism and eligible categories, with a tentative January 11, 2026 effective date for the base increase and the special-rate component.
Current status: By January 2026, public reporting indicates OPM finalized the 3.8% total pay raise for covered law enforcement positions, with the 2.8% component implemented via the special salary rate authority under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530, subpart C.
Dates and milestones: Key milestones include the August 2025 Alternative Pay Plan, OPM’s December 2025/early 2026 communications, and the January 2026 effective date for the combined raise. The Special Rates page and FAQs confirm the implementation framework and caps (Executive Schedule level IV cap).
Source reliability note: The primary sources are the official OPM page outlining 2026 special rates and the agency’s FAQ, supplemented by coverage from GovExec confirming finalization of the 3.8% package. These sources are government or established trade press with direct quotes of policy and dates.
Follow-up: Verify any updates to eligible categories or rate caps in the latest OPM postings if a post-January 2026 adjustment occurs.
Update · Jan 31, 2026, 04:00 PMcomplete
Claim restated: The article says OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of President Trump’s pay plan, to aid recruitment and retention.
Progress and evidence: By late December 2025, OPM published guidance indicating it would implement the 2.8% supplemental pay via special salary rates (SSR) for eligible law enforcement positions, aligning with a 3.8% total 2026 pay raise. In January 2026, multiple outlets and OPM communications confirmed the plan progressed toward finalization and deployment of the SSR-based increase, with calculations suggesting a total 3.8% raise for covered LEOs beginning with the first full pay period in 2026. Official OPM materials explicitly describe the SSR mechanism and the anticipated cap at the Executive Schedule level.
Current status: The administration’s guidance and subsequent reporting indicate the SSR was finalized for a broad set of law enforcement positions and would, in combination with the base 1% across-the-board increase, deliver approximately a 3.8% total raise in January 2026. Some coverage notes and later reporting highlighted that the 3.8% total is subject to the statutory cap, which could affect the full amount for certain positions, but the intended 2.8% SSR component was implemented for many affected employees.
Dates and milestones: Key milestones include the August 2025 alternative pay plan, the December 31, 2025 OPM memo detailing SSR implementation, and the January 2026 rollout finalizing the 3.8% total raise for eligible law enforcement personnel. Subsequent reporting in late January 2026 confirmed expansion of eligible positions and the ongoing application of SSR-based adjustments. Reliability note: Information comes from OPM’s official SSR guidance and widely cited trade/public government press coverage (GovExec, FedSmith), which corroborate the SSR mechanism and the January 2026 effective period; coverage acknowledges potential caps limiting the total for some individuals.
Reliability of sources: The primary source is OPM’s official 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel page and the related
Frequently Asked Questions, which explicitly describe the SSR approach and the anticipated January 2026 effective date. Independent reporting from Government Executive and FedSmith provides contemporaneous confirmation of finalization and rollout, though some details vary by position due to statutory caps. Overall, the mix of official guidance and reputable reporting supports the conclusion that the 2.8% SSR component was implemented for a substantial portion of frontline law enforcement personnel as part of a 3.8% total increase in January 2026.
Update · Jan 31, 2026, 02:03 PMcomplete
Claim restatement: The article claimed OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan.
Evidence of progress: OPM published a 2026 policy page and FAQs detailing the implementation approach, including use of special salary rate authority under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530 to set higher rates for eligible law enforcement positions. The page notes consultations with agencies and a tentative effective date of January 11, 2026 for the special rates, aligned with the planned 3.8% military pay increase. Independent reporting (GovExec, FedWeek) corroborates that the package includes an enhanced rate for covered law enforcement staff beginning in January 2026.
Status of completion: The policy materials indicate the mechanism and an effective date have been established, and multiple outlets reported the January 11, 2026 implementation of the higher rate for eligible personnel. By late January 2026, additional coverage expansions and finalized implementation were noted by outlets tracking federal pay changes.
Milestones and dates: Core milestones include (1) President’s Alternative Pay Plan outlining a 1% base increase with 2.8% additional special pay for law enforcement, (2) OPM guidance describing the use of 5 U.S.C. 5305/530, (3) anticipated publication of special rate tables and an effective date of January 11, 2026, (4) subsequent reporting confirming completion or expansion to additional categories. The sources include OPM’s official pages and contemporaneous reporting from GovExec and FedWeek.
Source reliability note: The primary source is an official OPM page detailing the 2026 special rates and FAQs, which is the authoritative document for pay authority and implementation. Secondary sources (GovExec, FedWeek) are specialized outlets that closely track federal pay actions and provide timely corroboration of implementation and scope. Overall, the reporting is consistent and corroborated across reputable, policy-focused outlets.
Update · Jan 31, 2026, 12:18 PMcomplete
Claim restatement: The article stated OPM would use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, atop the 1% base increase, to support recruitment, retention, and public safety commitments.
Progress evidence: Official OPM materials and related memos in late 2025–January 2026 confirm the implementation of a 2.8% additional pay increase via special rates for eligible law enforcement personnel, resulting in about a 3.8% total increase in January 2026 (subject to the special-rate controls). Sources include OPM policy pages and CPM-2025-25 guidance allied with the President’s Alternative Pay Plan.
Current status: The January 2026 pay adjustments deployed the base 1% increase plus the 2.8% special-rate increase for qualifying law enforcement personnel, consistent with the stated plan and guidance from OPM.
Reliability note: The assessment relies on official OPM communications and corroborating coverage from reputable outlets (GovExec, FedWeek) that describe the special-rate implementation and total pay increase for LEOs in January 2026.
Update · Jan 31, 2026, 10:39 AMcomplete
Claim restatement: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, in addition to the 1 percent base pay increase, yielding a total around 3.8 percent for eligible staff. (OPM, 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel; 2025-2026 guidance)
Evidence of progress: OPM published the 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel document and FAQs, detailing the use of 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530 to set a special rate for eligible categories after agency consultations. The framework lists initial target categories (e.g., CBP, ICE, Secret Service, FBI, DEA, USMS, NPS) and explains the 3.8 percent total increase structure. (OPM doc; OPM FAQ)
Status of completion: By January 2026, the policy framework and rate structure were in place, with an anticipated effective date around January 11, 2026 for the base increase and the special rates, subject to salary-cap limits (Executive Schedule level IV). This indicates policy deployment in principle and moves toward applying the actual pay tables to affected employees. (OPM FAQ; OPM document)
Dates and milestones: The FAQs indicate a tentative January 11, 2026 effective date for the general increase and special rates, with special-rate tables released after final agency consultations and approvals. Coverage has been reflected in subsequent reporting by credible outlets. (OPM FAQ; GovExec/Fed coverage)
Reliability note: The analysis relies on official OPM publications and reputable trade press (GovExec, FedWeek, FedSmith), which document the policy approach, timeline, and milestones, supporting a cautious but warranted assessment of progress. (OPM.gov; GovExec; FedWeek; FedSmith)
Update · Jan 31, 2026, 08:59 AMcomplete
Restated claim: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, atop the 1% base pay increase, to total about 3.8% in January 2026. Evidence shows the plan moved from announcement to implementation in early 2026. OPM explained the mechanism (special salary rates under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530) and identified target agencies and job categories, with a tentative effective date around January 11, 2026 for the new rates.
Scheduled follow-up · Jan 31, 2026
Update · Jan 31, 2026, 04:36 AMcomplete
The claim stated that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel. Public documentation confirms that OPM established a pathway under 5 U.S.C. 5305 to implement special pay rates aimed at recruiting and retaining mission-critical law enforcement staff, with an anticipated January 11, 2026 effective date. In early January 2026, OPM announced and then finalized these arrangements, delivering a total 3.8 percent package (1 percent base plus 2.8 percent special-rate uplift) for eligible personnel, subject to the pay cap. Independent reporting corroborates the centralized implementation and specifies the scope and milestones of the special-rate plan.
Update · Jan 31, 2026, 03:06 AMcomplete
The claim states that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan. This reflects a plan to supplement the base 1% pay raise with a targeted rise for mission-critical law enforcement roles to aid recruitment and retention.
Public documentation shows the trajectory: an August 2025 Alternative Pay Plan directed OPM to use special salary rate authority to add about 2.8% for selected law enforcement staff, with initial consultations and coverage discussions underway (OPM FAQ page on 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel). OPM anticipated releasing the special rate tables by January 2026, with an effective date around January 11, 2026.
Independent reporting and agency communications confirmed implementation: a January 2026 Government Executive article stated that OPM finalized plans to grant federal law enforcement a 3.8% total increase in January 2026, combining the 1% base with the 2.8% special-rate bump. The implementation relies on a “special pay rate” mechanism subject to the Executive Schedule cap (OPM FAQ notes the top rate limit).
Concrete milestones include the 3.8% total pay raise beginning with the first full pay period of 2026, and the listing (and potential expansion) of covered job categories across multiple agencies such as DHS, DOJ, DOS, and the Interior and FBI-related roles, as described in public summaries and OPM communications. The coverage and exact job categories were to be finalized in consultation with agencies, with some flexibility to add positions over time (OPM FAQ; GovExec article).
Source reliability appears high: OPM’s official 2026 Special Rates page provides primary details and FAQs, while reputable outlets such as Government Executive report on the finalization and implementation of the 3.8% package. These sources collectively indicate the policy move proceeded to actual pay changes in January 2026, aligning with the claim’s core provision and completion condition.
Update · Jan 31, 2026, 01:07 AMcomplete
Restatement of the claim: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, in addition to the base 1% pay raise, aiming to support recruitment and retention.
Progress evidence: The plan was announced on August 28, 2025 as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan (APD 5 U.S.C. 5303(b) and 5304a), directing an additional ~2.8% for specified law enforcement roles. In September 2025, OPM published FAQs detailing the law enforcement special rates and coordinating implementation with DHS, DOJ, and DOI (OPM GovDelivery bulletin, 2025-09-02). On December 31, 2025, CPM-2025-25 announced OPM’s approval of special salary rates under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530, subpart C, providing an approximately 2.8% increase above the January base pay adjustment, resulting in a total pay increase of about 3.8% for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, effective January 2026 (OPM PDF memo, CPM-2025-25).
Current status: The increases were approved and, per the policy documents, became effective with the January 2026 pay adjustments. The August 2025 APD guidance and the December 2025 CPM memo indicate the policy was implemented across applicable agencies and positions, aligning LEO pay with the planned 3.8% military pay increase.
Milestones and dates: August 28, 2025 – APD announced 1% base raise with ~2.8% additional for certain LEO roles; September 2, 2025 – OPM issued FAQs detailing implementation steps; December 31, 2025 – CPM-2025-25 approved the special rates (effective January 2026). The January 2026 pay step then reflected the combined ~3.8% increase for eligible personnel.
Source reliability: The key sources are official U.S. Office of Personnel Management communications (OPM GovDelivery FAQ, CPM-2025-25 memo) and the formal OPM PDF memo. These are primary, authoritative sources outlining policy and implementation, reducing bias and enhancing accuracy. The incentives described align with recruitment/retention aims and the broader policy of matching public-safety compensation with comparable benchmarks.
Update · Jan 30, 2026, 10:48 PMcomplete
Restating the claim: OPM announced it would use special salary rate authority to provide an additional pay boost for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, aligning with President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan. Evidence of progress: a December 31, 2025 OPM memo plus related guidance authorized special salary rates that add about 2.8% on top of the base January 2026 adjustment, yielding a total pay increase around 3.8% for eligible positions. Implementation: multiple reputable outlets and OPM documents indicate the 3.8% package was finalized and began in early January 2026, with eligibility and affected groups specified in the guidance. Source reliability: primary documentation from OPM and CPM guidance, corroborated by GovExec and FEDweek reporting, supports the stated milestones.
Update · Jan 30, 2026, 08:31 PMcomplete
Restated claim: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan.
Progress and evidence: OPM issued guidance in late 2025/early 2026 detailing the use of the special salary rate to implement the supplemental pay for mission-critical law enforcement positions, with a tentative January 11, 2026 effective date for the special rates and a total 3.8% raise for covered employees beginning with the first full pay period of 2026.
Status and milestones: The plan was implemented as part of January 2026 pay adjustments, subject to statutory caps (5 U.S.C. 5305) and defined coverage; some positions may be capped at the Executive Schedule Level IV, potentially limiting increases for higher-grade posts.
Reliability and incentives: The primary sources are OPM’s official 2026 special rates page and contemporaneous reporting confirming the 3.8% total raise, reflecting an incentive to recruit and retain frontline law enforcement personnel for border security and public safety.
Update · Jan 30, 2026, 06:48 PMcomplete
Restated claim: The article said OPM would use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of the Alternative Pay Plan.
Evidence of progress: OPM’s 2026 special rates page confirms the plan to implement a 2.8% supplemental pay increase for eligible law enforcement personnel via a special salary rate, with an anticipated January 11, 2026 effective date for the base increase and the special rates framework. A detailed FAQ outlines the mechanism and eligible categories, and cites agency consultations to identify coverage.
Progress toward completion: Public reporting indicates that the 2.8% supplemental pay is to be combined with the 1% general across-the-board increase to yield a total 3.8% pay increase for eligible law enforcement. Government Executive coverage (Jan 8, 2026) states the 3.8% total raise began with the first full pay period of 2026, subject to the salary cap; this confirms implementation beyond planning.
Milestones and dates: Key milestones include (1) December 31, 2025 memo announcing the special pay rate authority and planned 3.8% total increase, (2) anticipated January 11, 2026 effective date for the scales, and (3) January 2026 confirmation of the 3.8% total raise starting with the first full pay period of 2026. The sources also list specific agencies and job categories potentially covered, with room for expansion.
Source reliability note: The primary source is OPM’s official 2026 Special Rates page and accompanying FAQs, which provide formal authority, scope, and implementation details. The GovExec article corroborates the finalization of the 3.8% raise in January 2026, and adds context on the pay cap. Together, these sources support a reliable, government-endorsed account of the policy’s status.
Update · Jan 30, 2026, 04:12 PMcomplete
Restatement of the claim: OPM would use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, for a total of about 3.8% when combined with the base raise. Evidence of progress: OPM released a December 31, 2025 memo outlining the plan and an anticipated January 11, 2026 effective date for the special rates, with official 2026 FAQs detailing coverage and implementation. Subsequent reporting from Government Executive (Jan 2026) confirms the 3.8% total raise for covered law enforcement starting the first full pay period of 2026. Completion status: By January 2026, agencies implementing the policy appear to have begun distributing the combined raise to eligible law enforcement personnel. Source reliability: The core trajectory is supported by primary OPM materials and established outlets covering the implementation, making the assessment robust, though exact category coverage can evolve as agencies finalize listings.
Update · Jan 30, 2026, 02:15 PMcomplete
Claim restatement: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, aiming to support recruitment, retention, and public safety.
Progress evidence: The 2026 Special Rates plan was announced by OPM as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan. OPM’s FAQ states the agency will implement a 2.8% supplemental rate via special salary rates, with a tentative effective date of January 11, 2026, and a total raise that could reach 3.8% for covered personnel. Public sources describe the plan as coordinated with agency consultations to determine eligible categories (CBP, ICE, FBI, BOP, Secret Service, and others) and note the 3.8% total raise begins with the first full pay period of 2026. The official page and subsequent reporting indicate a finalization of the approach and the expected implementation timeline.
Completion status: As of January 30, 2026, reporting confirms that the law enforcement pay increase has been finalized and implemented for eligible positions, consistent with the 3.8% total raise (1% base plus the 2.8% special rate). The pay tables were expected to be released by the end of calendar year 2025, with the January 2026 effective date for the base and special-rate adjustments. Government-focused outlets corroborate that the 2.8% supplemental pay rate was established to support mission-critical law enforcement recruitment and retention, subject to the salary cap in 2026. This aligns with the stated completion condition by providing the additional pay via a formal special-rate mechanism.
Reliability and context: The primary source is an OPM policy page detailing the 2026 Special Rates for law enforcement, supplemented by reporting from Government Executive (Jan 2026) confirming finalization and the 3.8% total raise. The credible sourcing (OPM.gov) and coverage in reputable outlets support the account, while noting the raise is conditional on coverage lists and the salary cap. The reporting emphasizes incentives tied to border security and public safety, and the use of 5 U.S.C. 5305/5304a authorities to implement the special rate.
Update · Jan 30, 2026, 12:36 PMcomplete
The claim states that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for frontline law enforcement personnel, supplementing the base increase, as part of the Trump administration’s Alternative Pay Plan. This would be delivered via a special pay rate rather than a standard across-the-board raise, aimed at recruitment and retention for mission-critical law enforcement work.
Evidence of progress shows OPM moving from planning to implementation: the 2026 special rates pages describe using 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530 subpart C to set special rates for eligible law enforcement personnel, with a tentative effective date in January 2026.
Public reporting indicates the total 3.8% increase for eligible law enforcement officers (1% base plus 2.8% supplemental) and confirms this was finalized for January 2026. GovExec reports that the memo and guidance established the special-rate mechanism and began applying in the first full pay period of 2026.
Milestones cited include the December 31, 2025 memo and related agency guidance, the anticipated January 2026 pay tables, and the inclusion of multiple law enforcement categories through agency consultations. The policy aligns with President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan as described by OPM and corroborated by subsequent coverage.
Reliability is high for official policy documents from OPM, with corroboration from reputable outlets (GovExec). No credible sources indicate cancellation or reversal as of the current date.
Overall, the claim is supported by official documentation and credible reporting, indicating completion of the 2.8% supplemental pay rate within a 3.8% total raise for eligible frontline law enforcement personnel starting in January 2026.
Update · Jan 30, 2026, 11:00 AMcomplete
Restated claim: OPM would use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for frontline law enforcement personnel as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan. Progress to date: guidance and planning for 2026 were issued in late 2025, outlining the higher rate structure and the eligible categories. Implementation: OPM publicly finalized plans to grant a 3.8% total pay increase for targeted law enforcement categories in January 2026, with the 2.8% special-rate component reflecting the alternative plan. Current status: the higher raise appears to have been implemented for the eligible groups identified by OPM, while agencies continue to finalize the specific category determinations as described in OPM’s 2026 rate materials. Reliability note: sources include official OPM guidance and reputable policy outlets (GovExec, FedSmith) that tracked the timeline and the 3.8% figure; coverage indicates ongoing category finalization beyond initial rollout.
Update · Jan 30, 2026, 09:03 AMcomplete
The claim states that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel. This would be in addition to the base pay increase, as part of the administration’s public safety priorities. The idea is to aid recruitment and retention of mission-critical law enforcement staff.
Evidence shows the administration moved from intention to implementation. OPM's late-2025 communications describe deploying a 2.8% supplemental pay increase through a special salary rate, with a tentative January 11, 2026 effective date for the special rates, aligning with the president’s Alternative Pay Plan. This would produce a total 3.8% increase when combined with the base raise.
By January 2026, reporting confirms finalization and start of the special-rate implementation for eligible frontline law enforcement personnel across multiple agencies, resulting in a total 3.8% pay increase beginning with the first full pay period of 2026. The plan lists affected categories and notes cap considerations (Executive Schedule max). Sources include official OPM FAQ and related coverage.
Reliability: sources include official OPM documentation and reputable trade press (GovExec), which corroborate the mechanism, timing, and implementation. The convergence of government communications and independent reporting supports a completed status as of January 2026.
Update · Jan 30, 2026, 04:31 AMcomplete
Restatement of the claim: The claim asserted that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan. Evidence of progress: In late 2025, OPM and related agencies publicly outlined the 2026 pay framework, confirming a 1% base increase and the use of a special rate to deliver an additional 2.8% for eligible law enforcement personnel, resulting in a total 3.8% increase for those employees in January 2026 (as described in OPM guidance and memos). Subsequent reporting and official agency notices in December 2025 and January 2026 confirm the implementation and timing, with guidance and FAQs explicitly detailing the 2.8% special rate component. Reliability note: The sources are official OPM documents (CPM/CHCO memos and policy pages) and corroborating reporting from GovExec and FedSmith that summarize the agency actions and statutory framework, making them high-quality and consistent. Milestones and status: January 2026 pay adjustments were implemented for eligible personnel, completing the specified 2.8% special-rate component as part of the total 3.8% increase for front-line law enforcement under the 2026 Alternative Pay Plan. Inference about incentives: The targeted use of a special rate aligns with recruitment/retention goals for mission-critical law enforcement positions, consistent with the administration’s stated priorities in the Alternative Pay Plan. Overall reliability: Cross-referenced official OPM materials with independent coverage; the claim is supported by available primary sources and credible secondary reporting.
Update · Jan 30, 2026, 02:27 AMcomplete
Claim restatement: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, on top of the base pay adjustment.
Progress and evidence: Public records indicate OPM approved special salary rates under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and related authorities to grant an approximately 2.8% increase for eligible law enforcement personnel, resulting in a total pay increase of about 3.8% when combined with the base adjustment (1%). These actions were documented in CPM-2025-25 and related OPM communications and summaries for the 2026 pay cycle (OPM memo and subsequent agency coverage).
Status and completion: The additional 2.8% pay increase for frontline law enforcement personnel was implemented in the 2026 pay cycle, with effective dates around January 2026 (e.g., January 11, 2026 in several agency notices), thereby meeting the completion condition of implementing the special salary rate and delivering the targeted increase to affected employees (GovExec reporting and agency bulletins).
Milestones and timing: Key milestones include (1) late-2025 approval of the special rate authorities, (2) publication of the 2026 special rate tables by OPM, and (3) the January 2026 effective date for the 2.8% enhancement (3.8% total with base). These steps align with the administration’s Alternative Pay Plan and the use of 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5304a authorities to adjust pay for eligible law enforcement staff.
Reliability and context: Sources include OPM memos and reputable outlets reporting on the implementation and dates. The coverage focuses on official pay authorities and their application to frontline law enforcement; no conflicting incentives are evident in the available records, and reporting corroborates the sequence from approval to implementation.
Update · Jan 30, 2026, 12:49 AMcomplete
The claim states that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel. Public documentation confirms that OPM authorized a 2.8% supplemental rate on top of the base January 2026 pay adjustment, resulting in an overall raise of about 3.8% for affected personnel (matching the planned military pay raise). This was formalized in CPM-2025-25 and related 2026 guidance released by OPM at the end of 2025, with implementation details published in early 2026 follow-ups.
Progress evidence includes OPM’s December 31, 2025 memo approving 2026 special salary rates for certain law enforcement personnel, and subsequent communications explaining that the 2.8% addition is to be applied above the standard 1% base adjustment. Independent reporting in January 2026 notes that OPM finalized the 3.8% total raise for these employees, aligning with the administration’s public-safety incentive structure. The combination of formal agency memos and corroborating coverage supports that the policy move reached the implementation phase.
Completion status: the Special Rate authority was approved and implemented as described, and affected frontline law enforcement employees began receiving the ~2.8% add-on (for a total ~3.8%), satisfying the identified completion condition. The records indicate concrete milestones (approval of CPM-2025-25 on 2025-12-31 and publicizing finalization in early January 2026). Overall, the claim appears fulfilled, with the incentive structure designed to recruit/retain personnel in public-safety roles.
Dates and milestones of note include: CPM-2025-25 approval on 2025-12-31, the 2.8% supplemental rate establishing a 3.8% total raise, and early January 2026 reporting confirming finalization. The sources include OPM’s 2026 Special Rates for Certain Additional Law Enforcement Personnel PDF and contemporaneous coverage from GovExec citing the finalization of the 3.8% raise. Source reliability is high, given the primary source from OPM complemented by credible coverage.
Reliability note: the principal source is an official OPM memo with subsequent agency communications, which are strong primary documents for pay policy. Secondary reporting from GovExec provides independent confirmation of the implementation timeline and the final figures. Given the alignment between agency documentation and credible coverage, the finding of completion is well-supported.
Update · Jan 29, 2026, 10:59 PMcomplete
Restated claim: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase to certain frontline law enforcement personnel, alongside the 1% GS base increase, to support recruitment and retention. Evidence shows progress and implementation steps have been completed or officially enacted. The U.S. Office of Personnel Management published 2026 law enforcement special rates tables that explicitly implement the added pay via special rates effective with the 2026 pay period (OPM.gov, 2026 Special Rates; table header states EFFECTIVE DATE: 01/01/2026) and accompanying guidance documents outline the planned use of 5 U.S.C. 5305/5304a authorities to align with the 3.8% military increase (OPM.gov; GovDelivery FAQ, 2025).
Update · Jan 29, 2026, 08:25 PMcomplete
Claim restated: OPM would use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel. Evidence of progress: OPM issued a December 31, 2025 memo describing the use of special rates, with finalization in early January 2026 to deliver a total 3.8% raise for covered personnel, including the 2.8% supplemental component starting with the first full pay period of 2026. Completion status: The special pay rate mechanism was implemented and affected employees received the targeted raise as part of the 3.8% total increase. Reliability: Sources include OPM’s official notices and a reputable trade publication confirming the final plan and implementation.
Update · Jan 29, 2026, 06:53 PMcomplete
Claim restated: OPM would use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of the President's pay plan.
Progress and evidence: OPM’s 2026 special rates page and the accompanying FAQ describe the planned use of 5 U.S.C. 5305/5304a authorities to establish a special rate for eligible law enforcement positions, to support recruitment and retention. In January 2026, reporting indicated OPM finalized and began implementing the plan as a 3.8% total increase for covered law enforcement employees, with the 2.8% additional pay provided via the new special rate (the remaining 1% being the base General Schedule increase) and a potential cap at the Executive Schedule level.
Status of completion: The target was to implement the extra 2.8% pay increase through a special rate for qualifying personnel, which appears to have been completed as part of the 3.8% overall raise for covered law enforcement staff in January 2026. The special rate tables were issued, and affected employees began receiving the higher pay rate per the January 2026 implementation guidance. The pay increase is subject to the statutory cap (level IV of the Executive Schedule).
Reliability note: Primary sources include the OPM 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel page and official FAQs, plus contemporaneous reporting from Government Executive detailing the January 2026 implementation. These sources are official or near-official and align on the sequence of guidance and the January 2026 effective date. When assessing to what extent the promise was fulfilled, the key milestones are the issuance of the special-rate guidance, the establishment of the tables, and the January 2026 pay period implementation.
Update · Jan 29, 2026, 04:19 PMcomplete
Claim restatement: The article claimed OPM would use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan. Status and progress: OPM developed and implemented the 2026 special law enforcement rate, using its special salary rate authority to deliver a total 3.8% pay increase (1% base + ~2.8% special rate) for covered front-line law enforcement employees, effective with the first full pay period of 2026. Documentation confirms the implementation and a published roster of covered positions and locations, with an effective date of the first pay period beginning on/after January 1, 2026. A formal summary memo and FAQs describe the scope, categories, and the pay cap (Executive Schedule level IV).
Update · Jan 29, 2026, 02:21 PMcomplete
Restated claim: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, in line with President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan. Evidence of progress: OPM’s 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel page confirms a plan to implement this via special salary rate authority under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530, subpart C, with initial consultations and a tentative January 11, 2026 effective date for the rates. Evidence of completion: In January 2026, reporting indicates the plan produced a total 3.8% raise for covered law enforcement personnel (1% base plus 2.8% via special rates), with GovExec documenting the finalization and listing eligible agencies and positions. Milestones and scope: Eligible categories include agencies such as CBP, ICE, FBI, U.S. Marshals, Secret Service, BOP, and others, with potential expansion by agency request, capped by the Executive Schedule level IV cap. Reliability note: The account relies on the official OPM FAQ and policy page and corroborating coverage from Government Executive, providing a consistent, nonpartisan view of the policy’s execution.
Update · Jan 29, 2026, 12:27 PMcomplete
Restatement of claim: The claim stated OPM would use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel.
Progress evidence: OPM’s 2026 policy page and FAQ describe using special salary rates under 5 U.S.C. 5305 to implement the targeted raise, with a tentative effective date of January 11, 2026. Subsequent reporting confirms the approach and timing were put in place as part of the administration’s pay plan.
Completion status: In January 2026, sources indicate a total 3.8% pay increase for eligible law enforcement personnel (1% base plus ~2.8% via a special rate), subject to the pay cap at Executive Schedule Level IV. The final pay tables and implementation were reported by reputable outlets as having been enacted for the January 2026 pay period.
Reliability and milestones: The primary official source is OPM’s 2026 Special Rates page with FAQs; corroboration from Government Executive and FedSmith confirms the finalization and implementation. Key milestone: January 2026 start of the enhanced pay rates for covered law enforcement personnel.
Update · Jan 29, 2026, 10:34 AMin_progress
Restatement of the claim: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, to aid recruitment, retention, and public safety.
Progress evidence: Official OPM materials confirm the plan to implement a 2.8% special-rate pay increase for selected law enforcement categories, via special salary rates under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530, subpart C, with an anticipated January 2026 effective period. The materials describe the mechanism, eligible categories, and the coordination with agencies such as DHS, DOJ, and DOI.
Status assessment: The policy has been announced and an implementing framework exists, including rate tables and FAQs detailing the approach. However, as of the provided sources, final, filed pay tables and actual disbursements for affected employees have not been independently confirmed as completed, indicating ongoing implementation in early 2026.
Dates and milestones: The FAQ and rate pages indicate an expected January 11, 2026 effective date for the base increase and the accompanying 2.8% special rate for eligible personnel, with initial consultations ongoing to determine coverage. These are official communications tied to President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan and the 2026 pay-adjustment process.
Source reliability and incentives: The evidence relies on official OPM pages and government bulletins, which are appropriate for policy description and implementation steps. The incentives highlighted are recruitment/retention of frontline law enforcement and alignment with national security and public-safety priorities, within statutory pay-authority constraints.
Update · Jan 29, 2026, 08:42 AMcomplete
OPM opened 2026 with the implementation of Trump-era pay plans for frontline law enforcement. On December 31, 2025, OPM approved special salary rates to add about 2.8% above the January base, bringing the total raise to roughly 3.8% for affected personnel, aligning with military pay increases and supporting recruitment and retention. Subsequent guidance and reporting confirm the implementation occurred in early 2026. Reliability rests on official OPM documents, with corroboration from FedWeek and FedSmith.
Update · Jan 29, 2026, 04:23 AMcomplete
Claim restated: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, aligning with President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan. Evidence of progress: OPM published 2026 guidance detailing a 2.8% supplemental rate and a total 3.8% raise for covered law enforcement employees starting January 2026, implemented via a special pay rate. Further official materials confirm consultations with agencies to identify eligible categories and note the 3.8% total increase is subject to the applicable pay cap. Independent reporting corroborates that the 3.8% raise was finalized for January 2026, with the 2.8% component delivered through the new special rate structure. Reliability: official OPM sources provide the framework and FAQs; reputable outlets (GovExec) reported the finalization and implementation, supporting the claimed timeline.
Update · Jan 29, 2026, 02:37 AMcomplete
Restated claim: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional ~2.8% pay bump for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, layered on top of the standard pay increase.
Progress evidence: Public OPM documentation confirms the authority and amount. In late December 2025, OPM approved special rates under 5 U.S.C. 5305 to provide roughly a 2.8% increase for eligible frontline law enforcement personnel, yielding a total around 3.8% when combined with the base January adjustment.
Milestones and guidance: OPM published 2026 guidance and FAQs to explain eligibility and application, signaling concrete steps toward implementation for 2026 pay adjustments.
Reliability note: The core evidence comes from primary OPM memos and official communications, with secondary summaries in trade outlets; collectively they support that the implementation path was approved and being executed, not merely proposed.
Update · Jan 29, 2026, 12:45 AMcomplete
Restated claim: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of President Trump's alternative pay plan. Public documentation confirms this approach was authorized and implemented for the 2026 cycle. Key guidance notes that OPM would apply 5 U.S.C. 5305-based special rates to targeted law enforcement groups, with a tentative effective date of January 11, 2026 and final category determinations to be set after agency consultations (CBP, DHS, DOJ, DOI, FBI, and others) were involved.
Progress evidence: OPM publicly explained the mechanism (special salary rates) and listed initial eligible categories, with a plan to publish the special rate tables by year-end 2025 and implement them in January 2026. The 2026 pay adjustment materials explicitly describe using special rate authority to boost pay for frontline law enforcement to support recruitment/retention (in line with the administration’s priorities). The January 2026 pay adjustments memo confirms workforce pay actions and provides the operational basis for the increases.
Current status: The 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel page and the January 2026 pay adjustments memo document the intended and actual use of special salary rates, with the target uplift (~2.8%) for qualifying personnel and the ceiling constraints. Some summaries note alignment with the 3.8% military increase; however, the authoritative materials describe a ~2.8% base uplift via special rates for eligible law enforcement positions.
Dates and milestones: The Alternative Pay Plan was announced August 28, 2025. OPM anticipated releasing the special-rate tables by the end of 2025 and applying an effective date around January 11, 2026. The January 2026 memo (dated December 18, 2025 with subsequent issuance) formalizes the adjustments and confirms the special-rate approach for law enforcement personnel.
Source reliability note: The primary sources are official
U.S. government documents from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) — including the 2026 Special Rates page and the January 2026 pay adjustments memo — which directly address the policy and implementation. Secondary coverage (e.g., GovDelivery FAQs, FedSmith) corroborates the contents and timelines but the official OPM documents are the authoritative record for the policy change.
Update · Jan 28, 2026, 10:40 PMin_progress
Restated claim: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan, to support recruitment, retention, and public safety.
Evidence of progress: The OPM has published 2026 guidance and FAQs describing the planned use of special salary rate authority under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530 to implement the additional pay for identified law enforcement categories. The agency signaled that rate tables would be released after agency consultations, with a tentative effective date around January 11, 2026 for the base increase in federal pay, and that the special rates would address recruitment/retention concerns for front-line law enforcement. See OPM 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel page and accompanying FAQs (OPM.gov) and related FAQ document.
Progress toward completion: As of late January 2026, OPM had laid out the framework and timelines for implementing the special-law-enforcement pay increases, but public confirmation of the actual, enacted rate tables and post-update payroll actions at agencies appears contingent on final consultations and regulatory/administrative steps. Public reporting suggesting a broader pay-rise context exists, but the official materials emphasize a 2.8% special-rate component to be applied in addition to base adjustments after consultations. The status is therefore best characterized as in_progress rather than completed.
Dates and milestones: The key milestone cited by OPM is the tentative January 11, 2026 effective date for the base increase and the release of special-rate tables after agency consultations. The September 2025 FAQ set outlines intended coverage and the process for establishing which law enforcement categories receive the special rates. See the 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel (OPM) and the Implementing FAQ documents (OPM.gov).
Source reliability and note on incentives: The primary sources are official OPM pages and FAQs, which are high-quality, government documents describing the process and determinations behind the pay adjustments. While some media outlets discussed the broader pay context, the most reliable evidence remains the OPM guidance and its stated timelines. If incentives are at play, they are framed by executive direction to recruit/retain frontline law enforcement to support border security and public safety goals, as described in the OPM materials.
Update · Jan 28, 2026, 08:21 PMcomplete
The claim states that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of President Trump’s pay plan. This would supplement a base increase and support recruitment, retention, and public safety commitments.
Evidence shows that OPM moved from planning to implementation in late 2025, with official guidance and FAQs describing the mechanism (special salary rate authority under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530, subpart C) and the plan to apply the extra 2.8 percent to designated law enforcement personnel. OPM notified agencies and outlined which categories would be eligible and how the rates would interact with the 1% base increase and locality pay adjustments.
In January 2026, multiple reputable outlets reported that OPM had finalized the arrangement, ensuring a total 3.8 percent pay raise for covered law enforcement personnel beginning with the first full pay period of 2026. The publicity emphasized that the 3.8% total aligns with the administration’s priorities and the general pay increase timeline, while subject to the statutory pay cap.
Reliability notes: the core official details come from OPM’s 2026 Special Rates materials and the subsequent media reporting from GovExec (citing a Dec. 31, 2025 OPM memo) and corroborating coverage. While trade outlets vary in emphasis, the core mechanism—creating a special pay rate to deliver an additional 2.8% for eligible law enforcement—appears consistently described across official and reputable industry sources. The coverage aligns with the projected January 2026 effective date and the stated completion condition.
Update · Jan 28, 2026, 06:34 PMcomplete
Claim restated: OPM would use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, atop a base pay increase. Evidence of progress shows that by late 2025 and into January 2026, OPM issued guidance and began implementing the plan through special rate tables and memoranda. The plan aligns with President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan and targets recruitment and retention in mission-critical law enforcement positions. Multiple official and reputable outlets reported on the final implementation steps and timelines, including OPM guidance and subsequent coverage from industry outlets.
Concrete milestones and current status: OPM finalized the pay package in early January 2026, resulting in a total 3.8% pay raise for covered law enforcement personnel (1% base increase plus the 2.8% special-rate boost), effective with the first full pay period of 2026. The special rates are set under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530, subpart C, and are subject to the applicable pay cap. GovExec and FedSmith summarized the memo issued December 31, 2025, and the formalization of the 3.8% increase. OPM’s own 2026 special rates page and FAQs clarified coverage targets and the process for selecting eligible positions, with initial focus on major agencies such as DHS, DOJ, and Interior.
Progress reliability and sources: The reporting and official OPM materials converge on a January 2026 effective date and a 3.8% total raise for qualifying law enforcement staff. The ongoing rollout is described as the release of special-rate tables and agency guidance, with coverage potentially expanding to additional job categories via agency requests. While the core elements are consistently described by multiple outlets, the exact final list of eligible positions can vary based on agency consultations and salary-cap constraints. Overall, the claim is supported by official guidance and corroborating reporting from reputable outlets such as Government Executive and FedSmith.
Notes on source reliability: The primary source is OPM’s own guidance and the January 2026 implementation communications, supplemented by reporting from Government Executive and FedSmith, which specialize in federal payroll and workforce policy. These sources are reliable for federal pay policy and reflect standard practice for announcing pay adjustments and rate-table implementations.
Update · Jan 28, 2026, 04:05 PMcomplete
The claim stated that OPM would use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel. Public records show that OPM published 2026 special rate guidance and released tables implementing a 3.8% total increase for covered law enforcement employees, with the 1% general increase plus a 2.8% special rate effective for January 2026 and paid in the first full pay period of 2026. Multiple official sources confirm the targeted law enforcement categories and the anticipated/actual implementation date, including OPM’s 2026 Special Rates materials and related FAQs, and reporting from Government Executive corroborating the final pay package. Overall, the completion condition—OPM implementing the special rate and affected employees receiving the pay increase—has been met as of January 2026.
Update · Jan 28, 2026, 02:12 PMin_progress
The claim states that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, alongside a 1% base increase and locality pay freeze in 2026. Public sources show the plan was issued as part of an August 2025 Alternative Pay Plan, with OPM directed to use special salary rates to implement the uplift for eligible law enforcement staff. The guidance and FAQs indicate the uplift could total up to 3.8% when aligned with the military pay raise, and that tables would be released after agency consultations, with a tentative January 11, 2026 effectiveness for base changes.
Update · Jan 28, 2026, 12:15 PMcomplete
Claim restatement: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan. Evidence shows this was implemented as part of the 2026 pay adjustments, with a total 3.8% increase for covered law enforcement employees (1% base plus 2.8% via special rates).
Progress and milestones: The 2026 guidance from OPM states agencies would implement the 2.8% via a special salary rate under 5 U.S.C. 5305/5304a, with an effective date of January 11, 2026 for the base increase and related adjustments. Reports confirm the finalization and posting of the 2026 special rates and that the 3.8% total increase began with the first full pay period of 2026.
Status and completion: By late January 2026, affected law enforcement personnel had begun receiving the combined 3.8% increase, consistent with the President’s plan and OPM implementation. Official OPM guidance and subsequent coverage from reputable outlets corroborate the completion for the targeted group.
Reliability and context: The claims are grounded in official OPM material (2026 Special Rates guidance) and corroborated by established outlets (GovExec, FEDweek). The sources align on dates, eligible categories, and the deployment mechanism, supporting a robust conclusion of completion for the described group.
Follow-up: Monitor for any expansions or adjustments to covered categories, rate caps, or retention outcomes related to the 3.8% package. Follow-up date: 2026-02-28.
Update · Jan 28, 2026, 10:36 AMcomplete
Claim restatement: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, aligning with a 3.8 percent total increase for 2026. Evidence of progress: OPM published 2026 guidance indicating use of 5 U.S.C. 5305/5304a authorities after agency consultation, with the plan to implement enhanced pay for defined law enforcement categories. In January 2026, reports confirmed new special salary rates and a 3.8 percent package taking effect January 11, 2026, alongside published pay tables. The scope includes multiple agencies and positions identified by OPM as eligible.
Status: The pay increase for frontline law enforcement personnel, described as an additional 2.8 percent on top of a 1 percent base increase to total 3.8 percent, appears to have been implemented with January 2026 effective dates and published tables. This aligns with the completion condition of implementing the special salary rates and delivering the pay increase for affected employees.
Reliability: Primary governance comes from OPM’s official policy page, with corroboration from Federal News Network coverage that enumerates eligible positions and confirms the 3.8 percent package and January 2026 implementation. No credible public source indicates reversal or cancellation as of now.
Dates and milestones: OPM anticipated finalizing rate tables by year-end 2025 with a tentative January 11, 2026 effective date. The January 2026 implementation and availability of
LE pay tables mark the concrete milestone for completion.
Notes on sources: The strongest sources are the OPM official “2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel” page and Federal News Network’s January 2026 reporting; both are reputable and directly reflect the policy and its implementation.
Update · Jan 28, 2026, 08:18 AMcomplete
Restated claim and finding: The article claimed that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel. Public records show that OPM moved to implement this mechanism as part of the President’s 2026 pay plan, with the total effect for eligible law enforcement personnel envisioned as a 3.8% package (1% base increase plus an approximately 2.8% additional boost). This aligns with the Administration’s Alternative Pay Plan communications from August 2025 and subsequent OPM guidance.
Evidence of progress and milestones: In late 2025, OPM published guidance and FAQs describing how the special salary rate authority would be used to raise pay for qualifying law enforcement categories after agency consultations, with a tentative January 11, 2026 effective date for the higher pay tables and an anticipated end-of-year release for official tables (OPM 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel; FAQ). Reports from early January 2026 indicate that the administration proceeded with the plan, implementing the special-rate increases for covered personnel as part of the 3.8% total raise (FedSmith, Jan 2026; FedWeek coverage and official FAQ).
Current status: The implementation has been executed for eligible groups, with OPM establishing the special rates under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530 to deliver the ~2.8% supplemental pay for frontline law enforcement, subject to the Executive Schedule cap. Some outlets explicitly note the outcome as a 3.8% total increase in January 2026 for covered personnel, consistent with the plan described in the administration communications (OPM FAQ; FedSmith Jan 2026).
Reliability and sources: The core verification comes from the authoritative OPM policy page on 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel and its FAQs, which detail how the rates are set, the consultation process with agencies, and the tentative January 2026 effective date. Secondary corroboration comes from reputable trade press coverage (FedSmith, FedWeek) reporting the 3.8% package and the implementation timeline. These sources present a consistent narrative with the president’s plan and subsequent guidance.
Dates and milestones: Announcement of the Alternative Pay Plan dates to August 28, 2025; guidance and FAQs published in late 2025; anticipated January 11, 2026 effectiveness for the base increase and special-rate tables finalized by year-end; actual reporting in early January 2026 of the applied 2.8% addition within the 3.8% package for eligible personnel. The process explicitly includes agency consultations to define eligible categories (OPM FAQ; 2026 Special Rates page).
Bottom-line assessment: Based on official OPM documentation and corroborating reporting, the claim that OPM would provide an additional ~2.8% pay increase to certain frontline law enforcement personnel has progressed to implementation as part of a 3.8% total pay raise in January 2026 for those covered categories, with pay tables and eligibility determined through the described consultation process.
Update · Jan 28, 2026, 04:15 AMcomplete
Claim restatement: The claim is that OPM would use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, complementing a broader pay raise.
Progress evidence: In 2025–2026 guidance, OPM outlined that for 2026, law enforcement personnel would receive a total increase of 3.8%, comprising a 1.0% across-the-board increase plus an additional approximately 2.8% under the special rate authority. OPM published official memoranda and policy pages confirming this structure and the targeted group of law enforcement positions.
Current status: The January 2026 pay adjustments memo (dated December 18, 2025) indicates the 3.8% total increase would be implemented in January 2026, with the 2.8% special-rate component explicitly designed to meet recruitment/retention goals for frontline LEOs. Subsequent OPM materials and 2026 guidance reinforce that the policy was enacted and the targeted increases were scheduled for January 2026.
Dates and milestones: Completion hinges on the January 2026 implementation date, with the formal memo and 2026 special rates pages confirming the arrangement. The memo explicitly states the expected total increase for eligible LEOs in January 2026 and aligns the 2.8% addition with the Trump administration’s Alternative Pay Plan framework. Official sources: OPM policy pages on 2026 special rates for law enforcement personnel; OPM memo on January 2026 pay adjustments.
Source reliability note: The key sources are U.S. Office of Personnel Management official pages and internal memos, which provides primary, government-issued confirmation of the policy and its implementation date. These are high-quality, nonpartisan government sources; coverage from trade outlets mirrors the same dates and figures, but the central facts originate from OPM documents.
Update · Jan 28, 2026, 02:17 AMcomplete
Restatement of the claim: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan.
Progress and evidence: OPM published FAQs and a policy page confirming use of 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530, subpart C to establish special rates for targeted law enforcement categories, with initial candidates including CBP, ICE, Secret Service, FBI, DEA, and U.S. Marshals. The agency indicated a tentative January 11, 2026 effective date for the new rates and the corresponding pay tables were prepared for implementation with the general 2026 pay adjustments.
Current status and milestones: Reports indicate the law enforcement pay tables reflecting the 2.8% increase were released, aligning with the 1% base GS increase and locality-pay freeze in 2026. The rollout was described as taking place concurrent with the first full pay period of January 2026, subject to existing pay caps at
Executive Schedule level IV.
Source reliability and context: The primary sources are OPM’s official 2026 Special Rates page and a related GovDelivery FAQ. Independent coverage from Government Executive and Federal News Network corroborates the timeline and the targeted categories, providing a cross-checked view of implementation and incentives for recruitment and retention.
Overall assessment: The claim moved from planning to active policy deployment, with documented use of special salary rates and identified eligible roles, and published pay tables supporting the approximately 2.8% increase for frontline law enforcement personnel employed under the specified authorities.
Update · Jan 28, 2026, 12:45 AMin_progress
The claim states that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel. Official OPM materials confirm that, under President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan, OPM will employ special salary rates (5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530, subpart C) to target recruitment and retention for designated law enforcement categories, with a projected additional increase around 2.8% to align with the military pay rise.
Evidence of progress shows OPM publishing guidance and FAQs for 2026, including a document titled 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel and a Frequently Asked Questions section that describes the mechanism, eligible categories, and the anticipated effective date. The guidance notes that final eligible categories will be determined after agency consultations, starting with a broad set of law enforcement positions across DHS, DOJ, and related agencies.
There is evidence that a formal implementation process is under way, with the FAQ indicating a tentative effective date of January 11, 2026 for the base 1% GS increase and the accompanying special-rate pay adjustments for eligible law enforcement personnel. OPM’s materials emphasize that eligibility and exact rate tables would be finalized after agency consultations and approvals.
As of late January 2026, there is no public confirmation that all targeted frontline law enforcement personnel have received the 2.8% increase across all eligible categories. The process remains contingent on final rate table publication and agency-specific determinations of eligibility, with ongoing communications to agencies and the public.
Source reliability: OPM’s official policy page is the primary source outlining the plan, scope, and process. Secondary coverage from FEDweek and industry outlets corroborates the sequence (guidance release, consultations, and anticipated January 2026 effective timing). The materials present clear incentives for recruitment/retention tied to law enforcement priorities and border/security objectives, consistent with the administration’s stated goals.
Update · Jan 28, 2026, 12:01 AMcomplete
Restated claim: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan.
Progress and evidence: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) published guidance in 2025–2026 outlining the implementation of a 2.8% supplemental pay raise for eligible law enforcement personnel, leading to a total 3.8% pay increase for covered positions starting with the first full pay period of 2026. The implementation was finalized in January 2026, per OPM guidance and subsequent reporting from Government Executive, which cites a Dec. 31 memo and a Jan. 2026 finalization.
Current status and milestones: As of January 2026, OPM has established the special pay rate tables and announced the covered categories (e.g., CBP, DHS enforcement components, FBI, DEA, U.S. Marshals, Secret Service, BOP, Park Police, among others) with a total 3.8% increase for eligible personnel. The 1% base General Schedule increase for most federal employees accompanies this in 2026, with the additional 2.8% delivered via the special rate authority. The pay tables and FAQs were publicly posted by OPM and summarized by major outlets.
Source reliability and incentives: Primary evidence comes from OPM’s own 2026 special rates materials and FAQs, complemented by reporting from Government Executive confirming the finalization and the 3.8% total increase. This aligns with the Installment of the President’s Alternative Pay Plan and the executive order framework directing OPM to use special authorities to support mission-critical law enforcement recruitment and retention. Overall, the coverage and dates are consistent across official guidance and reputable trade coverage.
Update · Jan 27, 2026, 08:50 PMcomplete
Claim restatement: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, aligned with the 3.8 percent military pay raise.
Evidence of progress: Official OPM guidance and 2026 special-rate publications confirm use of special pay authorities to deliver the 2.8 percent increase as part of a 3.8 percent package for qualified law enforcement positions; reporting corroborates finalization and rollout for 2026.
Current status: The targeted pay increase for qualifying frontline law enforcement personnel is implemented as part of the 3.8 percent raise beginning in early 2026, with implementation details published by OPM and covered by reputable outlets.
Milestones and reliability: Primary sources include the OPM 2026 special rates page and the accompanying government communications; secondary coverage from GovExec and FedWeek confirms finalization and timing. These sources collectively indicate completion of the stated promise, subject to occupation-specific eligibility and agency implementation details.
Update · Jan 27, 2026, 06:53 PMcomplete
Claim restatement: The article claimed that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, aiming to improve recruitment and retention.
Evidence of progress: In late December 2025, OPM signaled that, under the Alternative Pay Plan, it would implement a special pay rate to deliver the extra 2.8% for targeted law enforcement roles. By January 2026, reporting confirmed that OPM finalized plans to grant federal law enforcement a total 3.8% across-the-board raise starting with the first full pay period of 2026, with the 2.8% supplemental raise embedded in the new special rate (subject to the 2026 pay cap).
Completion status: The 2.8% supplement was enacted via a new special pay rate, with affected employees receiving the total 3.8% raise for 2026, marking completion of the promised adjustment for the specified personnel. The pathway from the December memo to the January 2026 pay action is corroborated by official OPM communications and independent reporting.
Dates and milestones: December 31, 2025 – OPM memo announcing the creation of a special pay rate to provide the 2.8% supplement; January 2026 – first full pay period with the 3.8% total increase for covered law enforcement personnel.
Reliability of sources: The primary confirmation comes from OPM’s official release and policy notes, with independent corroboration from Government Executive reporting on Kupor’s memo and the January 2026 implementation.
Overall assessment: The claim progressed from stated intent to implemented policy with actual pay actions in 2026; the status is complete.
Update · Jan 27, 2026, 04:09 PMcomplete
Claim restated: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan. Evidence shows progress toward implementation and a defined framework for the pay rise. By January 2026, OPM had released the 2026 special rate tables and published guidance detailing coverage, signaling the implementation phase for the targeted groups.
Update · Jan 27, 2026, 02:11 PMcomplete
Claim restated: The OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, on top of a 1 percent base pay increase, as part of the President’s Alternative Pay Plan.
Evidence of progress: In August 2025, the President issued an Alternative Pay Plan directing a 1 percent base increase and no locality pay changes for 2026, while directing OPM to implement an additional approximately 2.8 percent for certain law enforcement personnel. OPM followed with formal guidance in September 2025 and January 2026 pay tables and related material. FEDweek’s January 2026 summary confirms that 2026 pay tables include a 1.0 percent GS base increase and a separate 2.8 percent special-rate increase for covered law enforcement, totaling 3.8 percent for those employees.
Status of completion: OPM has posted the 2026 salary tables and issued the accompanying FAQs and guidance. Agencies began applying the new special-rate tables in January 2026, with eligible law enforcement personnel receiving the additional 2.8 percent as part of the overall 3.8 percent package, in line with the President’s plan. This indicates completion of the stated condition for the law enforcement portion.
Dates and milestones: January 11, 2026 was the tentative effective date for the first pay period after the base increase; the 2026 salary tables and special-rate guidance were published prior to and around that date. The FAQ and subsequent FEDweek summary confirm the 1% base increase plus 2.8% special-rate increase for eligible law enforcement, for a total of 3.8% for those categories.
Source reliability note: The claim is supported by official OPM materials (2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel page and accompanying FAQ) and reporting from FEDweek summarizing the January 2026 pay tables. Cross-referenced coverage from multiple reputable outlets aligns with the OPM guidance and the stated implementation timeline.
Update · Jan 27, 2026, 12:10 PMcomplete
Summary of the claim: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) intended to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, atop a 1% GS base increase, aligning with the 3.8% planned military raise. This action was framed as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan to recruit and retain frontline law enforcement tied to public safety goals. The claim is grounded in OPM’s announcements and subsequent reporting in trade press and government outlets.
Evidence of progress: In August–September 2025, OPM outlined that it would implement the extra 2.8% via its special salary rate authority under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530, subpart C, with consultations to determine eligible categories. OPM indicated that pay tables for these special rates would be issued by the end of 2025, with a tentative effective date of January 11, 2026 (the same date as the base pay increase for GS employees) and initial coverage expanding to identified front-line law enforcement positions. Source materials include the OPM FAQ on 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel and coverage by FedSmith and GovExec.
Status on completion: By January 2026, the first full pay period for 2026 included the General Schedule increase, and OPM’s framework for the law enforcement special rates had been in motion with preparatory pay tables and consultations. Reports and bulletins referenced to January 2026 indicate that eligible law enforcement categories would receive the supplemental 2.8% via the special rate authority, in line with the administration’s plan. While final, agency-specific tables and eligibility lists may have involved ongoing adjustments, the core mechanism and intended payoff appear to have moved into effect for affected personnel by January 2026.
Dates and milestones: The policy rollout built toward an effective date of January 11, 2026, for the base GS raise and the law enforcement supplement. Key sources include OPM’s 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel page and the accompanying FAQ, plus contemporaneous reporting from FedSmith and Government Executive describing the targeted 3.8% total for eligible law enforcement and highlighting the caps that may constrain the ultimate increase.
Source reliability note: The central claim derives from the official OPM policy page and its FAQ, which provide the authoritative framework for the special-rate mechanism and intended effective date. Reputable secondary coverage (FedSmith, GovExec) corroborates the 3.8% target as the combined impact for eligible law enforcement officers and highlights the alignment with the 2026 military pay raise. No credible outlets have contested the existence or mechanism of this plan, though final eligibility and table specifics may have evolved as agencies finalized coverage.
Update · Jan 27, 2026, 10:15 AMcomplete
Restated claim: OPM planned to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for frontline law enforcement personnel, on top of a 1 percent General Schedule increase, totaling about 3.8 percent in January 2026. The agency stated this would support recruitment and retention for those duties and align with the administration’s public safety priorities.
Evidence of progress: OPM published detailed information confirming the use of its special salary rate authority under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530, subpart C, to raise pay for identified law enforcement personnel after agency consultations, with an anticipated effective date around January 11, 2026. The agency’s 2026 Special Rates materials and related FAQs explicitly describe the 1.0% GS increase plus an additional ~2.8% for covered LEO categories, and provide the process for establishing final coverage and rates.
Current status and milestones: By late January 2026, OPM had moved from planning to deployment, with special rate tables and guidance indicating the targeted 3.8% total increase for eligible frontline law enforcement personnel in January 2026, subject to statutory rate caps. The availability of 2026 Special Rates tables (e.g., for law enforcement rates) and January 2026 pay adjustments documentation confirms implementation for covered categories. Complete implementation may still involve finalizing coverage lists across agencies, but the core adjustment appears in effect for eligible personnel.
Reliability note: Sources include the U.S. Office of Personnel Management’s official 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel page and its January 2026 pay adjustments FAQ, which provide explicit details on authority, timing, and coverage. These primary government documents are consistent with the claim and reflect the administration’s stated pay plan and its execution timeline.
Update · Jan 27, 2026, 08:02 AMcomplete
The claim states that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of President Trump’s pay plan. Public-facing OPM materials confirm the plan to implement a 2.8% special-rate increase for eligible law enforcement personnel, paired with a 1% General Schedule base increase, effectively aligning total increases with the administration’s broader 2026 pay strategy (OPM 2026 Special Rates FAQ; OPM news release page). In addition, OPM’s 2026 Special Rates page describes the use of special salary rates under 5 U.S.C. 5305 to support recruitment and retention for front-line law enforcement categories (OPM 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel). Evidence from late 2025 and early 2026 shows progress toward the claim: the President announced an Alternative Pay Plan in August 2025, directing a 1% base increase and leveraging special authorities to provide roughly a 2.8% uplift for covered law enforcement staff, with a tentative January 11, 2026 effective date for the special rates (content.govdelivery.com; FedWeek summary). Reports and coverage in January 2026 indicate that OPM finalized or implemented the combined 3.8% package for many frontline law enforcement personnel, with the 2.8% special-rate component implemented as part of the overall pay adjustment (GovExec, FedSmith, Federal News Network coverage). The available materials list the eligible categories and note that the special-rate tables would become effective in January 2026, with ongoing agency consultations to finalize coverage, consistent with the claim’s scope (OPM FAQ page; 2026 Special Rates page). Progress toward completion appears to be sustained through early January 2026, with implementation of the pay increase for eligible law enforcement personnel as described in the administration’s plan. The evidence suggests the policy reached the point of actual pay adjustments for affected employees, aligning with the stated completion condition that affected law enforcement employees receive the additional ~2.8% pay increase (GovExec Jan. 8, 2026; FedWeek Dec. 2025 guidance). While some outlets initially framed the package as a combination (1% base + 2.8% special rate) totaling 3.8%, the core point remains that the targeted law enforcement tiers received the intended uplift as of January 2026. Source reliability is high for the policy language (OPM pages and official briefings) and corroborated by multiple reputable outlets reporting on the implementation (GovExec, FedWeek, FedSmith; 2026 Special Rates FAQ).
Scheduled follow-up · Jan 27, 2026
Update · Jan 27, 2026, 04:22 AMcomplete
Restated claim: The article asserts that OPM would use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, aligning their pay with a planned 3.8% total increase. Evidence of intent appears in OPM guidance connected to President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan, including references to 2.8% via special rates. The claim specifically targets recruitment and retention of front-line law enforcement tied to border security and public safety priorities.
Progress and evidence: OPM’s 2026 Special Rates guidance explicitly says it will use its special salary rate authority to increase pay for eligible law enforcement personnel by about 2.8%, with a tentative effective date of January 11, 2026, and a target to align with the 3.8% military pay raise (OPM FAQ on 2026 special rates). News coverage and official updates in early January 2026 indicate OPM finalized the mechanism and began applying the higher rates as part of the 2026 pay actions for eligible positions (GovExec Jan 2026; FedSmith Jan 2026).
Status and milestones: By January 2026, OPM had finalized the plan and implemented the 3.8% total pay increase for covered law enforcement personnel through a new special pay rate, subject to pay caps, effective with the first full pay period of 2026. Covered agencies and categories were identified in agency-specific guidance, with a dynamic process for adding eligible jobs. This represents completion of the stated completion condition for the policy mechanism, though actual coverage depends on agency implementations and caps.
Reliability and sources: The core claim is grounded in an official OPM page detailing 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel and a December 31, 2025 memo outlining implementation and coverage. Independent reporting from Government Executive and Federal News Network corroborates the finalization and implementation of the 3.8% total raise via a special rate for law enforcement. Overall, sources are high-quality and consistent about the policy’s execution and scope.
Update · Jan 27, 2026, 03:15 AMcomplete
Restated claim: OPM would use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, totaling about 3.8 percent with the base raise. Evidence of progress: OPM issued guidance and FAQs detailing the use of special salary rates under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5304a to increase pay for eligible law enforcement personnel, with a tentative effective date of January 11, 2026 and initial consultations with agencies. Completion status: The pay increase was implemented for January 2026 for eligible positions, with special-rate tables (L-series) published to reflect the 3.8 percent package; coverage may vary by agency and final eligible categories. Dates and milestones: Key actions occurred in late 2025 (guidance) and January 2026 (implementation) per OPM and reporting outlets; sources include OPM pages and government/industry coverage. Source reliability: High-quality sources (OPM official pages, GovExec, FedSmith) provide corroborating details on implementation and scope.
Update · Jan 27, 2026, 12:52 AMin_progress
Claim restatement: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, in line with the President’s Alternative Pay Plan. The imputed goal is to support recruitment, retention, and public safety.
Evidence of progress: The OPM page for 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel details that the President directed use of special salary rate authority to provide the 2.8% increase, with a tentative effective date of January 11, 2026, and that OPM would consult with agencies to identify eligible categories. An accompanying FAQ explains how the rates would be implemented and who might be covered (initially categories across DHS, DOJ components, Secret Service, BOP, FBI, DEA, USMS, Park Police, and others) and notes that rates would be subject to existing salary caps.
Status assessment: As of 2026-01-26, the plan and implementing framework were in motion, with guidance and FAQs published and rate tables anticipated by year-end 2025 and a tentative January 2026 effective date. Several outlets summarized the plan and its context, but there is no explicit, universally-corroborated statement that all targeted employees have already received the 2.8% increase; the process appears ongoing and contingent on agency consultations and final rate approvals (i.e., in_progress).
Milestones and dates: Key milestones include the President’s August 2025 directive, OPM’s September 2025 FAQs outlining implementation, and the tentative January 11, 2026 date for the new special rates to take effect with General Schedule adjustments. The final list of eligible job categories was to be established through agency consultations, with rate tables released after approval. These milestones align with a broader 2026 pay-adjustment plan that mirrors the military pay increase.
Source reliability note: The primary official source is OPM’s 2026 Special Rates page and its FAQ, which provide the official mechanism, categories, and timelines. Independent reporting (GovExec, Federal benefit outlets) corroborates the plan and timelines but does not confirm full, nationwide post-date implementation by late January 2026. Given the official nature of the policy, OPM’s materials are the most authoritative for status judgments.
Update · Jan 26, 2026, 10:31 PMcomplete
Summary of the claim: The article stated that OPM would use its special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, in support of recruitment, retention, and public safety.
Progress evidence: In 2025–2026, OPM announced and published the 2026 special rates for law enforcement personnel, incorporating the pay adjustments directed under the President’s Alternative Pay Plan. The 2026 tables show special base rates for law enforcement officers (LEOs) with the first applicable pay period beginning after 01/01/2026, effectively combining the 1.0% General Schedule increase with additional LEO supplements. See OPM pages on 2026 Special Rates for Law Enforcement and related memos/FAQs (OPM.gov; 2025–2026 publications).
Status of completion: Implementation appears completed by January 2026, with the special rate tables in effect for covered LEOs starting the first pay period after 01/01/2026. External coverage corroborates that certain LEOs received an additional pay bump aligned with the plan, separate from the standard GS increase.
Notes on reliability: Primary sources are OPM’s official 2026 Special Rates pages and related memos, which are authoritative for pay adjustments. Secondary reporting (FedExec, FedSmith) summarizes the policy and its expected impact but should be read as context rather than as substitute for the official tables. The coverage aligns with the claim’s core elements (special-rate-based increase for frontline LEOs) and the Jan 2026 effective date.
Update · Jan 26, 2026, 08:15 PMin_progress
Claim restatement: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan.
Evidence of progress: Official OPM guidance describes the plan to use special salary rates (5 U.S.C. 5305; 5 CFR 530, subpart C) after agency consultations, with a tentative January 11, 2026, effective date for the base pay adjustment and anticipated release of the special rate tables following consultations. The FAQs enumerate eligible categories and the consultation process, indicating concrete steps toward implementation were underway by late 2025.
Current status: Public records as of 2026-01-26 show the policy framework and timelines but do not confirm final approvals or payments to eligible employees. Completion hinges on final rate-table issuance and payroll actions, so the claim remains in_progress.
Milestones and reliability: Key milestones include the August 2025 Alternative Pay Plan directive, late-2025/early-2026 rate-table development, and the January 2026 tentative effective date. Primary sourcing is official OPM material (policy guidance, FAQs), with secondary media reflecting the reported figure; reliance on agency consultations introduces potential changes before final implementation.
Update · Jan 26, 2026, 06:27 PMcomplete
Claim restatement: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for frontline law enforcement personnel, in addition to a 1% base increase, under the President's Alternative Pay Plan.
Progress evidence: OPM announced in 2025 guidance that law enforcement special rates would be implemented with a January 2026 effective date, producing a total 3.8% increase for covered personnel. The agency published the 2026 Special Rates table and related FAQs outlining the implementation and eligible categories.
Current status: The special rate tables and FAQs indicate that the 2.8% add-on was authorized and set to apply to defined law enforcement categories and locations starting January 2026, subject to statutory rate caps. Independent outlets and official summaries corroborate the January 2026 implementation.
Reliability note: Sources include OPM’s official Special Rates pages (Table 0636), OPM.gov FAQs, and coverage from FedSmith and GovExec documenting the January 2026 pay adjustment for law enforcement. These reflect official agency guidance and subsequent reporting; no credible public statements indicate cancellation as of today.
Update · Jan 26, 2026, 04:02 PMcomplete
Claim restatement: The article claimed that OPM would use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan.
Progress evidence: In September 2025, OPM published guidance and FAQs detailing the law enforcement pay increases, including the use of 5 U.S.C. 5305 and related authorities to implement a separate special rate increase. OPM subsequently published the 2026 special rates page outlining the plan and the expected timing for tables and coverage, with a tentative January 11, 2026 effective date for the special rates alongside the base pay adjustments.
Current status: By January 2026, OPM finalized and began implementing the policy to provide a total pay increase for covered law enforcement personnel of 3.8 percent, consisting of a 1 percent base increase plus approximately 2.8 percent from the special-rate authority. The implementation is carried out via new special rate tables (L001–L133) aligned with GS grades and steps, subject to the statutory cap at
Executive Schedule level IV. Multiple outlets and official posts corroborate the January 2026 rollout and the 3.8 percent total increase, with coverage starting for the identified law enforcement categories.
Dates and milestones: August 28, 2025—President issues the Alternative Pay Plan directing a 1 percent base increase and special-law-enforcement pay increases; September 2, 2025—OPM issue FAQs clarifying implementation. January 11, 2026—tentative effective date for the new special rates; January 2026—finalized 3.8 percent pay raise for eligible law enforcement personnel (subject to the rate cap). The relevant sources include OPM’s 2026 Special Rates page, the accompanying FAQs, and coverage from FedSmith documenting the 3.8 percent implementation.
Source reliability note: The primary sources are OPM official pages (policy/FAQs) and a contemporaneous government communications bulletin, supplemented by independent coverage from FedSmith. These sources collectively provide the policy details, eligibility, and the realized January 2026 implementation, supporting a credible account of progress and completion. Given the official nature of the materials, the information is treated as authoritative for policy status and dates.
Update · Jan 26, 2026, 02:14 PMin_progress
The claim concerns OPM using special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan. Public facing guidance indicates OPM planned to deploy these special rates to support recruitment and retention, aligning the increase with the planned 3.8 percent military pay increase.
As of late December 2025 and into January 2026, OPM published guidance and FAQs detailing how the special-rate increases would be implemented under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and related authorities, with an anticipated tentative effective date of January 11, 2026 for the base adjustment and the special rate tables to be released by year-end 2025 after agency consultations.
Evidence suggests progress toward implementation but with conditions and sequencing: OPM notes that they would consult with affected agencies (e.g., DHS, DOJ, Interior), finalize eligible categories of law enforcement personnel, and release the special-rate tables, implying rollout began in early January 2026 and would apply to specified positions in participating agencies. Some outlets summarized the plan as a combined 3.8 percent package for certain law enforcement personnel, with the 2.8 percent as the eligible supplement to the base pay increase.
Reliable sources for this status include OPM’s 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel page and its
Frequently Asked Questions, along with contemporaneous coverage from policy/industry outlets noting the implementation trajectory. These sources emphasize the focus on frontline law enforcement categories and the potential cap implications under 5 U.S.C. 5305. Overall, the claim tracks with official guidance and has moved from announcement toward active implementation, though full category coverage and table deployment may still be subject to agency consultations and final approvals.
Update · Jan 26, 2026, 12:17 PMcomplete
Claim assessment: OPM planned to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional ~2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan. Evidence from official OPM materials confirms the plan and outlines that consultations would identify eligible categories, with a tentative effective date around January 11, 2026. The January 2026 pay adjustments memo reiterates the President’s directive and confirms implementation of the special-rate increases for qualifying personnel, subject to statutory caps where applicable. Overall, official sources indicate the targeted 2.8% increase moved toward implementation in early 2026, with ongoing agency consultations into coverage and caps; reliability rests on primary government documents.
Update · Jan 26, 2026, 10:36 AMin_progress
Restatement of the claim: The article states that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, aligning with the administration’s public safety priorities. Evidence of progress: In September 2025, OPM and the White House outlined an approach under President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan, including the use of 5 U.S.C. 5305 special salary rates to fund a ~2.8% increase for eligible law enforcement positions, with anticipated implementation in January 2026 and FAQs issued to guide agencies. Separate OPM materials and a 2026 special rates page reiterate that a 2.8% increase is to be delivered through these special rates, with initial consultations identifying eligible categories (e.g., CBP, ICE, Secret Service, FBI, and others). Milestones and reliability: The guidance specifies a tentative January 11, 2026 effective date for the base pay adjustments and notes that final eligibility and tables would be published by year-end 2025, subject to agency coordination and salary-cap constraints. Reliability note: The sources are official OPM communications and contemporaneous policy explainer materials; the information reflects planning and implementation steps rather than a finalized payroll confirmation across agencies.
Update · Jan 26, 2026, 08:03 AMcomplete
Claim restatement: The article asserts OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan.
Progress and evidence: OPM published a 2026 page on special rates for law enforcement personnel, detailing that OPM will use its special salary rate authority under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530, subpart C, after agency consultations. The OPM guidance, issued in late 2025, explicitly describes the 2.8% special-rate increment intended to accompany a 1% base pay increase, with a tentative effective date around January 11, 2026, and notes the special rates may be capped by the Executive Schedule maximum. Multiple summaries and government-focused outlets corroborated that the arrangement would yield a total pay increase in the vicinity of 3.8% for covered law enforcement personnel. See OPM 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel and the accompanying FAQ; GovDelivery guidance; and reporting from FedWeek/FedExec.
Current status and completion: As of January 25, 2026, the policy mechanism appears to be in effect: OPM’s FAQ states that the law enforcement special rates would be established and applied to eligible personnel, with the 3.8% total pay rise aligning with the President’s adjusted pay plan. Public-facing summaries indicate the targeted groups—initially including CBP, ICE, Secret Service, FBI, DEA, USMS, NPS law enforcement, and others—would receive the additional 2.8% via the special rate tables. While the official page describes ongoing consultations and final category determinations, multiple reputable outlets report that the January 2026 pay adjustments were implemented for covered personnel.
Dates and milestones: The Alternative Pay Plan was issued August 28, 2025, directing a 1% base increase and a freeze of locality pay, while authorizing use of special pay authorities to deliver about 2.8% more for frontline law enforcement. OPM anticipated issuing the special-rate tables by late 2025 with a tentative January 11, 2026 effective date for the general base rise, followed by the special-rate adjustments. By late January 2026, guidance and reporting indicate the 3.8% package was being applied to eligible law enforcement personnel, subject to the statutory cap on special rates.
Reliability and caveats: The core sources are official OPM communications (policy page and FAQ) and contemporaneous reporting from professional outlets (FedWeek, FedExec, and FedSmith) that synthesize the plan and its implementation. As with any policy transition, the precise category eligibility and any exceptions due to salary caps or cap levels (Executive Schedule level IV) warrant continued verification at the agency level. The reporting suggests a completed implementation for the covered groups, but final eligibility lists may be refined through ongoing agency consultations.
Bottom line: The claim is effectively complete for the initial set of frontline law enforcement personnel covered by the plan, with OPM having implemented the special-salary-rate mechanism to deliver about 2.8% additional pay, resulting in a total near 3.8% in January 2026 for eligible personnel. Official documentation and corroborating trade publications support completion and ongoing administration within statutory limits.
Update · Jan 26, 2026, 04:01 AMcomplete
Restatement of the claim: OPM intended to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, to aid recruitment and retention and support public safety.
Progress and evidence: In August 2025, President Trump directed OPM to use special pay authorities to provide an additional roughly 2.8% increase for law enforcement, aligning with a 3.8% military pay plan. OPM subsequently published guidance and FAQs confirming the plan to implement the law enforcement special rates, and to consult DHS, DOJ, and DOI on eligibility. The agency also released 2026 pay tables and guidance indicating the special-law-enforcement rates would be applied in January 2026 (with a 1% base increase for GS and related systems and the remaining adjustment via the special rates).
Current status and milestones: The 2026 pay changes, including the law enforcement special rates, were formalized in OPM guidance and FAQs published in September 2025 and December 2025, and the 2026 Federal Law Enforcement Pay Tables (rest of
U.S.) were published December 2025, illustrating the implementation of the special base rates for LEOs. The effective date for the base GS increase and the law enforcement special salary rates was January 2026, with tables showing the combined effect (approximately 2.8%) for eligible frontline personnel.
Completion assessment: Evidence from official OPM communications and 2026 pay tables indicates the policy was implemented and affected employees began receiving the pay adjustments in January 2026. The official OPM FAQ explicitly states the authority and expected increase, and the published pay tables corroborate the enacted rates for law enforcement personnel.
Reliability and caveats: Primary sources include the OPM News Release page detailing the Alternative Pay Plan and the September/December 2025 OPM FAQs and 2026 law enforcement pay tables. Secondary industry reporting (e.g., FEDweek) mirrors the official figures but should be weighed against the primary agency documents. Overall, sources converge on the conclusion that the 2.8% law enforcement pay uplift was implemented as part of the 2026 pay plan.
Follow-up note: For ongoing monitoring, check OPM’s 2026 pay tables by agency and the Office of Management and Budget/CHCO communications in early 2026 to confirm any eligibility changes or adjustments for specific
LE categories.
Update · Jan 26, 2026, 01:57 AMcomplete
Restated claim: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for frontline law enforcement personnel, to aid recruitment and retention. Progress and evidence: in August 2025, President Trump issued an Alternative Pay Plan directing a 1% base increase and instructing OPM to use other authorities to provide the 2.8% LE supplement, with accompanying FAQs published by OPM. Evidence that progress was made: by January 2026, OPM released specific special-rate tables implementing the 2.8% supplement for eligible law enforcement positions, with the tables and coverage guidance indicating the effective alignment with the broader 2026 pay adjustments. Reliability note: sources include primary OPM guidance and tables, supplemented by coverage from reputable policy outlets (GovExec, FedSmith).
Update · Jan 26, 2026, 12:07 AMcomplete
OPM publicly described the policy framework: after consulting with agencies, OPM would use special salary rate authority to apply an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for qualifying frontline law enforcement personnel, aligning with a 3.8% overall 2026 pay bump planned by the administration. The guidance frames this as addressing mission-critical recruitment and retention needs in law enforcement. The information originated from OPM’s 2026 Special Rates page and accompanying FAQs.
Update · Jan 25, 2026, 10:03 PMcomplete
Restated claim: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, resulting in a total 3.8 percent increase when combined with the base pay rise.
Progress evidence: OPM publicly outlined the plan in guidance and FAQs, confirming the use of 5 U.S.C. 5305/5304a special salary rates to grant an additional 2.8% for eligible law enforcement, in line with the 3.8% total increase. The agency indicated that pay tables would be released in January 2026, with a tentative effective date of January 11, 2026.
Current status: By January 2026, OPM posted the 2026 special rates and pay tables, with reporting indicating that eligible law enforcement personnel would receive a 3.8% total increase (1.0% base GS increase plus the 2.8% SSR) where applicable.
Milestones and dates: Key milestone was the January 11, 2026, effective date for the pay adjustments, followed by OPM posting the 2026 salary tables and SSR details. Subsequent coverage confirms implementation of the special rates for law enforcement categories as directed.
Source reliability and incentives: Primary confirmation comes from OPM’s official 2026 Special Rates page and accompanying FAQ, supplemented by FEDweek and Federal News Network reporting. The materials reflect policy incentives to recruit/retain frontline law enforcement aligned with border-security priorities and are consistent across reputable sources.
Update · Jan 25, 2026, 07:54 PMcomplete
Summary of the claim: The article stated that OPM would use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, aiming to aid recruitment and retention.
Progress evidence: OPM published 2026 guidance detailing the plan to implement a law-enforcement-specific pay raise using its special salary rate authority, with a tentative January 11, 2026 effective date for the new rates (part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan) and an anticipated 2.8% additional increase on top of the base 1% increase (total around 3.8% for eligible personnel) (OPM 2026 Special Rates page; FAQ). News reporting corroborated that the Administration moved to finalize and implement these special rates for law enforcement in January 2026 (FedSmith Jan 5, 2026; GovExec coverage of the plan in Sep 2025).
Current status and milestones: OPM formally finalized the 3.8% total pay raise for covered federal law enforcement personnel, with the implementation occurring in January 2026 via new special-rate tables (e.g., tables L001–L133) and specific job series listed in agency guidance. The 3.8% total includes 1% base pay adjustment plus ~2.8% additional pay under the special-rate authority, subject to the Executive Schedule cap, as described in OPM guidance and subsequent reporting (FedSmith Jan 5, 2026; OPM FAQ on special rates).
Reliability of sources: Primary source material from OPM’s own 2026 Special Rates page and its FAQ provides the official framework and timing, while contemporaneous reporting from FedSmith and Government Executive confirms the implementation and contextualizes the policy within the Administration’s pay plan. These sources are appropriate for evaluating federal pay actions and are not ideologically biased in this context.
Dates and milestones recap: August 28, 2025 – President issues Alternative Pay Plan; September 2025 – OPM outlines implementation approach; January 11, 2026 – tentative effective date for special-rate increases; January 2026 – actual implementation of 3.8% total pay raise for eligible law enforcement personnel. A complete pay-table rollout followed the guidance (OPM pages; FedSmith, GovExec coverage).
Bottom-line assessment: The claim’s predicted mechanism and the ~2.8% supplemental pay were implemented as part of a 3.8% total increase for designated frontline law enforcement personnel in January 2026, fulfilling the stated objective to support recruitment, retention, and public safety.
Update · Jan 25, 2026, 06:30 PMin_progress
Restated claim: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, in line with President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan. Evidence shows OPM publicly detailing 2026 special rates for law enforcement and an accompanying FAQ that explains the mechanism and eligibility. The agency indicates the special rates are to address recruitment/retention needs and align with a 3.8% military pay raise framework, with initial consultations and a tentative January 11, 2026, implementation date for the base increase to law enforcement pay.
Progress to date: OPM published the 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel page describing the use of 5 U.S.C. 5305/5304 authorities to increase pay for eligible law enforcement employees. The accompanying FAQ explicitly notes that OPM will establish special rates after agency consultations and that the tentative effective date for the General Schedule base pay increase is January 11, 2026. External coverage from FedWeek/FedSmith aligns with a targeted 2.8% increase for covered groups, coordinated to mirror the planned 3.8% military raise.
Status: The policy framework and rate tables exist in official sources, but final coverage decisions await agency consultations and formal approval. As of 2026-01-25, implementation is underway or imminent for eligible personnel, though complete universal applicability depends on final determinations. Reliability rests on OPM’s own materials; secondary outlets corroborate the trajectory but are not primary confirmations.
Dates and milestones: August 2025 (Alternative Pay Plan); late 2025–early 2026 (guidance and FAQs); tentative January 11, 2026 (effective date for base pay increase). The special rates are subject to statutory caps and agency determinations on eligibility. Incentive framing emphasizes recruitment/retention for frontline law enforcement and alignment with the 3.8% military raise, reflecting policy incentives across federal pay.
Reliability note: Primary verification comes from OPM’s 2026 Special Rates page and the FAQs, which outline mechanism, eligibility, and timelines; ongoing agency consultations determine final coverage. Media coverage serves to contextualize the rollout but should be weighed against official documents.
Update · Jan 25, 2026, 03:59 PMcomplete
Claim restatement: OPM intended to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, aligning with President Trump’s pay plan.
Evidence of progress: OPM publicly described the mechanism (special salary rate authority under 5 U.S.C. 5305) and anticipated January 2026 implementation; the 2026 FAQs page confirms the approach, initial eligible categories, and the timing. Media and official summaries in late 2025 and early 2026 described the plan moving toward implementation, including the creation of special rate tables and an effective date in January 2026.
Status of completion: The completion condition—OPM implementing the special salary rate and affected law enforcement employees receiving the ~2.8% increase—appears fulfilled as of January 2026, with reports of new special rate tables and a 3.8% total package (1% base + ~2.8% special) entering the January 2026 pay cycle. Some variability may exist due to salary caps, but the policy action and mechanics were enacted.
Key milestones and dates: Official OPM materials indicated a tentative January 11, 2026 effective date for the special-rate tables; FedSmith and GovExec reports corroborate finalization and implementation in January 2026. These milestones align with the stated completion condition.
Source reliability: Primary sources include OPM’s 2026 Special Rates page and the accompanying FAQ; corroborating coverage from FedSmith and GovExec provides independent confirmation of rollout and impact. The combination supports a credible assessment of implementation.
Update · Jan 25, 2026, 01:59 PMin_progress
Restated claim: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, in line with President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan.
Progress evidence: The OPM 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel page explicitly states that OPM will use its special salary rate authority to increase pay for eligible law enforcement employees after consulting with affected agencies, with a tentative effective date of January 11, 2026 and anticipated release of the corresponding pay tables alongside the 2026 GS pay tables. A companion OPM FAQ reiterates the consultation process and the plan to establish specific rates for eligible categories.
Current status: As of January 25, 2026, official pay tables reflecting the special law enforcement rates and the exact eligibility categories have not been universally observed or published in a cross-agency payroll update. Industry reporting in September 2025 and subsequent OPM materials indicate the policy direction and framework, but do not confirm full, nationwide payroll deployment to affected employees by this date.
Dates and milestones: Key milestones cited by OPM include (a) anticipated January 2026 implementation of the higher law enforcement rates, (b) release of special rate tables in tandem with the 2026 General Schedule pay tables, and (c) agency consultations to define eligible categories (e.g., CBP, ICE, Secret Service, FBI, BOP, etc.). The formal, comprehensive payroll implementation may depend on agency-specific onboarding and payroll processing timelines.
Source reliability note: Primary sources are the Office of Personnel Management’s official pages (2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel; FAQs), which are authoritative for policy and implementation timelines. Secondary reporting from Federal News Network and similar outlets provided contemporary context on the plan, but did not confirm full execution by the current date. The analysis relies on official statements about intended steps and dates, flagged as tentative where appropriate.
Update · Jan 25, 2026, 12:05 PMcomplete
Restated claim: OPM would use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan. Progress evidence: In 2025–2026, OPM outlined a framework that included a 1% base pay increase and no locality pay change for 2026, while enabling an additional 2.8% for designated law enforcement categories via a special salary rate authority. Milestones and dates: OPM published the 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel guidance and finalized the higher rate in early January 2026, aligning with the military’s 2026 raise for eligible staff, totaling about 3.8%. Completion status: By January 2026, the higher pay rate was implemented for approved law enforcement categories through special rate tables; broader universality across agencies depended on agency-specific determinations of eligibility. Reliability: Information comes from OPM publications and reputable policy outlets (OPM.gov, GovExec, FedSmith, and FedNews/Content.gov delivery), which consistently describe the mechanism and implementation timeline. Follow-up note: If further verification is needed, monitoring OPM’s annual 2026 Special Rates guidance and agency-specific notices will confirm the final eligible categories and any adjustments.
Update · Jan 25, 2026, 10:18 AMin_progress
Claim restatement: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, aligning with the President’s Alternative Pay Plan. Evidence of progress: OPM's 2026 guidance and FAQ confirm use of special salary rate authority under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530, subpart C, following agency consultations, with an anticipated January 2026 base pay increase and provisional special-rate tables for eligible categories. Status: Final eligibility and specific implementation details depend on ongoing agency consultations; the full pay outcome will vary by category and locality and may hinge on final table adoption. Milestones and dates: Key milestone is the tentative January 11, 2026 effective date for base pay, plus the end-of-year release of special-rate tables after consultations. Source reliability and incentives: Information comes from OPM’s official site, the primary source for federal pay policy, with incentives framed around recruitment/retention and public safety priorities.
Update · Jan 25, 2026, 07:59 AMcomplete
Restated claim: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, aiming to support recruitment, retention, and public safety commitments.
Progress evidence: In 2025–2026, OPM laid out and then finalized a plan to raise federal law enforcement pay. Official guidance and memos indicate the agency planned an additional 2.8 percent pay increase for qualifying personnel, to be added on top of the standard 1 percent across-the-board raise, resulting in a total 3.8 percent increase for many law enforcement employees in January 2026 (subject to pay-scale caps). These steps were corroborated by OPM’s 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel page, the Sep 2025 govdelivery guidance, and subsequent January 2026 pay adjustments notification.
Progress status: The 2026 pay action was finalized, with reports stating a 3.8 percent total increase for many federal law enforcement personnel beginning in the first full pay period of 2026, effectively implementing the targeted 2.8 percent above baseline. This aligns with the policy described in the target article and related official communications. Multiple outlets (GovExec, FedSmith) summarized the finalization in early January 2026, while OPM’s own postings confirm the special rate framework and timing.
Milestones and reliability notes: Key dates include the 2025 Sep 2 OPM guidance on law enforcement pay, the OPM 2026 special rates page, and the Jan 2026 pay adjustments memo confirming the 3.8 percent total increase for eligible personnel. While some outlets frame the outcome in terms of the final 3.8 percent, the core policy was to provide the ~2.8 percent above baseline via special rate authority. Official sources (OPM pages and the January 2026 memo) are the most reliable for confirming completion; secondary outlets provide corroboration but should be cross-checked with OPM's final pay tables.
Reliability note: Official OPM materials and memos are used as the primary sources for the completion status; secondary outlets provide corroborating summaries of implementation and timing. The incentives for recruitment and retention are consistent with the stated policy goals and the alignment with the planned military pay increase for 2026.
Scheduled follow-up · Jan 25, 2026
Update · Jan 25, 2026, 03:57 AMcomplete
The claim states that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel. This was framed as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan to support recruitment, retention, and public safety. The underlying assertion hinges on the use of special salary rates to deliver part of a larger pay package for law enforcement employees.
Evidence of progress includes OPM's December 31, 2025 memo announcing the creation of a special pay rate for law enforcement positions and outlining that the 1 percent base increase would proceed with an additional 2.8 percent through special rates. The agency described this mechanism as necessary to address mission-critical recruitment and retention needs in enforcement roles across several federal agencies. This aligns with the administration’s plan to supplement the base raise with targeted pay enhancements (special rates).
By January 8, 2026, reporting indicates OPM finalized a 3.8 percent overall pay raise for covered federal law enforcement personnel, with the 2.8 percent added via the new special pay rate and the base 1 percent increase applying as scheduled. The final plan specifies that the special rate would bring eligible employees to a total of 3.8 percent beginning with the first full pay period of 2026, subject to salary caps. Covered categories include multiple agencies (e.g., DHS, DOJ, DOS, DOJ components, FBI, U.S. Marshals, Secret Service, Park Police, etc.), recognizing a broad cross-section of frontline law enforcement roles.
Sources include the OPM official page detailing the 2026 special rates and the Government Executive reporting that summarized the January 2026 finalization. The OPM materials provide the authoritative policy framework and covered categories, while the GovExec article confirms the recent executive action and provides context on implementation timing. Together, these sources support a factual, policy-driven conclusion without evident contradictions or misleading framing.
Update · Jan 25, 2026, 01:53 AMcomplete
Claim restatement: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline federal law enforcement personnel, as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan. Progress evidence: The 2026 OPM special rates page explicitly states the 2.8% increase will be provided via a special pay rate authority for eligible law enforcement personnel. Independent reporting in early January 2026 confirms that the 2.8% supplement is being implemented as part of the planned 3.8% total raise for law enforcement. Milestones and current status: By January 2026, OPM had outlined and moved toward finalizing the special-rate mechanism, with outlets noting the rollout of the 2.8% supplement and alignment with the military pay increase. Reliability notes: The primary source is OPM, a direct government agency, with corroboration from reputable policy and federal benefits outlets (GovExec, FedSmith). Overall assessment: The promise appears implemented for the targeted groups, aligning with the stated completion condition.
Update · Jan 25, 2026, 12:04 AMcomplete
Claim restatement: The article states OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan. Evidence shows this plan moved into implementation in early 2026, with official materials from OPM describing the 2026 special rates and the targeted 3.8% total raise for eligible roles.
What progress was made: OPM published a 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel page outlining the plan to use special salary rates under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and related regulations to provide the extra pay. A December 31, 2025 memo from OPM Director Kupor and January 2026 implementation announcements formalized the special-rate structure and the effective date. GovExec’s January 8, 2026 article corroborates the 2.8% supplemental rate as part of a 3.8% total raise for eligible personnel.
Status of completion: The completion condition—OPM implementing the special salary rate and affected employees receiving the ~2.8% pay increase—appears to be met, with the 3.8% total raise taking effect in January 2026 for covered frontline law enforcement positions. There is no indication of reversal as of late January 2026.
Notes on reliability: The claim is supported by official OPM documentation and contemporaneous reporting from a reputable trade publication, providing consistent details on mechanism, eligibility, and effective date. The coverage includes multiple agencies consistent with the administration’s stated priorities.
Context on incentives: The policy frames higher pay as addressing recruitment and retention for mission-critical law enforcement roles, aligning with security priorities and potential expansion to additional positions as agencies identify needs and pay caps.
Update · Jan 24, 2026, 10:01 PMcomplete
Claim restatement: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel to support recruitment and retention. Evidence of progress: OPM issued guidance and memos in late 2025–early 2026 confirming a plan to implement a 2.8% increase via a special rate, aligned with a 3.8% total pay raise for law enforcement (including a 1.0% across-the-board component) (OPM 2026 special rates; January 2026 memo). By January 2026, sources indicate the special rate authority was implemented as part of the 3.8% total increase for covered positions (GovExec, Jan 2026; FedSmith, Jan 2026). Completion status: affected law enforcement employees started receiving the combined increase in January 2026, fulfilling the completion condition of implementing the special rate and delivering the 2.8% (as part of the 3.8% total) boost (OPM memo; GovExec 2026). Relevant dates and milestones: the key actions occurred in September 2025 planning, with formal memos and implementation in January 2026; the 3.8% total raise is the concrete milestone documented by OPM and coverage-focused outlets (OPM.gov; GovExec; FedSmith). Reliability note: the reporting comes from official OPM communications and established policy outlets tracking federal pay adjustments, lending credibility to the sequence and outcome; some outlets frame the numbers differently but concur on the 3.8% total increase for targeted personnel.
Update · Jan 24, 2026, 07:54 PMcomplete
Claim restatement: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, layered on top of the base 1% increase for 2026. Evidence of progress: OPM issued guidance in late 2025 and updated FAQs outlining the use of 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530, subpart C to establish special rates for eligible law enforcement roles. Subsequent reporting confirms the plan was finalized and implemented, with a total 3.8% raise beginning in the first full pay period of 2026. Reliability of sources: The primary source is the OPM guidance page, complemented by reputable outlets such as Government Executive and FedWeek reporting on the finalization and covered job categories.
Update · Jan 24, 2026, 06:19 PMcomplete
Claim restatement: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, for a total around 3.8 percent in January 2026.
Progress and evidence: In late 2025, OPM circulated guidance and FAQs on the 2026 Alternative Pay Plan and the law enforcement special rate, signaling that a 2.8 percent supplemental increase would be implemented via a special salary rate after agency consultations. The OPM page on 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel detailed the approach and categories under consideration, with an expected tentative effective date of January 11, 2026. Independent reporting confirmed that OPM finalized the plan and, in early January 2026, announced a 3.8 percent total pay increase for covered law enforcement personnel, beginning with the first full pay period of 2026.
Current status: Affected federal law enforcement employees receive a 3.8 percent total pay increase (1 percent base nationwide raise plus approximately 2.8 percent via the special rate), subject to the Executive Schedule cap (level IV). The implementation is described as using special rates to address mission-critical recruitment and retention needs, with agencies identified to cover a broad set of law enforcement positions and the possibility of adding more later.
Progress vs. completion: The completion condition—OPM implements the special salary rate and affected employees receive the ~2.8 percent pay increase—appears to be met, given OPM’s memo and press coverage confirming the 3.8 percent package beginning in January 2026. The policy remains subject to rate caps and agency coverage decisions, but the core delivery has occurred.
Reliability note: Sources include the OPM official 2026 Special Rates page and FAQs, Government Executive reporting on OPM’s finalization, and coverage detailing the 3.8 percent package with the stated categories and caps, providing corroboration from multiple reputable outlets. These sources collectively reflect the administration’s stated incentives to recruit/retain frontline law enforcement by aligning pay with mission needs.
Update · Jan 24, 2026, 03:58 PMcomplete
The claim states that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel. Public documentation ties this intention to the Trump administration’s Alternative Pay Plan and OPM guidance on law enforcement special rates. Key sources indicate that the plan centers on a supplemental rate designed to address recruitment and retention needs for mission-critical officers.
Evidence of progress includes official OPM materials describing the mechanism: OPM’s 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel page explains that OPM will use its special salary rate authority under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530, subpart C, to increase pay for identified law enforcement positions after agency consultations, with initial coverage anticipated based on agency input. An accompanying 2026 FAQ describes which categories are eligible and the process for establishing the rates, with a tentative effective date around January 11, 2026. These materials were published in the lead-up to implementation.
By early January 2026, reporting confirmed that the policy progressed to implementation: GovExec coverage states that OPM finalized a 3.8 percent overall raise for federal law enforcement, comprising a 1 percent base increase for most feds plus the additional 2.8 percent via the special-pay-rate mechanism for select law enforcement personnel. The article notes the special-rate approach and lists the broad categories and agencies included, signaling completion of the promised mechanism.
The coverage also clarifies the structure and limits: the 3.8 percent total raise is subject to the federal pay cap (Executive Schedule level IV, about $197,200 in 2026) and relies on continuing agency consultations to determine the final eligible categories. The combination of a base increase and the targeted special rate aligns with the administration’s public-safety priorities and border security goals while addressing recruitment challenges in mission-critical positions.
Reliability notes: the core facts come from official OPM documentation and corroborating reporting from Government Executive, a veteran trade publication for federal workforce issues. Taken together, these sources present a coherent, nonpartisan account of the policy’s design, its implementation timeline, and its scope, though precise final eligibility lists may be updated as agencies finalize coverage.
Update · Jan 24, 2026, 02:01 PMcomplete
The claim states that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide roughly a 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan. Public material from OPM confirms this plan: the agency’s 2026 Special Rates page and a related FAQ indicate that OPM would use special salary rates under 5 U.S.C. 5305 to raise pay for targeted law enforcement categories, with an initial emphasis on recruitment and retention in front-line duties. The accompanying FAQ notes consultations with agencies and a tentative effective date tied to the General Schedule increase in January 2026. Collectively, these sources establish the policy direction and the mechanism for delivering the ~2.8% increment to eligible officers.
Update · Jan 24, 2026, 12:19 PMcomplete
Claim restatement: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for frontline law enforcement personnel, in line with President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan.
Evidence of progress: OPM announced in late 2025 that it would implement special rates under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530, subpart C to increase pay for eligible law enforcement positions, with a tentative effective date of January 11, 2026. The agency outlined which categories could be covered and how the rates would be set, culminating in official FAQs and CHCO/memo documents.
Status update: By January 2026, reporting indicated that the plan was finalized to grant a total 3.8% pay raise for covered personnel (1% base increase plus 2.8% via the special rate), effective with the first full pay period of 2026, subject to pay caps. Government outlets summarized that agencies would apply the new rates to mission-critical positions as part of the administration’s priorities.
Reliability note: The primary sources are official OPM postings and memos, corroborated by coverage from Government Executive. These sources provide concrete dates, eligible categories, and the final 3.8% total increase, supporting the completion assessment.
Conclusion: The claim is completed; OPM implemented the special pay rate and the 3.8% total increase for eligible frontline law enforcement personnel beginning in January 2026.
Update · Jan 24, 2026, 10:18 AMcomplete
Restated claim: OPM planned to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel.
Progress evidence: OPM published 2026 guidance describing the use of a special salary rate authority to deliver the extra 2.8% pay increase for eligible law enforcement positions, aligning with the 3.8% total raise benchmark and the administration’s pay plan.
Status update: Reports in early 2026 indicate the 3.8% total raise for covered law enforcement personnel was finalized and implemented in January 2026, consisting of the 1% across-the-board increase plus the ~2.8% special-rate increase.
Milestones and dates: Official OPM guidance appeared in late 2025 with rollout occurring in January 2026; subsequent reporting confirms the implementation and payout timing for January 2026.
Reliability note: The assessment relies on OPM’s official policy page and established federal policy outlets (GovExec, FedSmith), which consistently corroborate the policy’s completion and January 2026 rollout.
Update · Jan 24, 2026, 07:53 AMcomplete
Restated claim: OPM planned to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan. Evidence since late 2025 shows the pathway was implemented for the 2026 pay adjustments, with the 2.8% increase delivered through new special pay rate tables alongside the base 1% across-the-board raise.
Update · Jan 24, 2026, 04:26 AMcomplete
Restated claim: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan, with the aim of aiding recruitment and retention.
Progress and evidence: In late 2025, OPM outlined that it would use its special salary rate authority to deliver the supplemental 2.8% pay increase for eligible frontline law enforcement personnel, with a tentative effective date tied to the 2026 General Schedule raise. By early January 2026, reporting confirmed that OPM finalized plans to implement the combined 3.8% increase (1% baseline plus 2.8% special rate) for covered law enforcement staff, with the full raise set to begin in the first full pay period of 2026. The agency’s FAQ explicitly describes the 2.8% supplemental pay rate and the overall structure of the 3.8% total increase.
Status of completion: The implementation occurred as described, with the 3.8% total raise taking effect in January 2026 for eligible law enforcement personnel, including the creation of the special pay rate tables. This fulfills the stated completion condition that the special salary rate authority be implemented and affected employees receive the additional ~2.8% pay increase (as part of a 3.8% package).
Dates and milestones: President Trump’s guidance was operationalized via a December 31, 2025 memorandum and a January 2026 pay cycle in which the 3.8% total raise began for eligible personnel. OPM’s special rates were to be approved after agency consultation, with a tentative January 11, 2026 effective date for the base increase and accompanying special rates. GovExec coverage confirms the 3.8% total raise beginning with the first full pay period of 2026.
Source reliability note: The core facts come from the U.S. Office of Personnel Management’s 2026 Special Rates page (official government source) and contemporaneous reporting by Government Executive, which summarized OPM’s December memo and January implementation. These sources are consistent and provide explicit detail on the supplemental 2.8% rate and the total 3.8% package. Both sources acknowledge the policy’s alignment with recruitment/retention goals for mission-critical law enforcement positions.
Update · Jan 24, 2026, 02:43 AMcomplete
Restated claim: OPM would use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, atop a 1% base raise, totaling about 3.8% in January 2026. Evidence of progress: the August 2025 Alternative Pay Plan directed this approach, and OPM subsequently prepared FAQs and guidance outlining the implementation and eligible categories; by January 2026, agencies began applying the special-rate mechanism to deliver the total 3.8% increase for covered personnel, subject to the $197,200 cap. Milestones and scope: initial eligible positions include major federal law enforcement agencies (CBP, DHS components, FBI, U.S. Park Police, U.S. Secret Service, etc.), with the potential to add more positions as needed. Reliability: official OPM communications (FAQs and GovDelivery bulletin) and reporting by Government Executive and FedSmith corroborate the plan and its implementation timeline.
Update · Jan 24, 2026, 12:31 AMcomplete
What the claim stated: OPM planned to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan. Progress and evidence: OPM’s 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel page explains using 5 U.S.C. 5305 special salary rates to deliver the extra pay, with an anticipated effective date around January 11, 2026, and consultations with agencies. Public reporting in early January 2026 indicates the adjustment was implemented as part of a 3.8% total federal pay increase for covered law enforcement personnel. Reliability and context: The primary source is OPM’s official guidance, corroborated by GovExec and FedSmith coverage describing the mechanism and the combined pay package for eligible personnel.
Update · Jan 23, 2026, 10:40 PMcomplete
Restated claim: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, in support of recruitment, retention, and public safety.
Evidence of progress: In 2025, OPM outlined that it would use 5 U.S.C. 5305 special rates to implement the extra 2.8% for covered law enforcement personnel, aiming for a combined 3.8% increase with the January 2026 General Schedule adjustments (OPM FAQ and related memos). The OPM page on 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel states the plan to implement the 2.8% special rate with a tentative effective date in January 2026 and notes agency consultations to identify eligible categories. A contemporaneous report confirms the mechanism and the target total raise associated with January 2026 pay adjustments.
Progress against completion condition: The completion condition—OPM implements the special salary rate authority and affected employees receive the ~2.8% pay increase—appears to have been met for January 2026, as official materials describe the implementation of the special rates and the 3.8% total package. The timeline indicates January 2026 implementation, with final coverage determined after consultations. Primary sources: OPM.gov pages and FAQs; secondary corroboration from GovExec.
Reliability note: The primary sources are official OPM policy pages and guidance, which provide the authoritative account of amounts and dates. GovExec coverage corroborates the timeline. Readers should monitor for any adjustments to coverage or caps noted in the official materials.
Update · Jan 23, 2026, 08:15 PMcomplete
Claim restated: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan, to aid recruitment and retention.
Evidence of progress: OPM published 2026 guidance detailing the use of special salary rates under 5 U.S.C. 5305 to raise pay for certain law enforcement personnel, following the August 2025 Alternative Pay Plan. The agency’s FAQ and 2026 materials indicate consultations with agencies and a planned, phased implementation with a tentative January 11, 2026 effective date for the special rates, aligning with the base 1% increase and locality decisions (which were frozen). Key public communications explicitly describe a 2.8% supplemental rate designed to supplement the 1% base raise.
Status of completion: Multiple independent outlets and OPM communications confirm the completion of the policy move. By January 2026, reports and OPM memos describe the establishment of a special pay rate for eligible law enforcement positions and a total compensation change that includes a 3.8% total increase for covered employees (1% base plus 2.8% special rate), subject to pay caps. This matches the claim’s focus on the 2.8% supplemental component being implemented for frontline law enforcement.
Dates and milestones: The President’s August 2025 Alternative Pay Plan directed a 1% base increase for most federal workers and identified the 2.8% supplemental pay increase for law enforcement via special rates, with an effective date tied to January 2026 pay adjustments. OPM’s December 31, 2025 memo and January 2026 coverage outline the finalization and deployment of the special rate tables. These materials also list the agencies and job categories initially covered, and note the 197,200 annual cap on special rates.
Source reliability and caveats: Primary sources include OPM’s official 2026 Special Rates page and agency FAQs, supplemented by reporting from Government Executive (Jan 2026) and related outlets summarizing the implementation. While some coverage uses industry outlets, the core facts—OPM’s use of a special salary rate, the 2.8% supplemental rate, and the resulting 3.8% total raise for affected personnel—are anchored in official OPM communications and standard pay policy reporting. The scope of eligible categories may evolve as agencies propose additions; the initial coverage reflects the President’s plan and OPM action to implement it.
Update · Jan 23, 2026, 06:26 PMcomplete
Restated claim: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan.
Progress evidence: in 2025, President Trump announced an Alternative Pay Plan for January 2026 pay adjustments, including a 1% base increase and no locality pay change, and OPM outlined how it would apply its special salary rate authority to law enforcement personnel.
Completion evidence: by early January 2026, reporting from GovExec and FedSmith indicated the additional 2.8% pay increase would be implemented through special rate tables for eligible law enforcement personnel, bringing the total for these employees to about 3.8% when combined with the base increase.
Key milestones: August 28, 2025, the administration’s plan was announced; January 2026 saw the implementation of the 2.8% special-rate increase, via OPM’s authority under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530 subpart C.
Reliability and incentives: sources include OPM’s 2026 special rates page and contemporaneous coverage (GovExec, FedSmith), providing corroboration of the special-rate approach. The move aligns with workforce recruitment/retention goals and the administration’s public-safety priorities by delivering targeted pay increases through statutory authorities.
Update · Jan 23, 2026, 04:03 PMcomplete
Claim restatement: OPM planned to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan.
Progress evidence: OPM’s 2026 guidance and FAQs explicitly describe using special salary rates under 5 U.S.C. 5305 to deliver the extra pay, with an anticipated tentative effective date of January 11, 2026. Public statements specify the additional 2.8 percent is intended to supplement the base increase. Multiple outlets summarized that the plan aligned with a total 3.8 percent pay increase for covered, frontline law enforcement personnel (1% base plus 2.8% special rate).
Current status vs. completion: The policy was implemented in January 2026, with the 2.8% special pay increase in addition to the base raise, resulting in a 3.8% total increase for eligible personnel. The Special Rates tables and associated guidance were published by OPM, and coverage was expanded to identified law enforcement categories through agency consultations. Some outlets confirmed the final rollout took effect in January 2026.
Reliability notes: The primary source is the official OPM page on 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel, which directly documents the 2.8% special-rate increment and the 3.8% overall pay rise. Supporting reporting from GovExec and Fed-focused outlets corroborates the implementation timeline and the total pay increase. The analysis aligns with the stated incentives to recruit/retain frontline law enforcement as described in the Alternative Pay Plan.
Update · Jan 23, 2026, 02:12 PMcomplete
Restated claim: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of the President’s pay plan.
Evidence of progress: OPM published 2026 guidance indicating it would apply the special salary rate authority to eligible law enforcement staff after agency consultations, with a tentative January 2026 effective date for the special rates as part of the 3.8 percent total raise (OPM FAQ: 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel).
Status of completion: In January 2026, reporting indicates OPM finalized the 3.8 percent total raise for federal law enforcement, consisting of a 1% base increase plus the 2.8% special-rate increase, effective with the first full pay period of 2026 (GovExec reporting).
Dates and milestones: The special-rate plan followed an August 2025 Alternative Pay Plan; the 2.8% figure is tied to mission-critical recruitment/retention, with the pay cap limiting the magnitude of increases (OPM FAQ). The January 2026 pay period marks the concrete milestone for implementation.
Reliability of sources: Official OPM guidance and corroborating reporting (GovExec) support the mechanism and timeline, providing a reliable basis for the completion status.
Update · Jan 23, 2026, 12:19 PMcomplete
Restated claim: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline federal law enforcement personnel, aligned with the administration’s public safety priorities.
Evidence of progress: In August 2025, President Trump issued an alternative pay plan directing a 1% base federal pay raise with other authorities to address recruitment and retention. OPM and the administration subsequently detailed that an additional approximately 2.8% would be delivered via a special salary rate, bringing the total for affected law enforcement to about 3.8% in 2026 (subject to salary caps). The OPM 2026 Special Rates page and accompanying FAQs confirm the plan to implement the special rates after agency consultations, with an anticipated tentative effective date in January 2026. GovExec coverage corroborates the finalization and rollout for January 2026. (OPM 2026 Special Rates page and FAQs;
GovExec, Jan. 2026).
Status of completion: The claim appears completed. OPM finalized the 3.8% total raise for covered law enforcement personnel, effective with the first full pay period of January 2026, subject to the salary cap. The implementation followed agency consultations and a formal memorandum detailing the special-rate structure and eligible categories. (OPM FAQ; GovExec Jan. 2026).
Dates and milestones: August 28, 2025 – President issues Alternative Pay Plan; late 2025 – OPM begins consultations for coverage; January 2026 – special rate tables released and 3.8% total raise takes effect for eligible employees. The cap noted in 2026 (level IV of the Executive Schedule) may reduce increases for some positions. (OPM FAQ; GovExec article).
Update · Jan 23, 2026, 10:35 AMcomplete
Restated claim: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan. The aim is to aid recruitment, retention, and public safety commitments.
Evidence of progress: By late 2025, OPM signaled it would implement the 2.8 percent add-on via a special salary rate, with a tentative January 2026 effective date and agency consultations. An OPM memo described the mechanism, initial coverage, and the legal basis under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530, subpart C.
Current status: In January 2026, reporting indicates the policy produced a total 3.8 percent pay increase for eligible frontline law enforcement personnel (1.0 percent base raise plus the 2.8 percent special-rate enhancement), beginning with the first full pay period of 2026. Authorities listed include multiple federal law enforcement agencies; the maximum is subject to pay caps.
Milestones and reliability: Key milestones include the December 31, 2025 OPM memo and the January 2026 implementation, corroborated by official OPM materials and industry reporting. Sources consistently describe the policy as intended and executed for covered categories, with ongoing flexibility for additional eligible jobs.
Incentives and policy context: The augmentation aligns with the administration’s priorities on border security and public safety by addressing recruitment/retention pressures with targeted compensation. The combined 3.8 percent raise reflects both base and special-rate components, within statutory pay caps.
Update · Jan 23, 2026, 08:02 AMcomplete
Restatement of the claim: OPM intended to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of the administration’s pay plan. Evidence of progress: OPM published 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel confirming the use of 5 U.S.C. 5305/Special Rates to raise pay for eligible law enforcement positions after agency consultations. Independent reporting in early January 2026 documented that the initiative culminated in a total 3.8% raise for covered law enforcement employees through the special rate mechanism.
Update · Jan 23, 2026, 04:34 AMcomplete
The claim states that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an approximate 2.8% additional pay for certain frontline law enforcement personnel. Public documentation confirms that the 2026 pay plan includes an extra 2.8% via a special rate, in addition to a 1% General Schedule base increase, resulting in a combined 3.8% pay rise for covered employees. The authority cited relies on 5 U.S.C. 5305 and related CFR provisions to set targeted special rates for qualifying law enforcement categories.
OPM’s 2026 Special Rates page explains that the agency will implement the special salary rates after agency consultations and will publish rate tables with a tentative January 11, 2026, effective date for the base increase, with the special rates contributing the ~2.8% uplift. The initial coverage is expected to include multiple federal law enforcement entities (e.g., CBP, FBI, DEA, USMS, NPS), with final eligibility determined through agency consultations. This framework aligns with the President’s Alternative Pay Plan and broader pay guidance issued late in 2025.
Evidence of progress includes the published Frequently Asked Questions on OPM’s site outlining how the special rates will be applied and the expected timeline, plus corroborating reporting from policy and pay-news outlets that described the 3.8% total increase for many front-line officers in January 2026. Several reputable trade and policy outlets summarized the move as an implementation of a 2.8% special-rate boost layered on top of a 1% base hike. While individual eligibility can vary due to rate caps, the overall mechanism and intent are clearly published by OPM.
Milestones and dates to note include the August 2025 announcement of the Alternative Pay Plan, the August–September 2025 consultations with agencies, and the anticipated January 2026 pay adjustments. OPM’s FAQs specify a tentative $197,200 level IV Executive Schedule cap as a ceiling for some special rates, indicating the design accounts for fiscal constraints. Taken together, these items establish a concrete path from policy decision to enacted pay adjustments in early 2026.
Source reliability is high for the key claims: the official OPM page detailing 2026 special rates, plus corroborating coverage from government-policy outlets (e.g., GovExec, Federal News Network). These sources directly reflect the administration’s pay plan and the statutory mechanism used to enact targeted increases, reducing the likelihood of material misinformation. Overall, the claim is supported by primary government documentation and contemporary reporting on the implementation timeline.
Update · Jan 23, 2026, 02:36 AMcomplete
Claim restatement: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan. Progress evidence: OPM and the administration outlined the framework in 2025, including a 2025 FAQ and 2026 pay-adjustment material identifying eligible categories and the mechanism for the higher pay. Completion status: OPM approved and implemented the special rates in January 2026, delivering the additional 2.8% via a special rate table, with reports indicating a total 3.8% raise for affected personnel under the plan. Milestones and dates: Key milestones include August/September 2025 communications about the plan, formal OPM approval of the special rates, and January 2026 implementation (OPM CHCO memo; 2026 special rates page; GovExec and FedSmith coverage). Source reliability note: The analysis relies on official OPM documents (CHCO memo, 2026 special rates page) and corroborating reporting from GovExec and FedSmith; these sources consistently describe the policy and its implementation without reversing statements.
Update · Jan 23, 2026, 01:12 AMcomplete
Claim restatement: The article described OPM using special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan to support recruitment and retention.
Evidence of progress: An official OPM policy page for 2026 confirms the use of special pay authorities to award about 2.8% additional pay for specified law enforcement personnel, aligning with a planned 3.8% overall increase in 2026. Independent reporting in early January 2026 corroborates that the 3.8% total raise for federal law enforcement includes a 2.8% special-rate component.
Current status and milestones: OPM finalized the 3.8% law enforcement pay raise for January 2026, with the 2.8% piece delivered via a special salary rate mechanism. This represents the completion of the stated objective under the 2026 framework, subject to ongoing administration and eligibility rules for affected personnel.
Source reliability and caveats: The primary verification comes from OPM’s official 2026 special rates page and subsequent reports from GovExec and FedSmith noting the finalization of the increase. While press coverage confirms implementation, details on eligibility windows and affected roles are contained in OPM guidance and agency-specific notices, which should be consulted for precise applicability.
Update · Jan 22, 2026, 10:30 PMcomplete
Claim restatement: The article states that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan, to support recruitment, retention, and public safety.
Evidence of progress: OPM publicly issued guidance and FAQs in 2025–2026 describing the plan to implement a 2.8% supplemental increase via a special salary rate under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530. The 2026 special-rate tables were anticipated with a January 2026 effective date, and agency briefings followed. In early January 2026, reporting indicated that OPM finalized a 3.8% total raise for eligible law enforcement, comprising a 1% base increase plus the 2.8% special rate.
Status of completion: The Jan. 2026 coverage and pay-action announcements show that the special-rate mechanism was established and the combined 3.8% raise was set to begin with the first full pay period of 2026 for covered personnel. The list of eligible categories was described as initial and subject to agency consultations, with caps and coverage to be finalized by OPM. This indicates the completion condition—affected employees receiving the 2.8% supplement as part of the 3.8% package—has been achieved for those within the finalized scope.
Milestones and dates: August 28, 2025 (Alternative Pay Plan issuance) set the direction for an increased 1% base plus a 2.8% supplemental raise. December 31, 2025, OPM issued a memo describing the special-rate approach and eligible categories. January 8–12, 2026, press coverage and agency releases confirmed the implementation of the 3.8% pay raise starting in 2026, subject to pay caps (e.g., level IV of the Executive Schedule).
Source reliability and incentives: Primary source material comes from OPM’s official 2026 Special Rates page and the contemporaneous agency FAQs, supplemented by reputable outlets (GovExec) reporting the finalization and rollout. The incentives are clearly aligned with recruitment and retention for mission-critical law enforcement roles, within statutory pay-cap constraints. Given the explicit linkage to the administration’s priorities and the stated scope, the reporting presents a coherent, corroborated picture of progress to date.
Update · Jan 22, 2026, 08:17 PMcomplete
Claim restatement: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of the President’s Alternative Pay Plan. Evidence of progress: In late 2025, OPM published the 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel page and a companion FAQ, confirming use of special salary rate authority to raise pay for eligible frontline law enforcement employees by about 2.8% and outlining agency consultations on coverage. Completion status: By January 2026, OPM had announced the mechanism and process for implementing the pay increase, with tentative effective date aligned to the General Schedule base increase and final rates contingent on agency coverage decisions, indicating the change was moving toward implementation. Reliability: Official OPM sources – a news release and the 2026 Special Rates FAQ pages – provide direct policy and implementation details; final impacts depend on agency actions and any statutory caps noted in the guidance.
Update · Jan 22, 2026, 06:36 PMcomplete
The claim states that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel. Public documentation shows the plan stems from President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan and relies on OPM’s use of 5 U.S.C. 5305/5304a authorities to implement a supplemental rate, in addition to the base 1% increase for 2026.
OPM publicly outlined the mechanism and coverage through official pages and FAQs, indicating initial consultations with DHS, DOJ, and DOI to determine eligible categories and geographic coverage. The agency also noted these special rates would be set via special pay tables and subject to the federal pay cap, with a tentative effective date of January 11, 2026 for the base increase, and an accompanying 2.8% supplemental pay rate for qualifying law enforcement positions (totaling 3.8% for many affected employees) as part of the alternative plan.
By early January 2026, independent reporting confirmed that OPM finalized the 3.8% raise for federal law enforcement, with the additional 2.8% delivered through the new special pay rate and the 1% base increase applying to the general workforce. Government Executive’s coverage (Jan 8, 2026) specifies that the total 3.8% increase begins with the first full pay period of 2026 and lists covered agencies and positions.
The available sources indicate that the completion condition—OPM implementing the special salary rate and affected law enforcement employees receiving the additional ~2.8% pay increase (and thus a 3.8% total raise relative to 2025 levels)—has been met as of January 2026. The coverage includes major federal law enforcement bodies and related personnel, subject to the usual pay caps and agency-specific adjustments. Overall reliability is supported by OPM’s official postings and corroborating trade press (GovDelivery FAQ, OPM policy page, GovExec reporting).
If needed, follow-up on a future date could verify ongoing administration of the special rate tables, any adjustments to coverage, and the persistence of the 3.8% total raise in subsequent pay cycles. A concrete checkpoint could be set for 2026-02-01 to confirm no mid-cycle retractions and to capture any early implementation nuances reported by agencies.
Update · Jan 22, 2026, 04:06 PMcomplete
Claim restatement: The article suggested that OPM would use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel.
Progress evidence: OPM published 2026 guidance and rate tables describing a 2026 pay framework in which law enforcement personnel would receive a total 3.8% raise, consisting of a 1% base increase plus a 2.8% supplemental boost implemented through a special pay rate. Press reporting and agency notices corroborate that the 2.8% special rate is the mechanism used to deliver the 3.8% total for eligible front-line law enforcement staff starting in 2026.
Current status: By early January 2026, OPM finalized the 3.8% federal law enforcement pay raise for 2026, with the 2.8% component provided via a newly established special pay rate, aligning with the anticipated military pay increase and the president’s Alternative Pay Plan. Several reputable outlets and the OPM page itself confirm the finalization and implementation timeline (first full pay period of 2026).
Reliability note: Sources include OPM’s official 2026 special rates page and policy briefs, along with reporting from GovExec and industry outlets summarizing the final rule. These sources are primary for policy implementation and provide consistent dates and figures; no conflicting or unauthenticated information identified.
Update · Jan 22, 2026, 02:10 PMcomplete
Claim restated: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel as part of the President's Alternative Pay Plan. Evidence indicates OPM established and implemented a framework to deliver a total 3.8% increase for eligible law enforcement staff, consisting of a 1% base increase and a 2.8% supplemental increase via a special salary rate. The mechanism relies on OPM's special salary rate authority under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and related regulations, with agency consultations to identify eligible categories. Official OPM FAQs and CHCO communications dated 2025–2026 describe anticipated effective dates and coverage, including an expected tentative January 11, 2026, implementation for the base change and the special-rate component.
Update · Jan 22, 2026, 12:27 PMcomplete
Restated claim: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, yielding a total around 3.8% to align with the administration’s public safety goals.
Progress evidence: After the August 2025 Alternative Pay Plan, OPM confirmed via a December 31, 2025 memo that it would establish a special pay rate under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530 to implement the supplemental increase for eligible law enforcement staff, with an anticipated January 2026 effective date.
Current status and milestones: The policy framework and initial pay tables were prepared for January 2026 implementation, and reports indicate the 3.8% total raise began with the first full pay period of 2026 for eligible personnel, subject to pay caps. Agencies identified initial covered categories (e.g., CBP, DHS, DOJ, Secret Service, FBI, Park Police, etc.) and began applying the special rates as guidance rolled out.
Reliability note: The sources include OPM policy pages, a CHCO memo, and reporting from Government/industry outlets (e.g., GovExec), which consistently describe the mechanism, coverage, and rollout timeline. For exact agency rosters and current tables, consult the latest official OPM notices and pay rate tables.
Update · Jan 22, 2026, 10:46 AMcomplete
Claim restatement: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, in addition to the base pay adjustments, as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan. Evidence of progress: OPM published guidance in 2025 detailing the use of special salary rates under 5 U.S.C. 5305 to elevate pay for targeted law enforcement categories, with a tentative January 2026 effective date (OPM FAQ). Independent reporting confirms the timeline and mechanism, noting the 2.8% supplement is implemented via a special rate alongside the 3.8% base increase for 2026 (GovExec, FedSmith, January 2026). Current status and milestones: By January 2026, OPM had announced the implementation pathway for the law enforcement special rate and the alignment with the 3.8% base increase, targeting first full pay period of 2026 for qualifying personnel (OPM page; GovExec; FedSmith). Reliability note: Primary sources are OPM’s official policy pages and press updates; reporting from reputable outlets provides corroboration of the timeline and implementation details. Conclusion: For qualifying frontline law enforcement personnel, the 2.8% special rate appears to have been implemented in conjunction with the 3.8% base increase, subject to rate caps and agency determinations.
Update · Jan 22, 2026, 08:18 AMcomplete
The claim states that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel. Public-facing documents and reporting confirm that, as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan, OPM planned and then implemented a 3.8 percent overall pay increase for qualifying law enforcement staff in 2026, with 2.8 percent delivered via a special rate table. This structure aligns with the stated aim to support recruitment and retention in frontline roles through a targeted supplement.
Evidence of progress includes the August 2025 release of the 2026 Alternative Pay Plan and accompanying FAQs, which outlined the framework for a 1 percent base increase and no locality adjustments, while enabling a separate 2.8 percent supplement for specific law enforcement categories. In early January 2026, reporting from reputable outlets and OPM communications confirmed the finalization and rollout of the 3.8 percent package, implemented through new special rate tables for eligible personnel.
Regarding completion status, agencies began applying the 2026 pay package in the first full pay period of 2026, with multiple outlets noting the distinct 2.8 percent special-rate component designed to be additive to the base raise. The available official and professional coverage indicate the policy and implementation steps were completed, and affected employees received the targeted pay increase.
Concrete milestones include: (1) August 2025: OPM/Administration announces the Alternative Pay Plan; (2) Late 2025–January 2026: development and publication of special rate tables; (3) January 2026: implementation of the 3.8 percent package for eligible frontline law enforcement personnel. Collectively, these denote a completed and operational outcome per the policy as described in the claim.
Source reliability: primary OPM communications (policy announcements and bulletins) and established reporting outlets (GovExec, FedSmith) corroborate the timeline and mechanism (special rate tables) used to deliver the 2.8 percent supplement alongside the base pay. While coverage mirrors policy announcements, ongoing agency-specific eligibility determinations may affect future category expansions or adjustments. The sources used are consistent in documenting the implementation and its rationale.
Update · Jan 22, 2026, 04:13 AMcomplete
The claim stated that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel. Public records show that OPM prepared and implemented guidance to apply a 2.8% supplemental pay rate as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan. The measure is designed to support recruitment, retention, and public safety for those roles.
Evidence of progress includes December 2025 OPM communications outlining the implementation framework and January 2026 reporting confirming the special pay rate was in place for the targeted group. Several outlets described the resulting 3.8% total pay increase for eligible law enforcement personnel, with the 2.8% supplement on top of a 1% across-the-board raise for most federal employees.
Regarding completion, the pay adjustment appears to have been enacted for the 2026 pay cycle, with affected personnel receiving the additional 2.8% in the first full pay period of 2026. The structure—3.8% total for eligible personnel and 1% base for others—has been corroborated by government-focused policy coverage.
Reliability notes: sources include official OPM communications and reputable policy outlets (OPM policy pages, GovExec, FedSmith, ClearanceJobs). While eligibility and timing can vary by agency payroll processing, the core claim about a 2.8% special rate supplement and 3.8% total raise is consistently supported.
Update · Jan 22, 2026, 02:32 AMcomplete
Claim restated: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, aligning with the administration’s 3.8 percent pay rise for 2026. Primary OPM guidance confirms the mechanism and the targeted law enforcement categories, with a tentative January 11, 2026 effective date for the special rates. Government Executive reporting confirms the plan was finalized, with a total 3.8 percent raise for covered personnel in the first full pay period of 2026 and notes the cap and potential expansion of covered positions. Reliability: the claim is supported by OPM policy materials and corroborating coverage from reputable outlets; coverage of exact eligible categories may evolve as final determinations are made.
Update · Jan 22, 2026, 12:32 AMcomplete
Claim: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional ~2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, totaling ~3.8% in January 2026. Evidence of progress: OPM announced in December 2025 that it would implement the 2.8% supplemental rate under 5 U.S.C. 5305 with a tentative January 11, 2026 effective date, culminating in a 3.8% total raise for covered personnel in the first full pay period of 2026. Finalization and implementation: By January 2026, OPM finalized the special-pay-rate plan and agencies began applying the 3.8% increase to eligible law enforcement positions; coverage was determined through agency consultations and subject to the pay cap (OPM FAQs and 2026 Special Rates page; GovExec summary). Reliability notes: Reporting from OPM and reputable industry coverage corroborates the policy’s scope, timeline, and implementation, though initial coverage was refined through agency consultation.
Update · Jan 21, 2026, 11:13 PMcomplete
Claim restated: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of President Trump’s pay plan.
Progress and evidence: Official OPM materials confirm a 2026 framework for special rates and a final 3.8% total pay raise for certain federal law enforcement personnel, delivered as a 1% base increase plus a 2.8% supplemental boost via a special pay rate, effective with the first full pay period of 2026 (coverage verified by OPM pages and reporting from GovExec and FedSmith).
Status: The completion condition—OPM implementing the special salary rate and affected employees receiving the additional ~2.8% pay increase—has been satisfied, with 2026 pay adjustments implemented and documented.
Reliability and incentives: Sources include the official OPM page on 2026 special rates and corroborating trades; coverage is consistent with the administration’s public-safety framing while remaining neutral on policy impact. Readers should prioritize the OPM page for exact eligibility categories and final rate applications.
Update · Jan 21, 2026, 08:29 PMcomplete
Restatement of the claim: OPM intended to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of the President’s Alternative Pay Plan.
Progress evidence: OPM published 2026 guidance and FAQs detailing the implementation of the law enforcement pay increases under the special salary rate authority (5 U.S.C. 5305). The agency indicated initial consultations with agencies and a tentative January 11, 2026 effective date for the special rates, aligning with the overall 2026 3.8% law enforcement pay package. News reporting confirmed that the 3.8% total increase includes a 2.8% supplemental boost implemented through a new special pay rate.
Current status: By early January 2026, OPM had finalized the 2026 pay adjustment for federal law enforcement personnel, establishing a 3.8% total increase for eligible positions, with the 2.8% component delivered via the new special rate mechanism. This addressed recruitment and retention concerns and followed the President’s direction in the Alternative Pay Plan issued in 2025. Some categories and coverage were subject to final agency determinations and salary-cap constraints.
Milestones and reliability: Key milestones include the August 28, 2025 Alternative Pay Plan announcement, the OPM 2026 Special Rates guidance/FAQ, and the January 2026 implementation of the 3.8% pay raise (2.8% through special rates). Reputable outlets (OPM official pages, GovExec reporting) support these steps; no credible sources indicate rollback or cancellation as of 2026-01-21. Sources consistently describe the incentives-driven rationale and the targeted coverage for frontline law enforcement.
Reliability note: Official OPM statements and cross-edited reporting from policy outlets provide corroboration of the implementation timeline and the 2.8% special-rate component. Given the alignment with the President’s plan and the documented tentative/then-final effective date, the claim appears substantiated and complete as of the current date.
Update · Jan 21, 2026, 06:33 PMcomplete
Restated claim: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of the President's Alternative Pay Plan.
Evidence of progress: In late 2025, OPM published guidance outlining 2026 special rates for law enforcement personnel and noting the 2.8% supplemental increase to be delivered through a special pay rate under 5 U.S.C. 5305. The agency indicated consultations with coverages (CBP, ICE, Secret Service, FBI, DHS components, etc.) and an anticipated tentative effective date of January 11, 2026 for the base increase plus the special rate adjustment.
Status of completion: By January 2026, OPM finalized a 3.8% total pay increase for eligible federal law enforcement personnel, comprising a 1% base raise (across the General Schedule) and a 2.8% supplemental increase implemented via a special salary rate. News coverage and OPM’s own FAQ confirm the use of special rates to deliver the additional 2.8% for qualifying front-line personnel starting with the 2026 pay period.
Reliability and milestones: Primary milestones include (1) August 2025–December 2025 planning and agency consultations, (2) late 2025 publication of 2026 special rate information and FAQs, and (3) January 2026 implementation of the base increase plus the 2.8% special-rate boost. Key sources: OPM’s 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel page and the related FAQ; GovExec summary of the final 3.8% increase. These sources are official or near-official and provide concrete dates and the mechanism (special salary rate) used to implement the increase.
Update · Jan 21, 2026, 04:06 PMcomplete
Restated claim: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan, to support recruitment and retention.
Progress and evidence: OPM published a December 31, 2025 memo outlining the use of a special salary rate under 5 U.S.C. 5305 to implement the 2.8% supplemental pay for eligible law enforcement positions, with a tentative effective date around January 11, 2026 and a total 3.8% package beginning with the first full pay period of 2026. The agency also released a Frequently Asked Questions document detailing coverage, categories, and caps (OPM.gov).
Status as of early 2026: The 3.8% total pay raise for qualifying federal law enforcement personnel began with the 2026 pay cycle, with the 2.8% supplemental component delivered through the new special pay rate and subject to applicable pay caps. Reports from reputable outlets confirm the finalization and implementation of the plan in January 2026 (GovExec, ClearanceJobs).
Reliability and context: The primary sources are official OPM materials (policy page and FAQ) and corroborating coverage from established outlets focusing on federal pay and workforce policy. OPM notes ongoing consultations to determine final eligible categories and potential additions over time (OPM FAQ).
Update · Jan 21, 2026, 02:10 PMcomplete
Claim restatement: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, aiming for a total of about 3.8% alongside the 1% base increase in January 2026.
Progress evidence: In December 2025, the administration outlined an Alternative Pay Plan directing use of special salary rates to address recruitment/retention needs for frontline law enforcement. Official OPM materials in late 2025 and January 2026 explicitly describe the 1% base increase plus roughly 2.8% via special rates, effective with January 2026 pay adjustments.
Status and completion: By early January 2026, OPM had finalized guidance and implemented the special pay-rate framework for eligible law enforcement categories, with tables and coverage determined through agency consultations. Reporting from GovExec and other outlets synchronized with the OPM memo in confirming a 3.8% total increase for those covered.
Dates and milestones: Key milestones include the January 2026 pay period start and the anticipated release of special-rate tables by January 2026, with coverage to be finalized after agency consultations. The primary sources are official OPM documents and corroborating reporting from reputable outlets.
Source reliability: The core evidence comes from official OPM communications (policy memo and 2026 Special Rates page) and reputable coverage (GovExec), supporting a coherent account of progress and implementation.
Update · Jan 21, 2026, 12:18 PMcomplete
The claim stated that OPM would use special salary rate authority to provide an additional ~2.8% pay increase for frontline law enforcement personnel. Official and reputable reporting shows OPM activated the special-rate mechanism under the President’s Alternative Pay Plan, delivering a total 3.8% pay raise for eligible law enforcement staff in 2026 (1% base plus 2.8% special-rate component). Multiple sources confirm implementation began with the first full pay period of 2026 and that the 2.8% boost is the compensating mechanism for the targeted group. No credible evidence indicates the policy was canceled; the action appears implemented as described.
Update · Jan 21, 2026, 11:55 AMcomplete
The claim states that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel.
Public records show the plan was announced as part of the President’s Alternative Pay Plan in late 2025, with OPM guidance detailing how the supplemental raise would be implemented.
The arrangement pairs a 1% base pay increase with an additional ~2.8% through a special pay rate, yielding a total around 3.8% for eligible personnel, subject to the statutory cap on special rates.
As of January 2026, sources indicate the 3.8% increase was finalized and began with the first full pay period of 2026 for covered employees.
Milestones include OPM’s publication of the 2026 Special Rates guidance, agency consultations to determine eligible categories, and the formal memo setting the implementation date and rate structure.
Source reliability appears solid, with official OPM materials and coverage by Government Executive corroborating the finalization and scope of the pay increase.
Update · Jan 21, 2026, 10:24 AMcomplete
Claim restatement: The OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan. Progress evidence: OPM guidance and announcements in late 2025 and early 2026 indicate the plan was implemented as a total 3.8% 2026 pay raise for eligible law enforcement staff, with 2.8% delivered via a new special pay rate and the remaining 1% as the across-the-board raise (first full pay period of 2026) (OPM 2026 special rates page; GovExec coverage, Jan 2026). Milestones and status: The 3.8% total raise was finalized and put into effect at the start of 2026 for covered personnel, aligning with the intended use of the special rate authority to bolster recruitment and retention. Notes on reliability: The information comes from official OPM postings and corroborating reporting by reputable outlets such as GovExec; multiple sources corroborate the same completion timing and structure (OPM policy page; GovExec; FedSmith summaries). Implications: By design, the 2.8% supplemental rate strengthens incentives for frontline law enforcement to join or remain in federal service, with the remainder of the increase attributable to the standard 1% across-the-board raise for most federal employees.
Source framing: The official OPM page and subsequent agency communications explicitly describe the use of a special salary rate authority to provide the 2.8% supplement, resulting in a total 3.8% raise for eligible personnel beginning with the first full pay period of 2026, consistent with the administration’s pay plan and related guidance (OPM 2026 special rates; content.govdelivery and GovExec reporting). Reliability assessment: The claim is supported by primary agency documents and corroborated by independent outlets reporting the same implementation date and structure; no credible public evidence suggests the program was rolled back or delayed after initial rollout.
Update · Jan 21, 2026, 04:14 AMcomplete
Claim restated: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel.
Progress and evidence: OPM issued guidance that this supplemental raise would be delivered via a special pay rate under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530, subpart C, with an effective alignment to January 2026. In January 2026, reporting indicated that the package culminated in a total 3.8 percent pay increase for eligible law enforcement personnel starting with the first full pay period of 2026, with the 2.8 percent provided through a new special rate.
Completion status: The 2.8 percent supplemental pay rate has been implemented as part of a 3.8 percent total increase for covered frontline law enforcement personnel, subject to the applicable pay cap. Initial eligibility categories included agencies such as DHS, DOJ, DHS components, and Interior, with room for expansion as decisions are finalized.
Reliability and sources: Official OPM materials detailing the 2026 Special Rates and FAQ, plus reputable reporting from Government Executive confirming the finalized 3.8 percent raise in January 2026, support the completion of the claim. These sources reflect the policy implementation as of early 2026.
Update · Jan 21, 2026, 02:29 AMcomplete
Claim restated: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, on top of the base 1% increase, for a total 3.8% raise starting January 2026. Evidence shows formal guidance from OPM (December 31, 2025 memo) and finalization of the plan in January 2026, with the scope covering multiple federal law enforcement agencies and positions. The implementation relies on OPM consultations with affected agencies and adherence to salary caps; sources indicate a tentative January 2026 effective date for the special rates. Reliable sourcing includes OPM's 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel page and reporting by Government Executive confirming the final 3.8% package and its basis in the executive plan.
Update · Jan 21, 2026, 12:46 AMcomplete
Brief restatement of the claim: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of the administration’s pay plan.
Evidence of progress: OPM published a 2026 Special Rates guidance indicating the plan to use its special salary rate authority to provide an extra 2.8% for eligible law enforcement personnel, with a tentative January 11, 2026 effective date for the General Schedule base pay increase and related special rates (OPM FAQ, 2025). Subsequent reporting confirms the implementation path and the target groups, including agencies such as CBP, ICE, Secret Service, FBI, and other frontline law enforcement components (FedNews coverage, early January 2026).
Evidence of completion or current status: By mid-January 2026, OPM finalized a 3.8% total pay raise for federal law enforcement beginning with the first full pay period of 2026, comprising a 1% base increase plus the 2.8% supplemental raise implemented via a special salary rate authority (GovExec, Jan 2026; FedSmith, Sep 2025 context). OPM’s official materials describe how the 2.8% increase is delivered through 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530, subpart C, and that the special rates are set to address recruitment/retention for frontline law enforcement.
Dates and milestones: August 28, 2025 – President issues Alternative Pay Plan; January 2026 – anticipated/actual implementation of the 1% base increase and the 2.8% law enforcement special rate, with final tables and agency consultations completed. January 2026 reporting confirms the 3.8% total increase for eligible personnel and outlines the scope and caps (OPM FAQ; GovExec report).
Reliability of sources and incentives: The core information comes from OPM’s official policy materials and FAQs, corroborated by reputable outlets covering federal pay (GovExec, FedSmith). The incentives are aligned with recruitment/retention pressures for frontline law enforcement and with the administration’s public-safety priorities, as described in OPM guidance. Taken together, the sources indicate a credible implementation timeline and a completed or near-complete status as of 2026-01-20.
Update · Jan 20, 2026, 10:22 PMcomplete
The claim states that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel. Public documentation confirms that OPM prepared and announced the use of a special rate authority to support a 2.8 percent supplemental increase as part of the President’s pay plan. By January 2026, reporting indicates the 3.8 percent total increase for covered law enforcement personnel was finalized and implemented, with the 2.8 percent supplementary pay delivered through the special rate mechanism subject to pay caps, effectively completing the promised expansion in law enforcement pay.
Update · Jan 20, 2026, 08:27 PMcomplete
Claim restated: OPM intended to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel. The policy was linked to President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan and to 2026 pay adjustments. Evidence indicates the 2026 package assigns frontline law enforcement a 3.8% total increase (1.0% across-the-board plus ~2.8% via the special rate) starting with the first full pay period of 2026. Official OPM materials and memos outline the mechanism and timing for these adjustments. Independent reporting corroborates the implementation timeline and the final 3.8% total raise taking effect in January 2026. Reliability rests on official OPM communications and reputable outlets reporting the finalized pay adjustment.
Update · Jan 20, 2026, 06:47 PMcomplete
Claim restatement: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for frontline law enforcement personnel, on top of the 1% base raise, for a total around 3.8% starting January 2026. Progress evidence: OPM published 2026 special rates guidance and FAQs describing use of 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530 subpart C to implement the special rate, with agency consultations and a tentative January 11, 2026 effective date. Subsequent reporting confirmed the 3.8% total pay raise was finalized to begin in January 2026, via the new special pay rate, subject to the Executive Schedule cap. Reliability note: Primary sources include official OPM materials and corroborating coverage from Government Executive, indicating formal implementation in early 2026.
Evidence of milestones: The 2026 Special Rates page outlines initial eligible categories across DHS, DOJ, DOI, and other agencies, with the mechanism to set higher rates due to recruitment and retention needs. A December 31, 2025 memo formalized the plan and its expected January 2026 start. Media reporting reiterates the 1% base increase plus ~2.8% via special rates, resulting in 3.8% total, for first pay period of 2026.
Current status: The 3.8% package for federal law enforcement personnel has been enacted and paid to eligible staff beginning January 2026, within the statutory cap. The program relies on annual pay adjustments and approved special rate tables, with ongoing agency implementation. No credible reports indicate cancellation or reversal as of today.
Dates and milestones (concrete): August 28, 2025 – President’s Alternative Pay Plan directs a 1% base increase and exploration of a ~2.8% uplift via special authorities. December 31, 2025 – OPM memo finalizes the law enforcement special rate and January 2026 start. January 2026 – First full pay period with the 3.8% total increase for covered personnel.
Reliability and neutrality notes: Official OPM documentation is the primary source; Government Executive coverage provides corroboration of implementation details and scope. Coverage remains focused on pay mechanics and eligibility rather than partisan framing.
Overall assessment: The claim is complete. The 2.8% uplift via a special rate, producing a 3.8% total increase for frontline law enforcement, has been implemented for January 2026 in eligible positions.
Update · Jan 20, 2026, 04:11 PMcomplete
Restated claim: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for frontline law enforcement personnel, aligned with President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan.
Evidence of progress: The OPM 2026 Special Rates for Law Enforcement page confirms the President directed use of special salary rate authority to provide about a 2.8% pay increase for specified law enforcement personnel, with a tentative effective date in January 2026.
Progress toward completion: OPM and its FAQs describe implementing the 2.8% increase through 5 U.S.C. 5305, targeting frontline categories across agencies such as DHS and DOJ, consistent with the plan to pair with a 3.8% military-style increase.
Reliability and milestones: Official OPM materials, supplemented by reputable coverage (GovExec and related content), provide a coherent timeline from plan to planned implementation and specify eligibility and rate-structure details.
Follow-up: Monitor OPM updates around January–February 2026 for finalized rate tables, eligible categories, and any adjustments due to salary caps or agency consultations.
Update · Jan 20, 2026, 02:14 PMcomplete
The claim states that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel. Public-facing materials from OPM and federal reporting confirm the plan to implement a 3.8% total raise for eligible law enforcement staff in January 2026, consisting of a 1% base increase plus a 2.8% supplemental rate issued as a special pay rate. The mechanism is through OPM’s use of special salary rates under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and related regulations, after agency consultations (as described in OPM’s 2026 Special Rates guidance).
Update · Jan 20, 2026, 12:17 PMcomplete
Claim restated: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of a 3.8% total raise for those employees.
Evidence of progress: On December 31, 2025, OPM announced via a formal memo and related FAQs that it would implement a 3.8% total pay raise for covered law enforcement personnel in January 2026, with 2.8% delivered through a new special salary rate authority under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530 subpart C. The plan was corroborated by agency communications and subsequent coverage detailing the specific law enforcement categories and the effective date.
Current status and milestones: By January 2026, OPM finalized the arrangement and began applying the special rate alongside the base increase, resulting in a combined 3.8% raise for eligible front-line law enforcement staff (subject to the pay cap). The August 2025 President’s Alternative Pay Plan and the December 2025 memo set the framework and confirmed the intended implementation date for the special rates. Independent reporting from Government Executive and other outlets confirms the 2.8% supplemental component is being delivered via the special rate.
Reliability and context: The primary documents are official OPM materials (policy page and FAQs) and contemporaneous coverage from reputable outlets (Government Executive). These sources consistently describe the 2.8% supplemental pay via special rates, the total 3.8% package, and the January 2026 start date. The reporting notes the pay cap and the targeted agencies/categories, providing a clear view of who is affected and under what constraints.
Incentives and interpretation: The move aligns with a broader incentive to recruit and retain mission-critical law enforcement personnel, especially given cross-agency mandates and border/security priorities. The combination of a base increase plus a targeted special-rate boost preserves a higher overall raise for frontline officers while managing overall federal pay expenditures within statutory caps.
Update · Jan 20, 2026, 10:30 AMcomplete
Restated claim: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, resulting in a total 3.8% raise when combined with the base 1% across-the-board increase. The plan derives from President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan and an OPM directive to implement a special pay rate for mission-critical law enforcement positions.
Evidence of progress: In December 2025, OPM issued a memo detailing the implementation of the 2.8% supplemental boost via a new special pay rate, with a tentative effective date for January 11, 2026. Subsequent reporting confirms the arrangement was finalized and that the 3.8% total increase would apply to covered personnel beginning in January 2026.
Current status: The 3.8% total increase for covered law enforcement personnel began with the first full pay period of January 2026, via the special salary rate authority under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and related regulations. Official guidance and press coverage consistently describe the January 2026 implementation and the scope of eligible positions.
Milestones and dates: Key milestones include the August 2025 announcement of the Alternative Pay Plan, the December 31, 2025 OPM memo, and the January 2026 start of the 3.8% pay raise for covered law enforcement personnel, with some outlets enumerating the covered categories and pay-cap considerations.
Reliability of sources: Primary evidence from OPM’s memo and the agency’s 2026 Special Rates page is supported by reputable outlets such as Government Executive, which corroborate the implementation timeline and coverage. Overall, sources are consistent and come from official or well-regarded government or policy outlets; no conflicting framing is evident.
Update · Jan 20, 2026, 07:53 AMcomplete
Restatement of claim: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, atop the 1% base increase. Evidence of progress: OPM published guidance and FAQs detailing the implementation of the law enforcement special rate under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530, with a tentative January 11, 2026 effective date and subsequent release of rate tables after agency consultations. Completion status: By January 19, 2026, the special rate increase (total 3.8% when combined with the base 1%) for eligible law enforcement personnel has been implemented per the official guidance and subsequent reporting. Reliability note: Primary sources from OPM (policy page and FAQs) establish the framework; reporting outlets (GovExec, FedSmith) corroborate the timing and scope of the implementation.
Scheduled follow-up · Jan 20, 2026
Update · Jan 20, 2026, 04:04 AMcomplete
Claim restatement: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan.
Progress evidence: In late 2025 and early 2026, OPM published guidance and implemented the plan as part of the 2026 federal pay raise. OPM’s 2026 special rates page notes the use of special pay authorities to provide the ~2.8% increase, aligned with the 3.8% total raise for some positions (OPM 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel). Independent reporting confirms the same framework and the enactment of the mechanism, culminating in a 3.8% total raise for eligible law enforcement staff beginning in the first full pay period of 2026 (GovExec; FedSmith).
Status of completion: The implementation has been completed in 2026, with eligible law enforcement personnel receiving the targeted 3.8% total increase, of which 2.8% is delivered via the special pay rate authority (OPM page; GovExec report; FedSmith coverage).
Milestones and dates: Key milestone is the issuance of guidance and the establishment of the special rate mechanism in late 2025, followed by the first full pay period of 2026 when the 3.8% raise took effect for affected positions (OPM 2026 Special Rates page; GovExec Jan 8, 2026; FedSmith Jan 5–12, 2026).
Reliability note: Sources include the primary OPM policy page and reputable coverage from GovExec and FedSmith, which summarize OPM's implementation and the tied policy under the Alternative Pay Plan.
Update · Jan 20, 2026, 02:06 AMcomplete
Claim restatement: The office of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, in support of recruitment, retention, and public safety.
Evidence of progress: OPM publicly outlined the mechanism—using special salary rate authority under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530, subpart C—to implement the 2.8% supplemental pay for eligible law enforcement positions, with an anticipated or tentative effective date around January 11, 2026, and agency consultations ongoing. This framework was reiterated in the agency’s 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel page and accompanying FAQ.
Progress status: By early January 2026, OPM finalized plans to deliver the combined 3.8% pay increase for covered law enforcement personnel, consisting of the 1% base increase plus the 2.8% special-rate supplement, beginning with the first full pay period of 2026. This was confirmed in coverage of the formal memo from OPM Director Scott Kupor and subsequent reporting.
Milestones and dates: The FAQ notes a tentative effective date of January 11, 2026 for the special rates, while policy reporting confirms the 3.8% total uplift beginning with the first full pay period of 2026 for eligible categories. The policy lists specific agencies and job series eligible for the special rate, with the cap in place at the Executive Schedule level.
Source reliability note: Primary sourcing includes OPM’s official 2026 Special Rates page and its FAQ, which lay out the policy and eligibility, alongside high-quality policy reporting (GovExec) confirming the implementation timeline and who is covered. These sources provide consistent, official framing of the pay adjustment and its purpose.
Follow-up: If needed, a targeted follow-up on the March 2026 payroll cycle could verify actual payouts and any adjustments for newly included positions, but the current status aligns with completed implementation for the covered workforce.
Update · Jan 20, 2026, 12:13 AMin_progress
Claim restatement: The article asserts OPM will use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan.
Evidence of progress: Public OPM material confirms ongoing use of special-rate authorities for law enforcement pay and publishes 2026 LEO pay tables and related guidance. There is no publicly verifiable document showing a fixed 2.8% add-on being implemented across frontline law enforcement as described.
Completion status: No public notice or finalized pay adjustment explicitly confirming a 2.8% increase has been found. If enacted, such an adjustment would appear in final pay schedules or agency notices, which are not currently tied to the claimed figure in available sources.
Dates and milestones: The main milestone is the release of 2026 pay materials by OPM (LEO pay tables and special rate guidance). No concrete completion date for a 2.8% add-on is publicly documented as of 2026-01-19.
Source reliability and caveats: Conclusions rely on official OPM pay-policy materials and the absence of a specific 2.8% implementation notice. The claim remains unverified publicly; monitoring OPM communications is advised for any updates.
Update · Jan 19, 2026, 10:12 PMcomplete
Claim restated: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, aligned with the President's Alternative Pay Plan. Evidence shows progress: in December 2025, OPM published guidance confirming the use of special salary rates to support the 2.8% raise, with consultation and coverage details for eligible categories. In January 2026, reporting confirms the total raise for eligible law enforcement personnel at 3.8% beginning with the first full pay period of 2026, comprised of a 1% base increase plus the 2.8% special-rate supplement, subject to pay caps. The final structure includes listed covered agencies and positions, with tables and FAQs outlining implementation timelines and cap considerations. Reliability: official OPM policy pages and FAQs, corroborated by reputable federal-focused reporting (GovExec).
Update · Jan 19, 2026, 08:08 PMcomplete
What the claim states: The claim asserts that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan.
Progress and evidence: OPM established a framework to apply a 2.8% supplemental rate alongside a 1% base increase for affected personnel, with guidance and FAQs detailing coverage and the mechanism (OPM 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel; FAQ). News coverage corroborates the plan’s finalization and implementation in early 2026 (GovExec, Jan 2026).
Current status: By January 2026, agencies were implementing a total 3.8% raise for eligible law enforcement personnel, combining the base increase and the special rate, within applicable salary caps (OPM guidance and
GovExec reporting).
Dates and milestones: Key milestones include the August 2025 Alternative Pay Plan, the December 31, 2025 memo announcing the special rate, and the January 2026 implementation (first full pay period) of the 3.8% package. OPM’s FAQ notes the tentative January 11, 2026 effective date for the special rates.
Reliability note: The primary, authoritative source is OPM’s official pages; GovExec provides corroboration and detail on coverage and timing. Together they support a reliable, official account of the paid increase.
Update · Jan 19, 2026, 06:29 PMcomplete
What the claim stated: OPM would use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, supplementing the base pay increase as part of the Alternative Pay Plan. What progress evidence exists: in late 2025, President Trump issued an Alternative Pay Plan directing a 1% base increase for 2026 while freezing locality pay, and authorizing OPM to use special pay authorities to deliver an extra ~2.8% for eligible law enforcement positions. On December 31, 2025, OPM published a memo detailing the creation of a 2.8% (within a total 3.8%) special pay rate for certain law enforcement roles, with a tentative January 11, 2026 effective date for the special rates and first full pay period in 2026. What the status shows now: by January 2026, OPM finalized the 3.8% total pay increase for covered law enforcement personnel (including the 2.8% special rate) beginning with the first full pay period of 2026, as reported by Government Executive; the accompanying OPM FAQ confirms the mechanism and scope of the special rate authority. Reliability of sources: the core official confirmation comes from OPM’s own 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel page (policy text and FAQs), and the reporting on the finalization comes from Government Executive, which cites the Dec. 31 memo and the Jan. 2026 implementation. The combined evidence supports that the promise was implemented as a 3.8% total raise for eligible law enforcement staff, fronted by a 2.8% special rate and subject to applicable caps and category coverage.
Update · Jan 19, 2026, 04:06 PMcomplete
Brief restatement of the claim: The OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of the Alternative Pay Plan. Evidence shows this was acted upon with formal guidance and a finalized pay package for January 2026. Key sources indicate the base 1% across-the-board increase plus the 2.8% special rate for targeted law enforcement was approved and implemented.
Progress evidence and milestones: OPM published guidance explaining the use of 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530, subpart C to set special rates for eligible law enforcement positions (OPM 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel FAQ). A December 2025 memo from OPM outlined the plan, with an anticipated official pay-rate effective date of January 11, 2026 and a final list of covered jobs. Independent reporting confirms the 3.8% total raise for covered employees beginning with the first full pay period in 2026 (GovExec, Jan 8, 2026).
Current status and completion: The pay plan was finalized and implemented in January 2026, with affected employees receiving the combined 3.8% increase (1% base plus 2.8% special rate). Coverage started with the first full pay period of 2026, subject to applicable pay caps (e.g., Executive Schedule level IV cap). Multiple outlets corroborate the same outcome and a published list of affected agencies and roles exists in official guidance and subsequent reporting.
Dates and milestones: December 31, 2025 – OPM memo announcing the 2.8% special rate as part of the Alternative Pay Plan; January 2026 – official pay increases take effect for covered law enforcement personnel, totaling 3.8% with the base increase. The official tables and FAQs indicate ongoing implementation across specified agencies, with potential for adding additional categories over time (OPM FAQ; GovExec reporting).
Reliability and balance of sources: The primary source is OPM’s own 2026 Special Rates documentation and FAQs, which provide the policy basis and coverage. Independent coverage from Government Executive corroborates the final 3.8% package and identifies named agencies and roles. Overall, sources align on the policy, timeline, and outcome, with appropriate caveats about pay caps.
Follow-up note: If needed, a targeted check in early 2026-2027 could confirm any further expansions to eligible categories or adjustments to the special rates as agencies finalize implementation.
Update · Jan 19, 2026, 02:14 PMcomplete
Restated claim: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of the President's Alternative Pay Plan.
Evidence of progress: OPM published a 2026 special rates page and a detailed FAQ explaining the use of 5 U.S.C. 5305/5304a authorities to implement the 2.8% special pay rate for eligible law enforcement positions, with a tentative effective date of January 11, 2026. Separate reporting confirms the overall package would result in a total 3.8% increase for covered officers, combining a 1% base pay raise with the 2.8% special rate (beginning with the first full pay period of 2026).
Progress status: The available official guidance and subsequent coverage indicate the special rate was established and implemented beginning January 2026, with the 3.8% total raise for law enforcement personnel in the affected categories.
Reliability and milestones: The key milestone is the anticipated January 11, 2026, effective date for the special rates; reporting corroborates that final implementation occurred in early 2026. The sources include the official OPM page and reputable industry coverage confirming the timeline.
Notes on sources: Relying on official OPM guidance (2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel) and corroborating reporting from Government Executive; additional industry reporting (Fed Week) provides context on the broader pay package and covered agencies.
Synthesis: The claim’s completion condition appears satisfied given the January 2026 implementation of the 2.8% special rate and the resulting 3.8% total increase for eligible frontline law enforcement personnel.
Update · Jan 19, 2026, 12:15 PMcomplete
The claim states that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel. Public documentation confirms a December 31, 2025 OPM memo directing the use of a special pay rate under 5 U.S.C. 5305 to deliver this supplement, with a planned January 2026 implementation. OPM’s 2026 FAQ describes the mechanism and eligible categories, indicating initial coverage and the process to finalize rates. Independent reporting in January 2026 confirms that the total 3.8% pay raise for covered law enforcement personnel was finalized and implemented starting the first full pay period of 2026, subject to pay caps. The progression shows that the promise moved from directive to formal implementation within the expected January 2026 window, marking completion of the stated pay adjustment for eligible personnel.
Update · Jan 19, 2026, 10:29 AMcomplete
Claim restatement: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of the administration’s pay plan. Progress evidence: In 2025, President Trump directed an Alternative Pay Plan; OPM issued FAQs and guidance outlining implementation steps for the law enforcement special rate. Final implementation: On December 31, 2025, OPM announced a special pay rate for eligible law enforcement positions, with the first full pay period under the new rates beginning January 11, 2026, resulting in a total 3.8% raise for covered personnel (subject to the Executive Schedule cap). Reliability note: Primary sources are OPM’s official materials, corroborated by reporting from Government Executive and Federal News Network that track the same milestones and dates.
Update · Jan 19, 2026, 07:55 AMcomplete
Restated claim: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of the President’s pay plan. Evidence shows that in 2025–2026, OPM prepared and communicated guidance that the law enforcement special-rate increase would supplement the base pay increases. By January 2026, reporting indicates that OPM finalized a 3.8% total raise for federal law enforcement personnel, with 2.8% delivered via the special-rate mechanism and the remainder from the base increase, effectively completing the promised component. Milestones include the OPM 2026 special rates page and subsequent coverage confirming the completion of the law enforcement pay increase for eligible employees, beginning with the first full pay period of 2026 (OPM.gov; GovExec). Reliability notes: sources include official OPM communications and reputable outlets; cross-verification from GovExec supports the timeline.
Update · Jan 19, 2026, 03:51 AMcomplete
The claim is that OPM would use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, under President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan. Public reporting indicates that for 2026, OPM did finalize and implement a 3.8 percent total increase for many federal law enforcement personnel, comprised of a 1% across-the-board raise plus a 2.8% supplemental increase via a special pay rate authority. The implementation appears to have occurred in the first full pay period of 2026, with official guidance and subsequent coverage confirming the 2.8% component as part of the law enforcement pay package. Reliability of sources includes OPM’s own 2026 Special Rates page and reputable outlets such as GovExec, which corroborate the final policy design and timing.
Update · Jan 19, 2026, 01:51 AMcomplete
Restated claim: OPM intended to use special salary rate authority to provide an approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, aiming to aid recruitment and retention.
Evidence of progress: OPM published a 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel page detailing the use of special salary rates under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530, subpart C, to implement the supplemental pay. An accompanying FAQ indicated initial coverage discussions with agencies and a tentative effective date around January 11, 2026.
Additional progress: In early January 2026, reporting indicated OPM finalized plans to grant a total 3.8% pay increase for eligible federal law enforcement—comprising a 1% base increase plus the 2.8% special-rate uplift—with the new rates taking effect at the start of 2026 pay periods.
Progress milestones and dates: The December 31, 2025 memorandum from OPM Director Scott Kupor described the creation of a special pay rate for law enforcement and set a tentative January 11, 2026 effective date for the special rates, later reflected in subsequent agency communications and press coverage. GovExec reported the 3.8% total increase beginning with the first full pay period of 2026.
Update · Jan 18, 2026, 11:58 PMcomplete
Claim restated: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of the President’s Alternative Pay Plan.
Evidence of progress: In December 2025, OPM described plans to use the special salary rate authority to fund the 2.8% uplift for covered law enforcement positions. By January 2026, OPM finalized the implementation approach, and reporting indicated the 2.8% supplemental raise would be delivered via a new special pay rate, effective with the first full pay period of 2026.
Current status: The measure was implemented as part of the broader 3.8% pay increase for federal law enforcement, with the 2.8% component enabling the total raise. Official guidance and subsequent coverage confirm the creation of the special rate and its use to support recruitment and retention.
Milestones and dates: The proposed special rates were announced to apply to categories including CBP, FBI, DHS, DOJ, and others, with a tentative effective date of January 11, 2026 and a cap aligned to the Executive Schedule. The 3.8% total raise began with the first full pay period of 2026.
Source reliability: The key sources are the OPM guidance on 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel and reporting from Government Executive confirming the finalization of the 3.8% raise and the 2.8% special-rate element. These sources are official or reputable trade coverage and consistently describe the same sequence of events.
Update · Jan 18, 2026, 09:57 PMcomplete
Claim restated: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of the President’s Alternative Pay Plan. Evidence shows OPM publicly described the mechanism (special salary rates under 5 U.S.C. 5305) and identified initial coverage for agencies like CBP, ICE, Secret Service, FBI, and others, with an effective date tied to January 2026.
Update · Jan 18, 2026, 07:50 PMcomplete
Restated claim: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of the President’s pay plan.
Progress evidence: In 2025, OPM published guidance describing the planned use of special salary rates under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530 to deliver the 2.8% add-on, with an anticipated effective date of January 2026 and eligibility to be determined in consultation with agencies (OPM FAQ, 2025; OPM.gov special rates page). A December 2025/January 2026 rollout followed, with agency pay tables and affected categories being finalized and the pay increase to be implemented as part of a total 3.8% raise for covered law enforcement personnel (OPM FAQ, GovExec reporting). By January 2026, reporting indicated the 3.8% total increase was finalized and scheduled to begin with the first full pay period of 2026 (
GovExec, January 2026).
Current status: The targeted policy was implemented as part of the 2026 pay adjustment, providing a 3.8% total increase for eligible law enforcement staff, with the 2.8% coming from the special-rate authority and the base 1% from the General Schedule adjustment (OPM guidance, GovExec reporting). This aligns with the claim that OPM would use special salary rates to support recruitment and retention for frontline law enforcement in line with administration priorities (OPM FAQ; OPM.gov Special Rates; GovExec).
Source reliability note: The primary sources are official OPM guidance and government reporting (OPM.gov, OPM.gov bulletin, GovExec), supplemented by FEDWeek/Federal outlets summarizing the implementation. These sources provide contemporaneous details on coverage, ceilings, and the effective date, though agency-by-agency coverage can evolve as final lists are updated (OPM FAQ; OPM 3f0b248; GovExec).
Update · Jan 18, 2026, 06:14 PMcomplete
Claim restatement: The article states that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, on top of a base pay increase, to aid recruitment and retention.
Progress evidence: OPM confirmed in late-2025/early-2026 planning materials and FAQs that a 2026 pay package would include a base increase of 1% for most feds, with an additional approximately 2.8% via a special rate for selected law enforcement personnel, aligned to a 3.8% total increase for those covered roles (OPM FAQ and 2026 special rates page; Jan 2026 coverage details).
Current status: By January 2026, OPM finalized a 3.8% total pay raise for federal law enforcement personnel, consisting of the 1% base increase plus the 2.8% special-rate enhancement intended for mission-critical law enforcement positions (GovExec report; OPM page on 2026 special rates).
Milestones and dates: The special-rate framework and list of covered categories were developed with agency consultation, with a tentative effective date tied to the January 11, 2026 base increase and subsequent implementation of the 2.8% special rate (OPM 2026 Special Rates page; 2026 FAQ). The formal memo announcing the special-rate implementation followed by agency pay tables was circulated in late 2025–early 2026 (OPM FAQ, GovExec article).
Source reliability note: The principal sources are the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (official policy page and FAQs) and established policy reporting outlets (Government Executive). These sources provide contemporaneous government documentation of the policy design, eligibility, and implemented pay changes. No credible opposing sources identified indicate a retreat or reversal of these steps.
Follow-up considerations: If needed, verify the exact list of covered positions and any caps (e.g., the Executive Schedule pay cap) in the ongoing 2026 pay tables and agency-specific notices.
Update · Jan 18, 2026, 03:53 PMcomplete
Summary of the claim: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel to support recruitment, retention, and public safety.
Progress evidence: OPM publicly described the plan under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530, subpart C, with a tentative January 2026 effective date. The agency’s FAQ and 2026 special rates page outline eligible categories, the mechanism, and the alignment with the 2026 pay package, with communications indicating a January 2026 implementation.
Evidence of completion: By January 2026, OPM had established the special rate approach and, according to reliable reporting, implemented the 2.8% supplemental pay as part of the 2026 package, yielding an overall 3.8% increase for covered personnel in the first full pay period of 2026.
Milestones and reliability: Key milestones include the August 2025 Alternative Pay Plan directing use of special pay authorities, OPM guidance on eligibility, and the January 2026 implementation. Primary sources are OPM’s official policy pages and FAQs, with corroboration from reputable outlets confirming finalization and timing.
Update · Jan 18, 2026, 02:10 PMcomplete
Claim restated: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, for a total of about 3.8% starting January 2026. Evidence of progress: OPM published 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel guidance confirming the use of a special pay rate to deliver the 2.8% supplement and outlining coverage, with a tentative January 11, 2026 effective date; accompanying FAQs explain implementation details. Independent reporting corroborates the outcome: a January 2026 Government Executive article states that the 3.8% total raise was finalized for eligible law enforcement personnel beginning with the first full pay period of 2026. Reliability of sources: the primary information comes from OPM’s official pages (special rates and FAQs) supplemented by contemporaneous trade press confirming the implementation. The policy context remains the same: the pay adjustment is tied to the Administration’s Alternative Pay Plan and focused on recruitment/retention for mission-critical law enforcement roles. Follow-up considerations: verify the final, agency-specific list of covered positions and any adjustments due to salary caps or subsequent amendments as needed.
Update · Jan 18, 2026, 12:00 PMcomplete
Restated claim: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of an Alternative Pay Plan. The public articulation of this plan appears in OPM materials surrounding the 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel and related FAQs.
Progress evidence: OPM publicly announced and formalized the framework for 2026, stating that OPM would use its special salary rate authority (5 U.S.C. 5305) to implement the 2.8% uplift for eligible law enforcement positions, alongside the standard 1% base increase. The agency’s FAQ and the 2026 Special Rates page outline eligible categories and the anticipated effective date around January 11, 2026, with rate tables to follow after agency consultations.
Status as of January 2026: Reports indicate the 3.8% total raise (1% across-the-board plus ~2.8% special rate) was finalized for federal law enforcement personnel and implemented in January 2026, subject to the statutory cap on special rates (Executive Schedule Level IV). Coverage scope and final eligibility remain contingent on agency consultations and rate-cap considerations.
Reliability note: The core confirmation comes from OPM’s official 2026 Special Rates materials and FAQs, with corroboration from GovExec and industry outlets summarizing implementation in early January 2026. These sources jointly support that the promised 2.8% uplift was implemented for eligible frontline law enforcement personnel, noting final category determinations and caps.
Update · Jan 18, 2026, 10:09 AMcomplete
Claim restatement: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, yielding a total 3.8% raise in January 2026.
Evidence of progress: OPM published 2025 guidance and FAQs documenting use of special rates under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530, subpart C, to address recruitment/retention for eligible law enforcement positions. Subsequent reporting indicated the 3.8% total raise was finalized and implemented beginning in January 2026.
Completion status: The base 1% increase plus the 2.8% special-rate uplift effectively completed the promised package for eligible personnel, with pay tables anticipated and then released for the January 2026 pay period.
Key milestones: August 28, 2025 – President’s Alternative Pay Plan announced; late 2025 – OPM FAQs and guidance; January 2026 – implementation of the 3.8% package.
Source reliability: The core information comes from official OPM materials (OPM.gov) corroborated by policy reporting outlets (GovExec, FedSmith), supporting the claim’s movement from plan to implementation.
Follow-up: None identified; implementation appears to have occurred in January 2026.
Update · Jan 18, 2026, 07:51 AMcomplete
Restated claim: OPM planned to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, on top of the base 1% and locality adjustments. Public documentation and subsequent reporting indicate this 2.8% supplement was implemented as part of a 3.8% total January 2026 pay increase for covered law enforcement, with the special rate mechanism used to deliver the extra amount (OPM memo and 2026 special rates document; FedWeek guidance) (OPM 2025-12-31; FEDweek 2025-12-22).
Evidence progress and milestones: OPM formally announced in December 2025 that it would use its special salary rate authority to implement the ~2.8% supplement for law enforcement, with an anticipated January 11, 2026 effective date for the special rates and a total 3.8% pay increase when combined with the 1% base raise (OPM 2025 memo; 2026 Special Rates document). Agencies began implementing the January 2026 pay adjustments, and reporting outlets confirmed the finalization and rollout of the 3.8% package for covered personnel (GovExec 2026-01-08; FEDweek 2025-12-22).
Current status: For 2026, the law enforcement special-rate increase has been implemented where applicable, with the 3.8% total pay raise effective for the first full pay period of 2026, subject to annual pay caps and eligibility determinations. OPM’s guidance and subsequent summaries indicate the program was set up as a permanent mechanism for eligible categories, with ongoing agency consultations for coverage (OPM 2025 memo; FedWeek 2025-12-22).
Reliability of sources: The core facts derive from official OPM communications detailing the use of special salary rates and the intended 2.8% supplement, corroborated by reputable trade press (FEDweek, Government Executive) reporting the January 2026 implementation and the 3.8% total package. The coverage list and caps are described in OPM materials and subsequent summaries, providing a consistent, nonpartisan view of policy mechanics and milestones (OPM 2025 memo; 2026 Special Rates document; FEDweek 2025-12-22; GovExec 2026-01-08).
Notes on incentives and policy context: The program is framed as addressing recruitment and retention needs for mission-critical frontline law enforcement, aligning with administrative priorities to bolster border security and public safety. The use of a special pay rate creates a targeted incentive for eligible agencies and positions, and policy details acknowledge caps and potential expansion to additional categories as agencies request. This framing helps explain why a dedicated 2.8% supplement was pursued and implemented, given labor market pressures on critical law enforcement roles.
Scheduled follow-up · Jan 18, 2026
Update · Jan 18, 2026, 03:59 AMcomplete
Claim restatement: The article claimed OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan, to support recruitment, retention, and public safety.
Progress evidence: OPM explained plans to use special salary rates under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530 to implement the additional 2.8% pay raise for eligible law enforcement positions (with a total 3.8% increase). In December 2025, a memo from OPM’s director announced the creation of a special pay rate for law enforcement positions; the plan referenced a tentative January 2026 effective date for the general base pay increase and the special rate alongside it. In early January 2026, reporting confirmed that OPM finalized the 3.8% raise for federal law enforcement beginning with the first full pay period of 2026, with the 2.8% being delivered via the new special rate.
Status assessment: The pay action appears to have moved from planning to implementation, with OPM documenting the use of a special pay rate to deliver the 2.8% supplemental increase (capped by the 5 U.S.C. 5305 framework) and a total 3.8% raise for covered law enforcement personnel starting January 2026. GovExec’s Jan 8, 2026 piece and OPM’s own FAQ/notice corroborate the mechanism, coverage categories, and the formal implementation timeline. The special-rate approach is intended to address mission-critical recruitment and retention needs for frontline law enforcement.
Milestones and dates: August 28, 2025 – President Trump issued an Alternative Pay Plan authorizing a 1% base increase and directing OPM to use other authorities for a 2.8% supplement. August–December 2025 – OPM consulted with agencies to identify eligible categories and prepare special rate tables. December 31, 2025 – OPM memo announcing the creation of a special pay rate for law enforcement. January 2026 (first full pay period) – Implementation of the 3.8% total raise for covered positions, with the 2.8% delivered via the new special rate.
Source reliability note: The claim is supported by primary sources (OPM’s official 2026 Special Rates page; accompanying FAQs) and corroborating reporting from Government Executive, which cite the same policy steps, categories, and effective dates. While coverage lists specific agencies and job series, the overarching mechanism and dates align across sources. The reporting is consistent with official government communications and provides a coherent timeline of planning, approval, and implementation.
Update · Jan 18, 2026, 02:44 AMcomplete
Claim restated: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, for a total around 3.8% when combined with the 1.0% across-the-board increase. Evidence shows that by late 2025 OPM issued guidance and memos establishing a 2.8% supplemental pay rate for covered law enforcement positions, resulting in the 3.8% total raise effective with the 2026 pay cycle. The 2.8% increase is implemented via OPM’s special salary rate authority under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and related memoranda.
Update · Jan 18, 2026, 12:07 AMcomplete
Claim restatement: OPM intended to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for frontline law enforcement personnel, aligning with the President’s Alternative Pay Plan (OPM 2026 Special Rates).
Progress evidence: OPM’s 2026 Special Rates framework explicitly describes using 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530 to set special rates for eligible law enforcement groups, with the broader policy aligned to recruit and retain frontline officers (OPM 2026 Special Rates). An accompanying FAQ indicates the agency anticipated a tentative January 11, 2026 effective date for the special rates, contingent on final consultations and approvals (OPM 2026 Special Rates). GovExec coverage of January 2026 notes that OPM finalized a 3.8% overall raise for federal law enforcement, including a 2.8% supplemental increase via the new special pay rate (GovExec 2026-01-08).
Completion status: The policy framework and agency announcements indicate the mechanism to deliver the 2.8% uplift via a special salary rate was finalized and implemented for eligible personnel, with notices and press coverage confirming the completion of the setup and the first-period pay effects in early 2026 (GovExec 2026-01-08; OPM 2026 Special Rates).
Key milestones and dates: August 28, 2025 – President’s Alternative Pay Plan announced; January 11–12, 2026 – anticipated/effective date for the general GS base increase and the special-rate pay adjustments for law enforcement; early 2026 – finalization and publishing of rate tables and eligibility (OPM 2026 Special Rates; GovExec 2026-01-08). These items collectively mark the operationalization of the 2.8% special pay increase for eligible frontline law enforcement personnel (OPM 2026 Special Rates; GovExec 2026-01-08).
Source reliability and limitations: The primary sourcing comes from the U.S. Office of Personnel Management itself (official policy page) and a reputable policy/benefits outlet (GovExec) reporting on the implementation. The materials are consistent about the mechanism, scope, and timing, though the exact eligible categories may have been refined post-announcement (OPM 2026 Special Rates; GovExec 2026-01-08).
Overall assessment: Based on the official policy page and corroborating reporting, the claim about using special salary rate authority to provide an additional ~2.8% pay increase to certain frontline law enforcement personnel was completed and put into effect in early 2026 (OPM 2026 Special Rates; GovExec 2026-01-08). Follow-up should confirm current payroll data for specific agencies and exact eligibility lists after the initial rollout (follow_up_date: 2026-02-15).
Update · Jan 17, 2026, 09:53 PMcomplete
The claim stated that OPM would use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel. Evidence indicates that for 2026 OPM finalized a plan to deliver a 2.8% supplemental pay increase via a new special pay rate, in line with a 3.8% total raise for eligible law enforcement roles (OPM 2026 special rates; policy summaries).
Reporting in early January 2026 confirms the implementation: the 3.8% total raise for eligible federal law enforcement personnel was finalized, with the 2.8% portion delivered through the special pay rate (GovExec and FedSmith summaries and OPM documentation).
Milestones include creation of the special pay rate and the start of 2026 pay periods showing increased compensation for qualifying personnel. The measures were enacted and began affecting eligible employees at the start of 2026, fulfilling the stated completion condition according to the available sources.
Reliability is high for the cited items: an official OPM page describes the mechanism, while GovExec and FedSmith provide corroborating details on timing and implementation. This alignment across sources supports a conclusion that the claim progressed to completion.
Update · Jan 17, 2026, 07:49 PMcomplete
Restated claim: The OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, resulting in a total 3.8% increase in line with the administration’s priorities for public safety.
Progress and evidence: OPM published a December 31, 2025 memo detailing the plan to implement a law-enforcement-specific special pay rate under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530 to deliver the 2.8% supplemental raise, with the total package reaching 3.8% when combined with the 1% base increase. The agency indicated the special-rate tables would be released by January 2026, with an effective date anticipated for the first full pay period in January 2026 (subject to the pay cap). Multiple outlets summarized that a 3.8% total increase would be in place for covered personnel starting January 2026.
Status and completion: By early January 2026, reporting indicated that the OPM had finalized plans and conveyed the 3.8% total raise for law enforcement employees through the new special pay rates, effectively implementing the promise for the eligible categories starting in the first full pay period of 2026. The implementation acknowledges a pay-cap limit (approx. $197,200) that may constrain some increases, and agencies may identify additional eligible positions over time. In short, the specific pay action described in the claim proceeded to completion for the initially covered groups.
Milestones and dates: The critical milestone was the President’s August 2025 alternative pay plan directing a 1% base increase and a targeted 2.8% supplemental raise for law enforcement, with OPM issuing a Dec. 31, 2025 memo outlining implementation. The anticipated January 2026 effective date corresponds to the general GS raise timing and the 3.8% total package taking effect in the first full pay period of 2026. The process also involved publishing FAQs and the special-rate tables in late 2025 to guide implementation.
Source reliability and framing: Sources include the OPM.gov 2026 Special Rates page and reporting from Government Executive (Jan 2026) which summarize OPM’s memo and the resulting pay increase. These are official government communications and reputable trade reporting, providing corroboration on the policy intent, implementation plan, and timing. The coverage aligns with policy formalization and the incentives described by the administration to recruit and retain frontline law enforcement personnel.
Follow-up note on incentives: The framework ties the 2.8% supplement to addressing recruitment/retention challenges in mission-critical roles and aligning with broader border-security and public-safety objectives—consistent with the stated incentives in the President’s plan and OPM’s rationale.
Update · Jan 17, 2026, 06:12 PMcomplete
Restatement of the claim: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) intended to use its special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, on top of the base and locality adjustments, to support recruitment and retention.
Evidence of progress: OPM published 2026 guidance and the accompanying 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel, confirming the use of special rate authority (5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530, subpart C) to implement the extra 2.8 percent; the broader pay plan followed President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan announced in 2025. Multiple reputable outlets and the OPM page summarize the plan and the targeted law enforcement categories with an anticipated effective date in January 2026.
Current status and milestones: The 2026 pay guidance indicates that the ordinary 1 percent base pay increase would apply, with locality pay held at 2025 levels, and that covered law enforcement personnel would receive an additional roughly 2.8 percent, for a total around 3.8 percent in January 2026. The Federal pay guidance and coverage were reiterated by OPM and summarized in industry reporting in early January 2026.
Dates and milestones: The policy package was issued toward the end of 2025, with an anticipated January 11, 2026 effective date for the 2026 pay tables and the special rate increases, and subsequent postings of the 2026 special rate tables for law enforcement. Public communications emphasize the January 2026 effective window and the scope of covered agencies and roles.
Reliability and tone of sources: The primary source is OPM’s own 2026 Special Rates page, reinforced by reporting from GovExec and FEDweek that describe the finalization and implementation of the 3.8 percent total increase for qualifying law enforcement personnel. These sources are primary and result in a consistent, fact-based account of the policy’s implementation rather than interpretive commentary.
Update · Jan 17, 2026, 03:49 PMcomplete
Claim restatement: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel as part of the Alternative Pay Plan.
Progress evidence: OPM materials (2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel) and FAQs describe using special rates under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530 to implement the extra 2.8 percent, with an anticipated January 2026 effective date and published rate tables. Independent reporting in January 2026 confirms the 3.8 percent total package (1% base plus ~2.8% via special rate) for covered personnel.
Completion status: Implementation occurred as described, with eligible frontline law enforcement personnel receiving the additional 2.8 percent through the special rate mechanism in January 2026, achieving the intended policy outcome consistent with the President’s directives.
Dates and milestones: August 2025 – President announces Alternative Pay Plan; December 2025 – OPM prepares rate tables and FAQs for January 2026 implementation; January 2026 – 3.8 percent total increase begins for eligible personnel.
Source reliability note: Facts are drawn from OPM’s official 2026 Special Rates page and FAQs, corroborated by reputable outlets (GovExec, FedSmith). While eligibility categories may evolve, the implemented mechanism and date are supported by primary sources.
Update · Jan 17, 2026, 01:55 PMcomplete
Claim restatement: The article asserted that OPM planned to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan. The stated purpose was to aid recruitment and retention and support public safety goals.
Progress and evidence: OPM advanced the plan through official communications describing the use of its special salary rate authority under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530, subpart C, to implement the supplemental pay. An OPM FAQ and the agency’s 2026 Special Rates materials indicate consultations with agencies and a tentative January 2026 effective date for the special rates, alongside a base 1% increase and locality pay considerations (per the Alternative Pay Plan/Executive actions). The policy narrative explicitly ties the 2.8% supplement to mission-critical law enforcement recruitment/retention needs.
Milestones and current status: In late December 2025, an OPM memo outlined the plan to implement a 2.8% supplemental pay rate for qualifying law enforcement personnel, with a tentative January 11, 2026 effective date for the broader package and a total 3.8% pay increase for covered positions beginning with the first full pay period of 2026. Public reporting in January 2026 confirmed that agencies would apply the special rates, with a total 3.8% raise for those covered, subject to the statutory pay cap. These developments indicate the completion condition—OPM implementing the special rate and affected employees receiving the increase—was met for covered groups.
Evidence and milestones (dates and actors): Key sources include the OPM 2026 Special Rates FAQ page, the December 31, 2025 OPM memorandum to agency heads, and follow-on reporting (GovExec) detailing the finalization of the 3.8% package starting in January 2026. The plan enumerated eligible agencies and categories (e.g., CBP, DHS components, FBI, U.S. Marshals, Secret Service, etc.) and noted the pay cap at the Executive Schedule level. These pieces together demonstrate concrete action and timing toward completion.
Source reliability and neutrality: The principal documents come from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), a primary federal agency responsible for pay policy, and are corroborated by reputable industry reporting (GovExec). The coverage focuses on official policy actions and clearly states implementation timelines, reducing risk of misinterpretation. Given the alignment with the articulated Alternative Pay Plan and subsequent implementation, the sources provide a solid, policy-focused evidentiary base.
Follow-up note: If needed, a targeted check on current pay tables and affected agency implementations beyond the first full pay period of January 2026 would confirm ongoing applicability for newly affected groups or any later expansions.
Update · Jan 17, 2026, 12:05 PMcomplete
Claim restatement: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, on top of the 1% base raise, for a total around 3.8% starting January 2026. This plan was framed as part of President Trump’s alternative pay plan and aims to support recruitment, retention, and public safety.
Evidence of progress: OPM published a 2026 guidance page outlining the use of its special salary rate authority under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530 to implement the desired increase for eligible law enforcement personnel, with a tentative January 11, 2026 (effective date for the base increase) and ongoing agency consultations to finalize eligible categories. Multiple reputable outlets subsequently reported that the 2.8% supplemental raise would be embodied in a special pay rate, resulting in a total 3.8% raise for covered employees beginning with the first full pay period of 2026.
Current status and milestones: By early January 2026, OPM indicated the special pay rates would be established and applied to include specified law enforcement jobs across DHS, DoJ, DHS components, DOJ components, and other agencies, subject to salary caps (e.g., Executive Schedule level IV). Public reporting notes the completion of the policy step to set the special rates and implement the additional 2.8% pay boost, with final communications confirming the 3.8% total increase for affected personnel.
Reliability note: The primary sourcing comes from OPM’s own 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel page and official FAQs, complemented by coverage from Government Executive and related outlets noting the January 2026 implementation. These sources align on the mechanism (special rate authority) and the milestone (January 2026 pay increase) and are considered reliable for
U.S. federal pay policy.
Update · Jan 17, 2026, 09:58 AMin_progress
Restating the claim: The article says OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan. Evidence from OPM and subsequent reporting confirms the mechanism and scope of that add-on, and how it fits with the base pay rise.
Evidence of progress: OPM’s 2026 Special Rates page explains the plan to use 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 530 subpart C to set a special pay rate for eligible law enforcement after agency consultations. The agency’s FAQ describes the 2.8 percent supplemental amount, intended to align with military pay increases, and outlines which agencies and job categories may be covered. Multiple outlets summarize that the plan culminated in a 3.8 percent total increase (1 percent base plus the 2.8 percent special rate) for eligible law enforcement beginning with the first full pay period of January 2026.
Evidence of completion status: As of mid-January 2026, OPM had finalized the approach and public-facing guidance indicating the 3.8 percent total pay increase for covered law enforcement would take effect with the January 2026 payroll. GovExec reports that the memo and accompanying pay tables set the 3.8 percent total raise for eligible personnel, subject to applicable pay caps (e.g., the $197,200 higher-rate cap). The official OPM page notes anticipated January 2026 implementation of the special rates, with consultation and finalization steps completed prior to the January 2026 pay period.
Dates and milestones: The policy hinges on a December 31, 2025 or later signaling memo from OPM authorizing the special pay rate, with the tentative effective date of January 11, 2026 for the base increase and the accompanying 2.8 percent supplement. The first full pay period of 2026 is identified as the start for the enhanced rates. The latest coverage lists and FAQs indicate ongoing agency consultations to finalize the eligible categories and any expansions beyond initial groups.
Reliability of sources: The primary, official source is OPM’s 2026 Special Rates page and its
Frequently Asked Questions, which outline the legal authorities and intended 2.8 percent supplement. Supporting coverage from Government Executive also corroborates the finalization and the 3.8 percent total raise beginning in January 2026, including the cap considerations and the list of covered agencies/job-series. Together, these sources provide a consistent picture of the policy and its implemented timing.
Follow-up note: If further updates on eligible categories, table updates, or any adjustments to the cap occur, they should be monitored through OPM updates and subsequent Government Executive reporting.
Update · Jan 17, 2026, 08:03 AMcomplete
The claim states that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of the Trump administration’s Alternative Pay Plan. OPM publicly described the mechanism (special salary rates under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530, subpart C) and identified target categories and the intended timing. An OPM FAQ document and related materials tie the 2.8% figure to a combined 3.8% total increase (1% base plus ~2.8% supplementary) with an anticipated January 2026 effective date. By January 2026, credible outlets and OPM communications indicate the special-rate approach was finalized and pay increases were implemented through new tables for eligible personnel.
Update · Jan 17, 2026, 04:09 AMcomplete
The claim stated that OPM would use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel. Public records show OPM announced and then implemented the 2.8% supplement as part of a January 2026 pay package, resulting in a total 3.8% increase for covered personnel (1% base plus 2.8% via special rates) subject to rate caps. Official guidance and subsequent reporting confirm the implementation occurred with the January 2026 pay actions and affected employees began receiving the higher rates. Reliable government and trade outlets corroborate the sequence from announcement to implementation (OPM FAQ and 2026 Special Rates page; GovExec Jan 2026; FedSmith Jan 2026).
Update · Jan 17, 2026, 02:24 AMcomplete
Claim restated: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel. Evidence indicates this plan was formalized in late 2025 and implemented in January 2026 as part of the President’s Alternative Pay Plan. OPM confirms via its 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel page and accompanying FAQ that special rates under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530, subpart C would set targeted increases with a tentative January 11, 2026, effective date. Independent reporting and agency guidance describe a total 3.8% pay rise for covered personnel, consisting of 1% base plus ~2.8% from the special-rate authority.
Update · Jan 17, 2026, 01:24 AMcomplete
Claim restatement: The article asserts that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, to aid recruitment and retention.
Evidence of progress: A 2025 OPM notice and related materials establish a plan to implement a 2026 pay raise for law enforcement that includes a 2.8% supplemental increase via a special rate, alongside a 1% base increase and no locality adjustment in 2026 (per the Alternative Pay Plan and related FAQs).
In 2026 reporting confirms the implementation path—OPM finalized a 3.8% total raise for federal law enforcement beginning in the first full pay period of 2026, with the 2.8% supplement delivered through the special pay rate.
Reliability: The primary sources include OPM communications and coverage from established outlets like GovExec and FedSmith, which corroborate the 2.8% supplemental rate and its use under 5 U.S.C. 5305/CFR 530 subpart C.
Completion status: The pay increase was implemented as part of the 2026 pay adjustments, meeting the stated completion condition of implementing the special salary rate and providing the 2.8% boost to affected personnel.
Update · Jan 16, 2026, 10:26 PMcomplete
Restated claim: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of President Trump’s alternatives pay plan.
Progress and evidence: OPM published a 2026 guidance page detailing the use of 5 U.S.C. 5305 and related authorities to implement a 2.8% supplemental increase for eligible law enforcement personnel, in addition to the standard 1% across-the-board base pay increase. Multiple reputable outlets and OPM’s own 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel documentation indicate an effective date around January 2026, with finalization of the eligible categories after agency consultations.
Current status and milestones: By early January 2026, OPM had finalized the framework and began releasing the special rate tables, with an anticipated first effective pay period in January 2026. In January 2026 reporting confirms that the total 3.8% increase (1% base plus 2.8% special rate) was being applied to eligible frontline law enforcement personnel, subject to agency coverage decisions and statutory limits.
Reliability and interpretation: The sources include OPM’s official 2026 special rates page and contemporaneous reporting from GovExec confirming the finalized 3.8% package for qualifying positions. Taken together, the evidence supports completion of the promised mechanism and near-term payroll implementation for eligible personnel. Follow-up will be useful to verify the exact coverage and any post-implementation adjustments.
Update · Jan 16, 2026, 07:56 PMcomplete
Restatement of the claim: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel.
Progress evidence: OPM published 2026 guidance and a 2026 special rates page indicating the 2.8 percent supplement for eligible law enforcement staff, aligned with the administration’s plan and the 2026 military pay increase.
Status update: Agencies implemented the package into the Federal Pay system, delivering the combined 3.8 percent increase for many eligible law enforcement personnel (1 percent general increase plus 2.8 percent special-rate supplement) beginning in 2026.
Additional detail: The 3.8 percent total pay raise for law enforcement personnel is corroborated by contemporaneous reporting from GovExec and FedSmith, which discuss finalization and effective date.
Reliability note: The primary source is OPM’s official 2026 special rates page, supplemented by reputable trade and policy outlets confirming implementation.
Conclusion: The promise appears completed for the eligible group, with the targeted 3.8 percent total raise in effect in early 2026.
Update · Jan 16, 2026, 06:21 PMcomplete
Claim restated: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, on top of an existing base pay plan, to support recruitment and retention. Evidence from official and reputable outlets shows progress toward and implementation of this plan for 2026. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) published a 2026 Special Rates page confirming the use of special salary rates under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530, subpart C, to deliver the 2.8% supplemental increase for qualifying law enforcement personnel, with a projected January 11, 2026, effective date for the special rates alongside the base 1% pay increase. GovExec reporting in January 2026 states that OPM finalized a 3.8% total raise for Federal law enforcement, including the 2.8% special pay rate, aligning with the administration’s pay plan. These sources collectively indicate completion of the stated goal for the 2026 pay adjustment, though eligibility and timing details continue to be refined in official guidance. Overall reliability is high, anchored in OPM’s publications and established policy coverage from GovExec and related federal communications.
Update · Jan 16, 2026, 03:56 PMcomplete
Claim restated: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel. Evidence shows OPM publicly outlined implementing this pay increase under 5 U.S.C. 5305 with an anticipated January 2026 effective date, and FAQs detail initial agency consultations and eligible categories. Reports from
GovExec, FedSmith, and Federal News Network corroborate the timeline and the mechanism, indicating progress toward the stated goal. Overall, by early 2026 the special-rate framework was in motion and poised to deliver the incremental pay increase to qualifying personnel.
Update · Jan 16, 2026, 02:00 PMcomplete
Claim restated: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of the President's Alternative Pay Plan.
Progress evidence: OPM publicly outlined plans to implement a 2.8% supplemental pay raise for eligible law enforcement roles through a special salary rate under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530, subpart C, with consultations across agencies. The plan was tied to the January 2026 General Schedule adjustments and aligned with the broader 3.8% military pay increase.
Milestones and current status: In September 2025, OPM published FAQs detailing the implementation approach and anticipated effective date, with tables expected by January 2026. By early January 2026, coverage and implementation were described as finalized or close to final, and subsequent reporting indicated the 2.8% supplement was included as part of the 2026 law enforcement pay package (resulting in a 3.8% total increase for eligible personnel).
Completion assessment: Evidence from OPM and independent reporting shows the 2.8% supplemental increase was implemented as described, with eligible frontline law enforcement personnel receiving the higher pay rate in line with the Alternative Pay Plan. Some detail remains contingent on final category coverage and salary cap considerations, but the core promise—an additional 2.8% via a special rate—has been executed for the affected groups.
Update · Jan 16, 2026, 12:37 PMcomplete
Claim restatement: The article stated that OPM would use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of the administration’s pay plan. Evidence shows that, in late 2025 and early 2026, OPM prepared and then finalized a 3.8% total pay increase for federal law enforcement, consisting of a base 1% across-the-board raise plus a 2.8% supplemental pay raise implemented via a special salary rate authority (projected to take effect January 11, 2026).
Official OPM guidance and FAQs explicitly describe the 2.8% special rate as the mechanism to address recruitment/retention and to align with the planned 3.8% military pay increase (OPM FAQ, 2025–2026).
Sources and confirmation from reputable outlets indicate the 2.8% component was finalized as part of the 2026 pay package for law enforcement personnel (GovExec, Jan 2026; ClearanceJobs summary, Jan 2026).
Relevant dates and milestones include the tentative January 11, 2026 implementation date for the base increase and the associated special rates, as described by OPM in its FAQ set.
Source reliability: OPM’s own pages and official FAQs are primary sources; GovExec and ClearanceJobs provide corroboration from industry outlets. All sources are high-quality and appropriate for
U.S. federal pay policy.
Notes: The completion condition—OPM implementing the special salary rate and affected employees receiving the 2.8% pay increase—has been met according to official guidance and reporting at the start of 2026.
Update · Jan 16, 2026, 10:10 AMcomplete
Claim restated: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of President Trump’s pay plan. Evidence shows the policy framework and implementation path were established by late 2025 and carried into January 2026, with official OPM documentation describing a 2.8% supplemental rate and a total 3.8% raise beginning in the first full pay period of 2026. Government reporting in early January 2026 confirms the plan's execution and cites the use of a newly created special pay rate to deliver the 2.8% addition. The January 2026 effective date for the base increase and accompanying special rate is described in OPM FAQs and memo announcements.
Update · Jan 16, 2026, 07:48 AMcomplete
What the claim stated: The article asserted that OPM would use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan, to aid recruitment and retention.
Progress evidence: OPM published a 2026 policy page detailing the plan to implement special salary rates under 5 U.S.C. 5305 to deliver the 2.8% increase for eligible law enforcement categories, with a tentative effective date around January 11, 2026. Federal press coverage and industry outlets corroborated that the 3.8% total (1% base plus additional adjustments) for designated law enforcement categories was being finalized for January 2026, including the 2.8% special-rate component.
Status assessment: By mid-January 2026, sources indicate the special-rate mechanism was established and the targeted 2.8% uplift for eligible frontline law enforcement personnel was implemented as part of the broader 3.8% pay change for certain law enforcement categories. Several outlets and official documents confirm the implementation timeline and eligibility discussions with agencies (e.g., OPM FAQ page on special rates; GovExec reporting in early January 2026).
Dates and milestones: Key milestones include the OPM policy page and FAQs announcing the use of special salary rates (with an anticipated January 11, 2026 effective date), and contemporaneous reporting confirming the finalization and rollout of the 3.8% pay plan for eligible personnel in January 2026. The cited sources note that final category eligibility for the special rates would be determined in consultation with agencies.
Source reliability note: The primary source is the Office of Personnel Management’s own 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel page, supplemented by reputable policy/defense labor reporting (GovExec, Federal News outlets). These sources are appropriate for confirming federal pay policy changes; no low-quality outlets are relied upon for core facts.
Update · Jan 16, 2026, 04:20 AMcomplete
Claim restated: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan. Evidence of progress: In August 2025, President Trump issued an Alternative Pay Plan authorizing 2026 pay actions and signaling use of a special salary rate authority. Finalization and implementation followed, with reports indicating a total 3.8% raise for eligible law enforcement personnel in 2026, comprising a 1% base increase plus the 2.8% special-rate supplement. Reliability: Official OPM materials and reputable policy outlets (GovExec, ClearanceJobs, FedSmith) reported the mechanism and timeline, supporting the completion status.
Update · Jan 16, 2026, 02:17 AMcomplete
Claim restatement: The article claimed OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, pursuing recruitment, retention, and public safety goals.
Progress evidence: OPM publicly described plans to implement a 2.8% supplemental pay increase for covered law enforcement through a special rate under 5 U.S.C. 5305, with a tentative effective date in January 2026 and coordination with agencies. A December 31, 2025 memo from OPM and accompanying FAQs outlined the policy mechanism and eligible categories. Media reporting in January 2026 confirmed the action and the broader 3.8% total raise for many covered employees when the base 1% increase is included.
Status: The policy was implemented as described, with the 2.8% special-rate increase applied to qualifying law enforcement personnel beginning with the first full pay period of 2026, contributing to a total 3.8% raise for those employees. Implementation followed the announced plan and is reflected in official OPM materials and industry coverage in early January 2026.
Dates, milestones, and reliability: Announcement and guidance released by OPM in late December 2025; effective date January 2026; final implementation confirmed in early January 2026 coverage. Primary sources include the OPM 2026 Special Rates page and FAQs, with corroboration from policy outlets such as Government Executive. These sources are high-quality and align on the implemented status.
Update · Jan 16, 2026, 12:07 AMcomplete
Claim restatement: The article claimed that OPM would use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, under President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan.
Progress evidence: OPM released 2026 guidance documenting 3.8% total raises for many federal law enforcement personnel, with 2.8% delivered via a special pay rate; multiple reputable outlets corroborated the structure of the increase and its implementation in the first full pay periods of 2026.
Completion status: The completion condition—OPM implementing the special salary rate authority and affected employees receiving the ~2.8% pay increase—has been satisfied as part of the 2026 pay package, and is now in effect for eligible personnel.
Reliability note: The core evidence comes from official OPM guidance, supported by independent reporting from GovExec and FEDweek, which strengthens the credibility of the timeline and implementation details.
Update · Jan 15, 2026, 11:54 PMcomplete
Claim restatement: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan. Evidence base: OPM’s 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel page states OPM will use special salary rates under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530 to address recruitment/retention for selected law enforcement groups (OPM.gov). Independent reporting confirms the 3.8% total raise for eligible personnel in January 2026, combining the base increase with the 2.8% supplemental rate (GovExec, Jan 2026). Completion status: The policy was finalized and deployed in January 2026, with official guidance detailing eligible categories and the 3.8% aggregate increase, subject to the applicable pay cap (OPM.gov; GovExec). Milestones and dates: December 31, 2025 memo announcing the special rate; January 2026 implementation of the 3.8% increase for covered personnel (OPM memo; GovExec). Source reliability: Primary source is OPM’s official policy page; corroboration from GovExec reinforces the implementation timeline and scope (OPM.gov; GovExec). Reliability note: Coverage may evolve as agencies request inclusion of additional roles, but the core 3.8% package is documented and in effect (OPM FAQ; GovExec).
Update · Jan 15, 2026, 07:58 PMcomplete
Claim restatement: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, yielding a total 3.8% raise aligned with the planned 2026 military pay increase.
Progress evidence: OPM published guidance and FAQs detailing the mechanism under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530, and reports indicate a finalization of the 3.8% raise for covered law enforcement personnel, effective with the first full pay period of 2026.
Completion status: The pay increase has been implemented as described, satisfying the stated completion condition; some categories may adjust due to salary caps, with agencies identifying eligible positions.
Source reliability and incentives: Information comes from official OPM material and corroborating reporting from Government Executive, both pointing to a government-implemented, targeted pay rise for mission-critical law enforcement roles. No credible reports indicate suspension or rollback as of now.
Update · Jan 15, 2026, 06:25 PMin_progress
Claim restatement: The OPM article asserts that, following President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan, OPM will use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel to aid recruitment and retention.
Evidence of progress: The primary source confirming this promise is an OPM news release that discusses implementing the Alternative Pay Plan and the use of special salary rate authority to grant the ~2.8% increase for frontline law enforcement. As of the current date, there is no publicly available follow-up from OPM or other reputable outlets confirming the actual implementation or disbursement of this specific pay increase.
Current status and completion assessment: No definitive public record shows the special salary rate authority being applied or the affected employees receiving the 2.8% boost. The absence of documented implementation milestones, payroll actions, or updated pay tables in subsequent OPM communications suggests the completion condition has not been publicly met or publicly announced, at least through mainstream, high-quality sources.
Context and incentives: The claim sits at the intersection of pay policy and federal workforce management, where changes depend on agency regulations, statutory authorities, and budgetary actions. If implemented, the increment would function as a targeted adjustment within existing pay authorities to support public safety staffing. It is prudent to remain cautious about timelines given the absence of explicit, verifiable milestones beyond the initial announcement.
Reliability note: The core evidence is an official OPM release. No corroborating independent reporting is available to date, and no subsequent, high-quality sources confirm execution. Given the sensitivity of pay reform and the potential for misalignment between announcements and actual disbursement, treat the claim as ongoing and unconfirmed until formal implementation notices appear.
Follow-up plan: Schedule a check for 2026-07-15 to verify whether OPM or the White House has issued an update or payroll action confirming the 2.8% pay increase for frontline law enforcement personnel. If available, incorporate any official pay table updates or agency notices into a follow-up report.
Update · Jan 15, 2026, 03:59 PMcomplete
Claim restated: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, aligned with President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan. Evidence shows progression from planning to implementation in 2026, with OPM publishing guidance indicating special rates and a tentative January 11, 2026 effective date. In late December 2025, OPM indicated that special rates would support recruitment and retention for eligible law enforcement categories. By January 11, 2026, a memo confirmed a 3.8% pay raise for eligible law enforcement personnel, with agencies beginning to implement the new rates for targeted categories.
Update · Jan 15, 2026, 02:01 PMcomplete
Claim restatement: OPM intended to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, in support of recruitment and retention per the President’s Alternative Pay Plan.
Evidence and milestones: An August 2025 Alternative Pay Plan directed OPM to pursue a 2.8 percent supplemental raise; a December 31, 2025 OPM memo formalized the use of a special rate to implement this increase. The plan was to couple this with a 1 percent base increase for a total 3.8 percent raise for eligible law enforcement staff.
Progress toward completion: GovDelivery FAQs and OPM guidance indicate the special-rate mechanism would apply to selected law enforcement categories, with an anticipated effective date in January 2026. Independent reporting confirms finalization of the 3.8 percent total raise beginning with the first full pay period of 2026.
Completion status: Completed. Eligible law enforcement personnel began receiving the 3.8 percent total pay increase in January 2026 via the new special pay rate, subject to the usual pay-cap. The coverage list has been described as expanding through agency consultations, but the core policy change has been implemented.
Reliability of sources: Official OPM materials (special rates page and FAQs) and GovDelivery communications anchor the policy and timeline; corroborating reporting from Government Executive supports finalization and implementation. These are high-quality, official sources consistent with The Follow Up News standards.
Notes on scope: While the exact roster of covered positions may evolve as agencies finalize coverage, the completion condition described in the claim (implementation of the special rate and 3.8 percent total increase for eligible personnel) is satisfied.
Update · Jan 15, 2026, 12:11 PMcomplete
Claim restated: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan. Evidence shows that OPM moved from intent to implementation for January 2026, with official guidance and agency communications detailing the mechanism and scope. The key development is the establishment of a special pay rate, supplementing the general 1% base pay increase, to reach a total 3.8% raise for covered law enforcement personnel beginning with the first full pay period of 2026 (subject to applicable pay caps). Progress evidence includes official OPM materials and reporting from secondary outlets confirming the implementation timeline and rate structure.
Update · Jan 15, 2026, 10:07 AMcomplete
Claim restatement: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel under President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan. Evidence of progress: OPM’s 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel page confirms the use of special salary rates to raise pay for eligible law enforcement staff, with a tentative effective date of January 11, 2026, following agency consultation. The accompanying Frequently Asked Questions describe eligible categories and the process for establishing the rates. Additional reporting notes that the 2.8% supplemental increase is paired with a broader 3.8% package for 2026, aligning with the administration’s pay plan. Completion status: The policy framework and rate tables appear prepared and in effect for January 2026, indicating implementation of the increase for affected personnel. Source reliability: Primary information comes from OPM’s official policy page and FAQs, which are supplemented by reputable industry coverage noting finalization of the 3.8% package and implementation timelines. Relevant dates and milestones: Tentative effective date January 11, 2026; initial consultations cited in the FAQs; official publication of the 2026 special rates page confirms the increase structure.
Update · Jan 15, 2026, 08:07 AMcomplete
Claim restatement: The article states that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, bringing total pay increases in that group in line with the administration’s priorities for public safety.
Evidence of progress: OPM published guidance and FAQs about implementing the law enforcement special rate, and communications indicate ongoing consultations with agencies to identify eligible categories (CBP, FBI, ICE, Secret Service, etc.). Multiple reports referenced an anticipated January 2026 effective date for the special rate alongside the general 1% increase.
Completion status: By January 2026, OPM had finalized plans and, per reputable coverage, implemented a total 3.8% pay increase for covered law enforcement personnel beginning with the first full pay period of 2026, including the establishment of a special pay rate to deliver the 2.8% supplemental increase.
Dates and milestones: OPM guidance signaled a tentative January 11, 2026 effective date for the base increase, with the special rates applied afterward. Reports confirm a 3.8% total pay rise for covered personnel in January 2026, subject to applicable pay caps (e.g., Executive Schedule level IV).
Source reliability and balance: The narrative relies on the OPM FAQ page describing the authority and process, and on Government Executive reporting detailing the finalization and implementation. These sources provide a consistent, non-partisan account of federal pay actions.
Follow-up: Monitor agency-by-agency coverage lists and any adjustments to the pay tables for 2026–2027 as more implementation data becomes public. Follow-up date: 2026-02-01
Scheduled follow-up · Jan 15, 2026
Update · Jan 15, 2026, 04:40 AMcomplete
Restatement of claim: The claim states that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, supplementing the base pay raise.
Evidence of progress: OPM’s 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel page confirms the administration’s directive to use special salary rates to deliver an additional
near-2.8% pay increase for eligible frontline law enforcement, aligned with a 3.8% total raise. The OPM FAQ and landing page outline categories, consultation, and the anticipated (tentative) effective date around January 2026.
Current status and completion: By early January 2026, reporting indicates OPM finalized a 3.8% across-the-board raise for federal law enforcement, with the additional 2.8% provided through the special-rate mechanism. GovExec summarizes Kupor’s December memo and the January 2026 pay period implementation; OPM’s own pages describe the mechanism and coverage.
Milestones and dates: The policy path started with an August 2025 Alternative Pay Plan, a December 2025 memo announcing the special rate, and a January 2026 implementation of the total 3.8% raise for covered personnel. The pay tables and coverage were anticipated by year-end 2025, with an effective date of January 11, 2026 for the General Schedule increase and related special rates.
Source reliability: Primary information comes from OPM’s official 2026 Special Rates page and its FAQ, supplemented by reporting from Government Executive that details the finalization and scope. These sources are aligned on the policy mechanism, coverage, and timeline; no high-quality source contradicts the claim. The materials indicate a completed implementation for eligible frontline law enforcement personnel as of January 2026.
Update · Jan 15, 2026, 02:24 AMcomplete
Restated claim: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) planned to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase to certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan.
Evidence of progress: In late 2025 and early 2026, OPM published guidance and rate tables describing a 2026 special rate for certain law enforcement personnel to deliver an extra 2.8% pay increase, aligned with a 3.8% overall federal-law-enforcement pay raise. The material indicates the 2.8% increment would be provided through a dedicated special pay rate, separate from the general across-the-board increase.
Current status: The 2.8% supplemental increase is described as implemented through a special rate, and reporting indicates that the 2026 federal pay raise for qualifying law enforcement personnel comprises a total 3.8% increase (1.0% across-the-board plus the 2.8% special rate).
Key dates and milestones: OPM guidance and 2026 special-rate documents appeared in late 2025, with implementation affecting the first full pay period of 2026. The official OPM page for the 2026 special rates and related guidance mark the milestone as the establishment and execution of the 2.8% supplement via the special rate.
Source reliability: Primary evidence comes from OPM’s official communications and policy pages, complemented by coverage from GovExec and FedSmith, which summarize the implementation and its framing within the 2026 pay raise. These sources provide a consistent account of the 2.8% special-rate mechanism and its role in delivering a total 3.8% raise for eligible personnel.
Update · Jan 15, 2026, 12:39 AMcomplete
The claim stated that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel. Public documentation shows that OPM formally announced and implemented a plan to grant a total 3.8% pay increase to covered law enforcement employees in January 2026, consisting of a 1% base increase for most federal workers plus the 2.8% special-rate supplement for eligible law enforcement roles.
OPM’s 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel page (FAQ and related notices) confirms the use of special salary rate authority under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530 to raise pay for specific law enforcement categories, with an anticipated January 11, 2026 tentative effective date for the new rates and a defined coverage list following agency consultations. This establishes the mechanism described in the claim and ties it to the administration’s pay plan. The source explicitly notes the target categories and the process to set the special rates.
Independent reporting confirms that the combined effect of the adjustments reached law enforcement personnel beginning with the first full pay period of January 2026, yielding a total 3.8% pay increase for covered employees (1% general increase plus ~2.8% via the special rate). Government Executive’s coverage states that the 2.8% supplement was finalized as a special pay rate and that the overall 3.8% total was implemented in January 2026, subject to the applicable pay cap.
In terms of completion, the requisite policy action, authorization, and payroll implementation appear to have occurred, with the January 2026 pay period reflecting the increases. The sources indicate an official OPM memo and finalized pay tables consistent with the claim. Overall, the status aligns with completion of the pay increase for affected frontline law enforcement personnel as described.
Reliability notes: the primary official source is OPM’s 2026 Special Rates page and its FAQ, which provide the authoritative mechanism and dates. Secondary verification comes from reputable policy and trade outlets (e.g., Government Executive) reporting the finalization and January 2026 implementation, including the 3.8% total increase and the 2.8% special-rate component. These sources collectively support the completion assessment while offering transparency about coverage and caps.
Update · Jan 14, 2026, 10:25 PMcomplete
Restatement of claim: The claim stated that OPM would use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel.
Evidence of progress: In December 2025, OPM announced plans to implement the 2.8% supplemental increase via a new special pay rate, with an effective date aligned to the January 2026 General Schedule pay actions. A January 2026 Government Executive report confirms the finalization of a 3.8% total raise for federal law enforcement personnel, consisting of a 1% base pay increase plus the additional 2.8% via the special rate. OPM’s official 2026 FAQ reiterates the use of special salary rate authority under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530 to set these rates for designated law enforcement categories and notes an anticipated tentative effective date of January 11, 2026.
Current status and completion: A full list of covered positions includes agencies such as DHS, DOJ, DOI, DOS, and others, with the special rate capped at the Executive Schedule level and subject to the applicable pay caps. The combined effect is a 3.8% total pay increase for covered personnel beginning with the first full pay period of 2026, fulfilling the core aim of boosting frontline law enforcement recruitment and retention. The accomplishment hinges on the special-rate mechanism rather than ongoing legislative action, and is documented in OPM’s 2026 Special Rates page and related FAQs, as well as contemporaneous coverage from GovExec.
Reliability note: The primary sources are OPM’s official 2026 Special Rates page and its FAQ, supplemented by a reputable industry outlet (Government Executive) reporting on the finalized 3.8% increase. These sources provide concrete dates, agency coverage, and the mechanism (special pay rate) used to deliver the increase. While reporting on federal pay can reflect evolving policy details, the cited materials present consistent, verifiable milestones for January 2026 implementation.
Update · Jan 14, 2026, 08:57 PMcomplete
Restatement of claim: The article states that, following
the Alternative Pay Plan, OPM would use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, aimed at recruitment and retention.
Progress evidence: Public-facing OPM materials from 2025–2026 outline the plan to implement 2.8% via special salary rates under 5 U.S.C. 5305, with initial consultations and category scoping across agencies such as CBP, ICE, Secret Service, and other law enforcement entities. OPM’s 2026 Special Rates page and the accompanying FAQs confirm the mechanism and an intended effective date around January 2026, aligned with a 3.8% total increase for covered personnel (1% base plus the 2.8% special rate).
Current status and milestones: By January 2026, OPM had finalized and published the 2026 law enforcement special rates and related guidance, and media coverage reported the 3.8% total pay raise for federal law enforcement beginning with the first full pay period of 2026. This includes the 2.8% supplemental boost implemented through the new special pay rate structure.
Reliability of sources: The primary source is OPM’s official 2026 Special Rates page and its
Frequently Asked Questions, complemented by coverage from GovExec and FedNews outlets summarizing the policy implementation. These sources are consistent on the intended mechanism, coverage scope, and the January 2026 effective period; no contradictory credible reports have emerged.
Notes on completeness and neutrality: The claim’s key elements (use of special salary rate authority for ~2.8% for frontline law enforcement and the January 2026 implementation) are supported by official agency documents and corroborating reporting. The materials present the policy as implemented for eligible personnel, with caveats about final category coverage and caps as described in the FAQs.
Sourcing reliability: Official OPM communications (2026 Special Rates page and FAQs) provide primary confirmation; industry reporting (GovExec, FedNews) corroborates the timing and magnitude of the pay adjustment. No low-quality or partisan outlets appear to influence the core claim.
Update · Jan 14, 2026, 06:33 PMcomplete
Restated claim: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan.
Progress evidence: On December 31, 2025, OPM published guidance detailing the use of a special pay rate to deliver the additional 2.8 percent (to achieve a 3.8 percent total) for frontline law enforcement. Early January 2026 reporting confirms the 3.8 percent total raise would begin with the first full pay period of 2026, via the special-rate mechanism.
Status of completion: The pay rise appears to have been implemented as part of the January 2026 pay actions, with credible reporting that affected personnel would receive a total 3.8 percent increase, including the 2.8 percent supplemental component.
Dates and milestones: Key milestones include the December 31, 2025 OPM directive announcing the special-rate approach and the January 2026 start of the first full pay period with the 3.8 percent raise, subject to pay caps (e.g., Executive Schedule level IV).
Reliability note: The core sources are OPM’s official 2026 Special Rates page and reputable outlets (GovExec) reporting on the finalization of the 3.8 percent raise, providing corroboration of mechanism, scope, and timing, though final eligibility lists may have evolved as agencies finalized coverage.
Update · Jan 14, 2026, 03:59 PMcomplete
The claim states that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional ~2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel. Public-facing documentation indicates that OPM moved from intent to implementation, establishing a framework to deliver a total 3.8% increase for covered law enforcement staff beginning with the first full pay period of January 2026 (the 1% base increase plus the 2.8% special pay rate).
A January 2026 report by Government Executive confirms the finalization of the plan to grant the 3.8% raise, noting a December 31, 2025 memo from the OPM Director outlining the special pay rate and the covered categories, and indicating the total increase applies to the eligible law enforcement positions. This aligns with the guidance and FAQs posted by OPM, which describe the scope, eligibility, and timing for the special pay rates.
Taken together, the available public records show that the measure progressed from planning to active deployment within the stated timeline, and affected employees in eligible law enforcement roles began receiving the increased pay in January 2026. The sources cited are OPM’s official policy/program page and a corroborating report from a reputable news outlet focused on federal pay benefits.
Reliability note: The main sources are official agency materials (OPM) and a well-established policy news outlet (Government Executive). No identified conflicting reports were found in the reviewed material.
Update · Jan 14, 2026, 02:07 PMcomplete
Claim restatement: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for frontline law enforcement personnel. Evidence shows official guidance and implementation steps: the 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel page confirms use of 5 U.S.C. 5305/530, with agency consultations and a tentative effective date in January 2026, plus explanations that the 2.8% supplement accompanies a 1% base raise to total around 3.8% for covered positions. Coverage includes major agencies and positions (CBP, ICE, Secret Service, FBI, DOJ corrections, etc.), with the rate distributed via special pay rates and subject to salary caps.
Update · Jan 14, 2026, 12:17 PMcomplete
The claim states that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel. Public documentation confirms that OPM approved and implemented a 2.8% supplemental pay increase for eligible law enforcement under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530, subpart C, as part of the 2026 pay adjustments (OPM 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel; CHCO Memo, January 2026). The policy is designed to run alongside the standard across-the-board increases and, when combined with base adjustments, yields a total increase often described as 3.8% for affected personnel (OPM 2026 materials; news coverage citing the 2.8% special rate). Evidence indicates the implementation occurred for the 2026 pay period, with agency consultations and initial eligibility determinations documented by OPM (OPM site on 2026 special rates; January 2026 CHCO memo). Reliability notes: OPM’s own notices and official memos provide the clearest, primary evidence of the policy and its effective date; secondary outlets summarize the impact but should be understood in the context of official directives.
Update · Jan 14, 2026, 10:22 AMcomplete
The claim stated that OPM would use special salary rate authority to provide an additional ~2.8% pay increase for frontline law enforcement personnel. OPM’s 2026 Special Rates page confirms the plan to implement special rates for designated law enforcement categories, with a targeted January 2026 effective date and a mechanism under 5 U.S.C. 5305 to address recruitment and retention. OPM also published FAQs detailing which agencies and categories may be covered and noting a cap at level IV of the Executive Schedule for the special rates. Independent reporting in early January 2026 indicates the 2.8% supplement was implemented as part of a 3.8% total pay raise for eligible law enforcement personnel.
Update · Jan 14, 2026, 08:05 AMcomplete
The claim stated that OPM would use special salary rate authority to provide an approximately 2.8% additional pay for frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan. This would support recruitment, retention, and public safety commitments. Public documentation confirms the plan centered on a 2.8% supplemental pay rate, packaged as part of a total 3.8% pay increase for affected personnel.
Evidence of progress includes OPM’s December 31, 2025 memo announcing the use of a special salary rate under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530 subpart C to implement the additional 2.8% for covered law enforcement personnel, following agency consultation. The plan was aligned with a broader 2026 framework that included a 1% base increase for most federal employees and a targeted 3.8% total raise for law enforcement.
Subsequent reporting confirms that the 3.8% increase was finalized to take effect in January 2026, with the 2.8% supplemental pay delivered through a newly established special pay rate. Coverage included multiple law enforcement agencies (e.g., DHS, DOJ, DOI, and related agencies) and specific job series identified by OPM in guidance and FAQs. The implementation was described as beginning with the first full pay period of 2026 and subject to the pay cap.
Key milestones cited by official sources and trade press include: (a) the December 31, 2025 OPM memo detailing the creation of a special pay rate for law enforcement; (b) the January 2026 finalization of the 3.8% raise for eligible personnel; (c) explicit listing of included agencies and positions in OPM FAQs and related material. These collectively indicate completion of the promised pay adjustment under the plan.
Source reliability is high for official status updates (OPM memos and policy pages) and corroborating coverage from Government Executive, which reported the finalization and January 2026 rollout of the law enforcement-specific 2.8% supplement as part of a 3.8% total increase. While early coverage referenced evolving coverage categories, the administration’s public communications indicate completion of the promised increase for eligible frontline law enforcement staff. Citations: OPM 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel page; OPM FAQs on 2026 law enforcement rates; GovExec article on 2026 pay raise for federal law enforcement.
Update · Jan 14, 2026, 06:09 AMcomplete
The claim states that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an approximately 2.8% additional pay for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of
the Alternative Pay Plan. Public-facing materials from OPM confirm that the agency planned to implement a 2.8% supplemental pay via a special rate, with a total anticipated raise of 3.8% for covered personnel beginning with the first full pay period of 2026 (subject to the pay cap) and after agency consultations. The administration’s guidance also outlined categories of law enforcement personnel that could be eligible and indicated the special rates would be set for recruitment and retention in mission-critical positions.
Update · Jan 14, 2026, 02:15 AMcomplete
Claim restated: OPM would use special salary rate authority to provide about a 2.8% additional pay for certain frontline law enforcement personnel. Evidence shows the 2.8% supplemental amount was finalized as part of a 3.8% total 2026 raise for covered law enforcement staff, effective with the first full pay period of 2026. The policy basis for the 2.8% supplement stemmed from Trump administration directives and OPM guidance; the final implementation combined the 1% across-the-board increase with the 2.8% special-pay-rate boost. Reliability of sources is high, drawing on official OPM communications and reporting from Government Executive corroborating the final pay structure.
Update · Jan 14, 2026, 12:29 AMcomplete
Restated claim: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay boost for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, on top of the base 1% across-the-board increase. Evidence of progress: OPM published guidance describing the use of 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530, subpart C to implement the special rates, with FAQs and implementation timelines; reporting confirms the initial coverage and anticipated January 2026 effect. Completion status: By January 2026, reports indicate the total 3.8% pay increase was finalized to take effect in the first full pay period of 2026, with the 2.8% supplemental component delivered via a new special pay rate, subject to the Executive Schedule cap. Reliability: Primary OPM material plus corroborating coverage from Government Executive and related communications provide a consistent account of the policy mechanism, covered categories, and timeline. Overall: The claim progressed from plan to execution, resulting in a 3.8% total increase for eligible law enforcement personnel starting January 2026.
Update · Jan 13, 2026, 10:32 PMcomplete
Claim restated: OPM intended to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, aligned with the President's Alternative Pay Plan.
Evidence of progress: An OPM memo issued December 31, 2025 directed the creation of new special rate tables to implement the 2.8% supplemental increase (for a total 3.8%), with an anticipated January 2026 effective date. The OPM FAQ published December 2025 confirms the plan and the use of 5 U.S.C. 5305/5304a authorities to implement the special rates (and to consult with agencies).
Update · Jan 13, 2026, 08:09 PMcomplete
Claim restated: The article claimed OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan.
Progress evidence: In late 2025 and early 2026, government and policy outlets documented that OPM finalized a plan to grant federal law enforcement personnel a total 3.8% pay raise for 2026, consisting of a 1% base increase plus a 2.8% supplemental rate delivered via a new special pay rate. Coverage references a December 31, 2025 OPM memo and subsequent January 2026 reporting confirming implementation for the first full pay period of 2026.
Completion status: The condition—OPM implementing the special salary rate and affected law enforcement employees receiving the additional ~2.8% pay increase—has been satisfied in practice as part of the 2026 pay package. The 2.8% component is applied through the special rate, alongside the 1% across-the-board raise for most federal employees.
Reliability note: Reports from
GovExec, FedWeek/related outlets, and ClearanceJobs, anchored by official OPM communications, provide corroboration of the special-rate mechanism and the 3.8% total raise for 2026. These sources are considered high-quality for federal pay policy and avoid lower-quality outlets.
Update · Jan 13, 2026, 06:29 PMcomplete
Restatement of the claim: The claim stated that OPM would use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, aligning with the administration’s public safety priorities. Progress evidence: OPM’s 2026 special rates page describes the use of special salary rate authority to implement the 2.8% supplement for eligible law enforcement personnel, with an expected effective date around January 11, 2026, and FAQ guidance issued in 2025. Completion status: By January 2026, reporting indicates the plan was finalized as part of a 3.8% total raise for eligible law enforcement personnel, combining a 1% base increase with the 2.8% special-rate augmentation; implementation began with the first full pay period of 2026, subject to the pay cap. Milestones and dates: Key milestones include the August 28, 2025 Alternative Pay Plan, the December 31, 2025 memo announcing the special pay rate, and January 2026 implementation; pay tables were expected by year-end 2025. Reliability of sources: The assessment relies on primary government documents from OPM (policy page and FAQ) and reputable reporting (GovExec) corroborating the policy intent, implementation approach, and realized pay outcome for covered personnel.
Update · Jan 13, 2026, 03:57 PMcomplete
Claim restated: The article stated that OPM would use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, aligning with a 3.8% total increase for those employees.
Evidence of progress: OPM published a 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel page confirming the intended use of 5 U.S.C. 5305 and related authorities to implement the supplemental pay, with a tentative effective date tied to January 11, 2026. A separate OPM FAQ (Sept. 2025) described the policy framework and the list of initial covered agencies and roles. Independent reporting in January 2026 (GovExec) confirms the Administration finalized a 3.8% total pay increase for the law enforcement cohort beginning with the first full pay period of 2026, with the 2.8% supplemental rate embedded as a special rate.
Completion status: The completion condition—OPM implementing the special salary rate and affected law enforcement employees receiving the ~2.8% pay increase (within the 3.8% total)—appears satisfied as of January 2026, per OPM guidance and major media reporting. The sources also note the pay cap and coverage process, indicating formal implementation across eligible positions and agencies. Reliability notes: OPM official pages provide primary confirmation of policy mechanics; GovDelivery reiterates the same policy, and GovExec provides contemporaneous verification of the pay action taking effect in January 2026.
Update · Jan 13, 2026, 02:04 PMcomplete
The claim stated that OPM intended to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel. Public-facing materials show that OPM implemented this plan as part of the 2026 pay raise, with official guidance and FAQs detailing the use of special salary rates under 5 U.S.C. 5305 to support recruitment and retention. The expected January 11, 2026 effective date for the base raise aligns with the 2.8 percent supplemental boost delivered via new special rates, in coordination with the administration’s 3.8 percent military pay plan. Coverage from reputable outlets and the official OPM pages confirms the mechanism and scope of the increase for eligible categories. Overall, the initiative moved from announcement to active implementation in early January 2026, with clear milestones documented by OPM and corroborating reporting.
Update · Jan 13, 2026, 01:13 PMcomplete
The claim stated that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel. Public documentation confirms a plan to implement a total 3.8 percent raise for covered law enforcement staff in January 2026, with 1 percent base pay plus 2.8 percent via a special rate. Official OPM materials describe the 2026 special rates and the implementation mechanism, with an anticipated January 2026 effective period. Contemporaneous reporting corroborates the finalization and rollout of the special pay rate alongside the base increase, resulting in the combined 3.8 percent raise for eligible positions. Reliability rests on primary OPM guidance and contemporaneous coverage from GovExec, which document the memo and rollout; readers should note caps and category eligibility as specified by OPM.
Update · Jan 13, 2026, 10:10 AMcomplete
Restating the claim: OPM intended to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, aiming to support recruitment and retention. Evidence shows OPM publicly described this plan as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan and issued guidance and tables for January 2026 implementation. Public materials confirm the 2.8 percent supplement was designed to yield a total around 3.8 percent for covered LEO personnel, subject to salary caps and agency coverage decisions.
Update · Jan 13, 2026, 08:27 AMcomplete
Claim restated: OPM intended to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, aligning with the Alternative Pay Plan.
Progress evidence: OPM published 2026 guidance documenting the use of special salary rate authority under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530, subpart C to implement the additional pay for eligible law enforcement positions, with a tentative effective date around January 11, 2026 (the date the GS base increase would be effective) and subsequent confirmation that a total 3.8% raise would apply beginning with the first full pay period of 2026 (1% base + 2.8% special rate) per agency guidance and coverage lists (OPM 2026 Special Rates page; GovExec reporting).
Completion status: The pay increase was finalized and rolled out as a combined 3.8% increase for covered law enforcement personnel, beginning in January 2026, with the 2.8% coming via the new special pay rate and the 1% base increase applying to eligible general schedule employees (OPM guidance and GovExec coverage).
Milestones and dates: January 2026—OPM finalizes and implements the 3.8% total raise for qualifying law enforcement personnel; January 11, 2026—tentative effective date for the base GS pay change; subsequent tables and coverage lists issued by OPM and agencies (OPM 2026 Special Rates page; GovExec 2026 coverage).
Source reliability: Primary confirmation from the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) special rates page and corroborating reporting from Government Executive, which documented the Dec. 31 memo and January 8–9, 2026 finalization of the 3.8% package for law enforcement. These sources are authoritative for federal pay policy and reflect official agency actions.
Notes on neutrality and incentives: Reporting acknowledges the policy framework and implementation details without partisan framing; coverage emphasizes the statutory mechanisms (special rate authority) and the effective date, in line with standard administrative practice.
Update · Jan 13, 2026, 04:16 AMcomplete
Restated claim: OPM intended to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for frontline law enforcement personnel, intended to support recruitment, retention, and public safety. Progress indicators show the plan was directed in the August 2025 Alternative Pay Plan and formalized in OPM materials for 2026. The goals included applying special rates under 5 U.S.C. 5305 to eligible law enforcement positions with an anticipated January 11, 2026 effective date, subject to agency consultations. Subsequent reporting indicates the administration proceeded with implementing the combined package totaling a 3.8% raise for covered personnel beginning in the first full pay period of 2026.
Update · Jan 13, 2026, 02:32 AMcomplete
Restated claim: OPM intended to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of the administration’s Alternative Pay Plan. Evidence shows this was implemented as part of the January 2026 pay changes, resulting in a total 3.8% pay increase for eligible personnel (1% across-the-board base increase plus the 2.8% supplemental rate).
Progress evidence: OPM released guidance and FAQs in 2025 indicating it would apply 5 U.S.C. 5305-based special rates for designated law enforcement groups, with an anticipated effective date around January 11, 2026. In January 2026, reporting from Government Executive confirms that OPM finalized the plan to pay law enforcement personnel a 3.8% total increase starting with the first full pay period of 2026, with the 2.8% supplemental rate implemented via a new special pay rate and subject to the overall pay cap. The OPM 2026 Special Rates page formally documents the framework for these rates and affected categories.
Current status: The specified special-rate mechanism appears enacted, and affected frontline law enforcement personnel covered by the program began receiving the combined 3.8% raise in January 2026. This aligns with the completion condition in the source material, which anticipated implementation through OPM’s use of special salary rates and a January 2026 start date.
Source reliability note: The primary confirmations come from the official OPM page detailing 2026 special rates for law enforcement personnel and from reputable trade/analytic outlets (Government Executive) reporting the January 2026 implementation and the 3.8% total increase. These sources are consistent with the described policy framework and timing, though the exact list of covered positions can vary as agencies finalize coverage. The coverage includes
U.S. federal law enforcement agencies such as DHS, DOJ, DOI, and others as outlined in the OPM FAQ and subsequent memo.
Update · Jan 13, 2026, 12:21 AMcomplete
Claim restatement: The article stated that OPM would use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan.
Progress evidence: OPM issued 2026 pay guidance establishing special salary rates for law enforcement personnel, confirming an additional 2.8% pay increase to run alongside a 1.0% across-the-board increase, yielding a total 3.8% increase for eligible positions in January 2026. Primary sources include OPM memos and 2026 special rates documentation publicly posted by OPM.
Completion status: By early January 2026, affected law enforcement employees began receiving the combined 3.8% increase (1.0% base + 2.8% special rate) via updated pay tables, with implementation described in OPM’s January 2026 pay adjustments and related materials. Secondary outlets summarize the same implementation timeline and beneficiary categories.
Reliability and scope: The most authoritative information comes from OPM’s official memos and policy pages (OPM.gov), corroborated by subsequent reporting from reputable outlets that track federal pay (e.g., GovExec, FedSmith). These sources indicate the policy was implemented for eligible positions in January 2026 and target recruitment/retention goals aligned with the claim.
Update · Jan 12, 2026, 10:29 PMcomplete
Claim restatement: OPM would use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, aligning with the administration’s public safety priorities. Evidence shows 2026 special-rate tables and FAQs indicating the policy was implemented, with a tentative effective date of January 11–January 2026 for the base GS increase, and the 2.8 percent supplement applied to eligible law enforcement positions. The available official documentation from OPM confirms the mechanism (special rates under 5 U.S.C. 5305/5304a) and identified categories, with tables showing the 2.8 percent supplement, though final eligibility varied by agency and position.
Update · Jan 12, 2026, 08:25 PMcomplete
Summary of claim: The article stated that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, aligning with an administration commitment to public safety.
Evidence of progress: OPM publicly outlined the 2026 plan to implement a 2.8% special pay rate for eligible law enforcement personnel, with a tentative January 11, 2026, effective date for the special rates and a total 3.8% pay increase beginning with the first full pay period of 2026 (1% base across the board plus the 2.8% special rate) as part of the President’s Alternative Pay Plan. The 2026 Special Rates page and accompanying FAQs describe the categories and administration of the special rate authorities (5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530, subpart C). These details were echoed in subsequent reporting confirming the finalized approach.
Completion status: By early January 2026, OPM finalized the plan and launched the combined 3.8% increase for covered law enforcement personnel, with the 2.8% addition delivered via the new special salary rate. This fulfills the stated completion condition that affected employees receive the additional pay increase through the special rate mechanism.
Dates and milestones: Announcement of the policy and use of special pay authorities appeared in late 2025, with the FAQ page and OPM guidance detailing the coverage and effective date of January 11, 2026. In January 2026, reporting confirmed the finalization and implementation of the 3.8% total pay boost for eligible law enforcement personnel. These milestones align with the Administration’s stated pay plan and the implementation timeline.
Reliability and sources: The primary, high-quality sources are OPM’s official 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel page and its
Frequently Asked Questions, which document the use of a special salary rate and the anticipated effective date. Independent outlets (GovExec) corroborated the finalization of a 3.8% raise beginning in January 2026, noting the 2.8% special-rate component. Given the official government source and corroborating reporting, the information is reliably-supported.
Update · Jan 12, 2026, 06:34 PMcomplete
Claim restated: OPM intended to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of President Trump’s alternative pay plan.
Evidence of progress: The OPM 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel page confirms the plan to use special salary rates under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and that consultations with agencies would identify eligible categories, with an anticipated tentative effective date of January 11, 2026. Subsequent reporting confirms the implementation specifics and the scope of eligibility.
Status of completion: By early January 2026, OPM finalized the approach to deliver a total 3.8% raise for covered law enforcement personnel, consisting of a baseline 1% across the federal workforce plus the 2.8% supplemental rate delivered via the special pay rate mechanism. Media reports indicate the special-rate tables were issued and the full package took effect with the first full pay period of 2026.
Dates and milestones: The President’s directive was issued in August 2025, with OPM announcing the special rates in December 2025 and the pay tables effective January 11, 2026. The January 2026 coverage includes agencies such as DHS, DOJ, DHS components, DOT, and several Interior and State Department law enforcement positions.
Reliability of sources: Official OPM material (policy page and FAQ) provides the authoritative framework and dates. Independent outlets corroborate the implementation, the 3.8% total raise, and the use of a 2.8% special rate to reach that total. Overall, sources are high-quality, with consistent reporting on the completion of the stated policy.
Update · Jan 12, 2026, 03:59 PMcomplete
Claim restated: OPM planned to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, in line with an Alternative Pay Plan.
Evidence of progress: The 2026 Special Rates page and accompanying FAQs from OPM describe using 5 U.S.C. 5305 special salary rate authority to increase pay for selected law enforcement positions, with an anticipated tentative effective date of January 11, 2026. Government guidance released in December 2025 and subsequent communications indicated the plan to implement the 2.8% supplemental pay as part of a total 3.8% increase for covered employees, implemented via special rate tables.
Completion status: Multiple independent outlets and OPM communications confirm that the special-rate mechanism was finalized and that affected law enforcement personnel would receive the 3.8% total increase starting with the first full pay period of 2026, subject to pay caps. The final list of eligible positions was to be determined in coordination with agencies, but the mechanism to pay via special rates was established.
Dates and milestones: August 2025 through December 2025 saw the Introduction and detailing of the plan in the President’s Alternative Pay Plan and OPM FAQs; January 2026 marked the formal implementation of the 3.8% package (1% base plus 2.8% special-rate supplement) for eligible law enforcement personnel, capped by the Executive Schedule level IV cap.
Source reliability: The information comes from the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) official pages and widely reported summaries in Government Executive, reflecting primary government guidance. While some outlets used interpretive language, the core facts align with OPM’s posted FAQs and the December 31 memo outlining the special rate implementation. These sources collectively support a neutral, fact-based understanding of the status.
Update · Jan 12, 2026, 02:03 PMin_progress
Claim restated: OPM indicated that, following President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan, it would use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel to aid recruitment and retention and public safety.
Evidence of progress: An OPM news release (dated 2025-12-31) explicitly states the plan to use special salary rate authority to deliver the ~2.8% pay bump for frontline law enforcement personnel. The release frames this as part of implementing the administration’s pay and workforce reform agenda.
Current status vs completion: There is no public record confirming that the 2.8% pay increase has been implemented or disbursed to affected employees as of 2026-01-12. The available material describes intent and planned mechanism but does not document a completed payment action or recipient notices.
Dates and milestones: The primary cited milestone is the 2025-12-31 OPM release announcing the plan. No subsequent publicly verifiable milestones (e.g., agency notices, salary adjustments, or Treasury/OMB approvals) are identified in accessible sources up to 2026-01-12.
Source reliability note: The key source is an official OPM news release, which is a primary document for government actions. Independent verification is limited by the absence of additional corroborating postings from OPM or other agencies detailing implementation. Given the lack of post-release confirmation, the claim remains uncompleted as of the current date.
Update · Jan 12, 2026, 12:10 PMcomplete
Claim restatement: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel as part of the President's Alternative Pay Plan. Progress evidence: OPM published a 2026 special rates page confirming the use of 5 U.S.C. 5305 and related authorities to establish special rates for eligible law enforcement positions, with an anticipated January 2026 effective date, and December 31, 2025 memo confirming the plan. Completion status: The plan moved from proposal to implementation, with agencies applying the special pay rate that yields a total 3.8% raise for eligible personnel beginning the first full pay period of 2026. Relevant milestones: August 2025 (Alternative Pay Plan), December 31, 2025 memo authorizing the special rate, January 2026 (effective date for the total raise). Source reliability: Primary documentation comes from OPM’s official special rates page and corroborating reporting from Government Executive, indicating official rollout and policy details.
Update · Jan 12, 2026, 10:17 AMcomplete
Claim restated: OPM intended to use special salary rate authority to provide an approximate 2.8% additional pay boost for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan.
Progress evidence: On 2025-12-31, OPM published a 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel page detailing the plan to use 5 U.S.C. 5305 and related authorities to implement an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for eligible law enforcement staff, with an anticipated effective date aligned to the 2026 General Schedule increase. In January 2026, press reporting and OPM communications confirmed the administration’s direction and the creation of special rate tables to implement the raise.
Status of completion: As of January 11–12, 2026, OPM announced and disseminated the special pay rate tables and associated guidance, establishing a total 3.8% pay increase for covered law enforcement employees (1% base increase + 2.8% special rate), subject to the annual pay cap. Several outlets corroborated that the higher pay rate would begin with the first full pay period of 2026 (Jan 11, 2026) and that the special rates would apply to identified law enforcement positions across multiple agencies.
Reliability of sources: The primary source is OPM’s official 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel page and its
Frequently Asked Questions, which provides the authoritative framework and dates. Supporting verification comes from reputable policy/news outlets (Government Executive, Federal News Network) that reported the memo, the executive order, and the published pay tables. These sources collectively indicate that the promise has moved from planning to active implementation with concrete pay tables and an effective date in early 2026.
Update · Jan 12, 2026, 07:53 AMcomplete
Claim restatement: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of the President's Alternative Pay Plan. Evidence of progress: Official OPM policy pages and FAQs published in 2025 describe using special salary rates to deliver the 2.8% uplift, with an anticipated January 2026 effective date and a total 3.8% raise for eligible personnel. Completion status: By January 2026, reporting indicates the special rate was implemented for eligible law enforcement positions, delivering the total 3.8% increase beginning with the first full pay period of 2026. Reliability: Primary sources are official OPM materials (OPM.gov, GovDelivery FAQ) with corroboration from Government Executive reporting; together they provide a consistent, authoritative account of implementation.
Scheduled follow-up · Jan 12, 2026
Update · Jan 12, 2026, 03:50 AMcomplete
Claim restated: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) intended to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, delivering a total around 3.8% including the base 1% under the President’s Alternative Pay Plan. Evidence indicates that OPM defined a framework to enact this through a special salary rate under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530, subpart C, and began communicating coverage and timelines in late 2025. Public-facing documents confirm an anticipated, then realized, formal implementation timing aligned with January 2026 pay adjustments. The key milestones include agency consultations to identify eligible categories, publication of 2026 special rate tables, and a January 2026 effective date for the enhanced pay rate (subject to pay caps).
Update · Jan 12, 2026, 01:51 AMcomplete
Claim restatement: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan.
Progress evidence: An OPM memo (Dec 31, 2025) confirms the plan to disperse the 2.8% supplemental pay via a special rate, resulting in a total 3.8% increase for covered law enforcement positions beginning with the first full pay period of 2026.
Current status: The 3.8% total raise was finalized for 2026, with implementation guided by 2026 special-rate tables and agency notices detailing covered positions and pay caps.
Milestones and dates: December 31, 2025 memo announcing the special rate; January 2026 implementation for the first full pay period; subsequent 2026 rate tables define eligible grades/locations.
Reliability note: Primary confirmation from OPM official release and 2026 special rates documentation; corroborating reporting from Government Executive provides detailed coverage of covered roles and effective dates. These sources are high-quality and appropriate for evaluating federal pay actions.
Update · Jan 12, 2026, 12:15 AMcomplete
Summary of claim: OPM would use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan, with completion condition that affected employees receive the pay boost.
Evidence of progress: Official OPM communications detailed the mechanism and eligibility, including the December 31, 2025 memo and
the September 2, 2025 FAQ outlining the approach, scope, and early categories for coverage.
Status and milestones: By January 2026, reporting indicated the law enforcement special rates would be implemented in the first full pay period of 2026, delivering a total 3.8% increase for covered positions (base 1% plus the 2.8% special rate, subject to pay caps). Multiple outlets, including Government Executive, corroborated the implementation path.
Reliability of sources: Sources are official OPM materials (policy pages and FAQs) and corroborating reporting from reputable outlets, providing a consistent account of authorities, scope, and effective dates.
Completion assessment: The completion condition appears satisfied for the identified categories, with the special pay rate implemented and the targeted 3.8% total increase in January 2026 as reported.
Follow-up: 2026-02-15
Update · Jan 11, 2026, 09:55 PMcomplete
The claim stated that OPM would use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel. Public records show OPM planned this adjustment under the Alternative Pay Plan, with a target total increase of 3.8% for eligible personnel beginning January 2026. Subsequent reporting confirms that OPM finalized the plan, implementing the 2.8% supplemental pay as a special rate and delivering a total 3.8% raise for affected staff starting in January 2026. The implementation involved coordination with multiple agencies and was designed to address recruitment and retention needs for mission-critical law enforcement roles.
Update · Jan 11, 2026, 07:50 PMcomplete
Claim restated: OPM intended to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, on top of a 1% base pay increase, aligning with an overall 3.8% raise for those personnel.
Evidence of progress: In September 2025, OPM articulated the framework in FAQs accompanying the President’s Alternative Pay Plan, describing the plan to implement a 2.8% supplemental rate via special salary rates after agency coordination. In January 2026 reporting, OPM finalized and communicated the implementation of the 3.8% total pay increase for covered law enforcement positions, effective with the first full pay period of 2026, with a defined cap at the Executive Schedule level IV maximum ($197,200). GovExec’s summary and multiple pay-news outlets corroborate that the special rate was established and applied to eligible positions.
Status of completion: The promised mechanism—OPM establishing a special pay rate to deliver the 2.8% boost and agencies applying it to eligible frontline law enforcement—has been implemented for January 2026. The pay increase is capped by 5 U.S.C. 5305 (Executive Schedule level IV), and agency coverage was specified with a baseline list of agencies and roles, though agencies may add covered positions over time.
Dates and milestones: Key milestones include the August 2025 President’s Alternative Pay Plan; the September 2025 FAQs outlining the approach; and the January 2026 implementation of a 3.8% total raise. Coverage began with the first full pay period of January 2026, with explicit references to CBP, DHS, DOJ, DOI, DHS components, FBI, BOP, DEA, USMS, ATF, Secret Service, and related law enforcement roles, and a maximum cap of $197,200 in pay. Reliability: The sources include official OPM communications (Special Rates page and the 2025 FAQs) and contemporaneous industry reporting (GovExec), which together provide a consistent, primary-source basis for the status update.
Reliability caveats: While the information is anchored in official OPM notices and corroborated by established outlets, exact final agency lists and any subsequent expansions to covered positions may evolve with agency classifications and funding directives.
Overall assessment: The claim is now best characterized as complete, with the targeted 3.8% total pay increase for designated frontline law enforcement personnel in effect beginning January 2026 under the new special salary rate authority.
Update · Jan 11, 2026, 06:17 PMcomplete
Claim restated: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan. Evidence shows this initiative was designed to be implemented through OPM's special salary rate authority (5 U.S.C. 5305) and to apply to specified law enforcement categories after agency consultations. The 2026 OPM guidance and FAQs indicate the special rates would accompany a 1% base pay increase, targeting recruitment and retention needs for mission-critical law enforcement positions, with a tentative January 11, 2026 effective date for the overall raise in many positions. Final reporting from early January 2026 confirms that the plan materialized as a total 3.8% raise for covered personnel (1% base plus 2.8% via special rates), subject to the applicable pay cap (5 U.S.C. 5305).
Update · Jan 11, 2026, 03:56 PMcomplete
Restatement of the claim: OPM would use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel as part of
the Alternative Pay Plan. The objective was to support recruitment, retention, and public safety commitments.
Evidence of progress: OPM issued 2026 guidance confirming the use of special salary rates under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530, subpart C, to deliver the additional pay. The guidance indicates this 2.8% add-on is applied to eligible law enforcement roles, alongside a base 1% increase for general statutory pay systems.
Status of completion: The configuration of a special-rate pay increase was finalized and implemented for qualifying personnel, producing a combined approximately 3.8% increase for those categories (1% base + 2.8% special-rate). Agency implementation guidance and memos confirmed operational rollout.
Milestones and dates: Key documents include the 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel page, the January 2026 pay adjustments memo, and CHCO memos announcing the approval and scope of the special rates. These materials date from late 2025 and January 2026. Independent reporting corroborates the finalization and publicizing of the 3.8% package for eligible staff.
Source reliability and context: Primary information comes from OPM’s official publications, supplemented by reputable industry coverage (GovExec, Federal News Network). The sources align on the mechanics (1% base + 2.8% special-rate) and the eligibility-driven rollout, supporting a neutral, fact-based assessment of the policy outcome.
Note on broader relevance: The findings reflect a formal government compensation action tied to an Administrative Pay Plan and its implementation for law enforcement personnel, consistent with the documented policy instruments and executive guidance.
Update · Jan 11, 2026, 01:55 PMcomplete
The claim stated that OPM would use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel. Public records show that OPM publicly outlined the plan to implement a 3.8 percent total increase for covered law enforcement employees (1% base increase plus the 2.8% supplemental raise) with a January 2026 effective date, via official communications and FAQs. This framework was corroborated by contemporaneous reporting in January 2026 that OPM had finalized the 3.8% raise for federal law enforcement, under the President’s Alternative Pay Plan and subsequent directives. The combination of OPM’s official FAQ page and contemporary reporting indicates the policy progressed from announcement to implementation as of January 2026, with the special-rate component executable under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and related authorities. Reliability rests on official OPM materials and established media reporting from reputable outlets. The completion condition—OPM implements the special salary rate and affected employees receive the ~2.8% pay increase—has been met in the form of the 3.8% total raise for covered personnel effective in January 2026.
Update · Jan 11, 2026, 12:06 PMcomplete
Claim restatement: The article asserted that OPM would use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, aligning with a 3.8 percent total raise. Evidence shows that OPM announced and implemented a framework for this supplemental pay via special salary rates, with a tentative effective date tied to the January 2026 General Schedule increases (1% base plus the 2.8% SSR, totaling 3.8%). The OPM 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel page and its accompanying FAQ describe the use of 5 U.S.C. 5305/530 and the plan to establish eligible categories and tables to support recruitment and retention (expected January 2026). Subsequent reporting confirms that OPM finalized the plan to grant federal law enforcement a 3.8% total raise beginning with the first full pay period of 2026, effectively delivering the targeted 2.8% SSR component within the total package (subject to the pay cap). Reliability note: The primary official source is OPM's own policy page and FAQs; corroborating coverage from Government Executive (January 2026) and Federal News Network discussions align with the implementation and scope, though the specifics of exact job categories were to be finalized by agencies.
Update · Jan 11, 2026, 10:24 AMin_progress
Claim restatement: The article stated that OPM would use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, following
the Alternative Pay Plan. Evidence exists in OPM’s 2026 Special Rates page and accompanying FAQs, which outline establishing special rates after agency consultations with a tentative January 11, 2026 effective date for the base increase and the law enforcement supplement. Independent reporting (e.g., Government Executive) corroborates that the total 3.8% raise for covered law enforcement personnel is intended to begin in January 2026, with the 2.8% supplement delivered via a special rate. Progress status: As of 2026-01-10, the framework was being finalized for implementation; official tables and guidance were expected to be published to trigger the January 2026 pay cycle. The completion condition (OPM implements the special salary rate and affected employees receive the ~2.8% increase) remains in progress, contingent on final publication of rate tables and eligibility determinations. Reliability note: The primary sources are official OPM materials and reputable industry coverage; both acknowledge potential caveats such as eligibility and salary-cap constraints.
Update · Jan 11, 2026, 07:51 AMcomplete
Restatement of claim: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel. Evidence of progress: OPM published 2026 special rates and FAQs confirming the use of special rates, with a tentative January 11, 2026 effective date; reputable reporting indicates a total 3.8% raise was finalized to begin in January 2026. Completion status: Jan 2026 reporting confirms the policy was implemented for eligible positions, achieving the promised increase in practice. Reliability: Primary source is OPM; corroborating reporting from Government Executive strengthens confidence in implementation.
Scheduled follow-up · Jan 11, 2026
Update · Jan 11, 2026, 03:51 AMcomplete
Restatement of the claim: The claim stated that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan, elevating recruitment and retention for public safety.
Progress evidence: OPM’s 2026 guidance and FAQs describe the mechanism (special salary rate authority under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530, subpart C) and identify the initial law enforcement categories to be covered. A contemporaneous federal news outlet reported that OPM finalized plans to grant a total 3.8% pay increase for federal law enforcement beginning with the first full pay period of 2026, with the additional 2.8% delivered via a special rate. The GovExec piece cites a Dec. 31 memo and a January 2026 finalization by OPM.
Current status and milestones: By early January 2026, OPM had finalized the approach to implement the 3.8% total increase for covered law enforcement personnel, with the additional 2.8% delivered through a special rate. The plan references a tentative effective date of January 11, 2026 for the base increase and related special rates, subject to salary caps and agency coverage decisions. The specifics of which exact job titles are included can expand over time as agencies request inclusions.
Completion assessment: The completion condition—OPM implements the special salary rate and affected law enforcement employees receive the additional roughly 2.8% pay increase—has been satisfied in practice for the January 2026 pay period, as evidenced by reporting that the special-rate-based component is in place and results in a 3.8% total raise for eligible personnel. The sources indicate implementation proceeded in line with the Alternative Pay Plan announcements.
Reliability and sources: The primary data come from OPM’s official 2026 Special Rates page (describing the authority, process, and FAQs) and a contemporaneous analysis from Government Executive detailing the finalized 3.8% package and its reliance on the special-rate mechanism. Additional corroboration appears in coverage from Federal pay-benefits outlets that tracked the policy’s evolution. These sources are consistent and reflect official government guidance, though early-stage category coverage may evolve with agency consultations.
Notes on neutrality and context: The report focuses on verifiable, public-facing policy steps and dates. While the underlying policy is framed within a broader pay plan, the analysis remains narrowly scoped to the claimed pay adjustment and its formal implementation through OPM’s special rates authority.
Update · Jan 11, 2026, 01:52 AMin_progress
Claim restatement: The article asserts that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, aligned with President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan.
Progress evidence: Official OPM materials confirm the plan and provide details on how the increase would be delivered—via special salary rates under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and related authorities—with a tentative implementation date tied to the January 2026 pay adjustments. The September 2025 OPM FAQ and the August 2025 Alternative Pay Plan formalize the mechanism and scope, including which agencies might be covered. An accompanying GovDelivery bulletin reiterates the plan and notes expected coordination with DHS, DOJ, and DOI.
Current status and milestones: As of the current date (2026-01-10), the special-rate tables had not been publicly released, but OPM’s guidance points to an anticipated effective date around January 11, 2026, pending agency consultations and final approvals. The process described indicates ongoing agency coordination and finalization of eligible categories before deployment of the pay table adjustments. No final, universal pay-table publication has been observed in open official channels yet.
Reliability and context: Primary sources are official government communications from OPM (opm.gov and govdelivery bulletin), which provide the authoritative description of the plan and timelines. Secondary reporting from policy-focused outlets corroborates the general structure of a 3.8% total package for law enforcement, but the definitive implementation rests with OPM’s final table releases and agency alignments. The materials explicitly frame the 2.8% increase as contingent on completing consultations and issuing the special-rate tables.
Follow-up date: 2026-01-31
Update · Jan 10, 2026, 11:58 PMcomplete
The claim stated that OPM would use special salary rate authority to provide an approximate 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel. Evidence shows that OPM formalized this as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan and subsequently published FAQs and guidance, with a tentative January 2026 effective date for the supplemental pay increase. By early January 2026, reporting and official notices indicate the special-rate increase was implemented, delivering a total 3.8 percent pay increase for covered law enforcement positions (1 percent base increase plus the 2.8 percent special rate), subject to pay caps.
Update · Jan 10, 2026, 10:05 PMcomplete
Claim restatement: OPM announces it will use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, in support of recruitment, retention, and public safety, as part of the President's Alternative Pay Plan.
Progress evidence: OPM published a 2026 special rates page describing the plan and outlining the initial categories and process for implementing the 2.8% supplement via special salary rates (5 U.S.C. 5305; 5 CFR 530). Subsequent reporting indicates OPM finalized and announced the 3.8% total raise for eligible law enforcement positions, effective with the first full pay period in January 2026 (including the base 1% across-the-board, plus the 2.8% special rate component).
Completion status: The 3.8% total increase for covered law enforcement personnel was finalized by OPM and is set to take effect in January 2026, with the special rate tables and eligible categories published by OPM and publicly communicated by December 31, 2025, and January 2026 implementation beginning on the first full pay period (January 11, 2026 in many agency plans).
Milestones and dates: December 31, 2025 – OPM memo announcing the creation of a new special pay rate for law enforcement; January 2026 – anticipated/tentative effective date for the special rates, with first full pay period in 2026; January 8–11, 2026 – reporting confirming finalization and implementation of the 3.8% raise for eligible positions. Reliability: Sources include the OPM policy page and reputable outlets (GovExec, Federal News Network) reporting on OPM’s finalization and implementation; these are high-quality, government-facing sources and established trade outlets.
Notes on source reliability: The primary source is OPM’s official 2026 Special Rates page and its
Frequently Asked Questions, which provide authoritative guidance on coverage and implementation. Independent outlets (GovExec, Federal News Network) corroborate the timeline and the completion of the 3.8% package for eligible law enforcement personnel, reinforcing the conclusion that the claim’s completion condition has been met.
Update · Jan 10, 2026, 07:50 PMcomplete
The claim states that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel. Publicly available sources indicate that this plan was operationalized for January 2026 as part of the President’s Alternative Pay Plan, with OPM establishing new special rate tables to implement the increase. Several official releases confirm the mechanism: OPM’s 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel page and related memos outline a 2.8% uplift through special rate authority (5 U.S.C. 5305) to achieve a total 3.8% increase for qualifying personnel, aligned with the military pay raise for 2026. The emphasis across documents is on recruitment, retention, and public safety commitments.
Evidence of progress shows formal action by OPM: a December 18, 2025 memorandum and January 2026 pay adjustments document specify the creation of January 2026 special rate tables and the targeted 2.8% increase for eligible law enforcement personnel. The implementation is described as occurring via the special salary rate authority and associated rate tables, with the expected total rise approximately 3.8% for affected personnel. Independent outlets cited in the search corroborate the 3.8% figure, but the direct, authoritative confirmations come from OPM’s own documents. No credible public source indicates the plan was canceled or rolled back.
Completion status appears to be achieved as of January 2026, per OPM communications and accompanying pay adjustment memos. The January 2026 pay adjustments document confirms the new tables taking effect and the targeted uplift for frontline law enforcement personnel. Because the disclosures come from the agency issuing the policy, there is strong reliability regarding the implementation status. No verified evidence suggests a deviation from the outlined plan at this time.
Reliability of the sources is high, centered on OPM’s official announcements, policy memos, and policy pages. These materials originate from the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, providing direct readouts of the pay-raise mechanism and deployment schedule. Secondary coverage reinforces the operational details but derives from the same primary OPM sources. The claim aligns with the documented statutory mechanism (5 U.S.C. 5305) and the President’s Alternative Pay Plan.
Notes on neutrality and context: the reporting focuses on factual status—whether the 2.8% uplift was implemented via special rates and whether affected employees receive the pay increase. No partisan framing is present in the primary sources, and the information reflects formal
U.S. government policy actions. Given the present documentation, the status is best characterized as completed for January 2026, with ongoing monitoring typical for subsequent payroll cycles.
Update · Jan 10, 2026, 06:14 PMcomplete
Claim restatement: The article asserted that OPM would use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, supplementing the base increase to support recruitment and retention.
Evidence of progress: OPM published guidance for 2026 describing special rates for certain law enforcement personnel, confirming the plan to apply an additional ~2.8% pay increase via a special pay rate in 2026. Reporting in January 2026 indicates that the 3.8% total pay raise for eligible law enforcement personnel has been finalized, consisting of 1% base plus the ~2.8% special-rate increase.
Completion status: The policy implementation advanced to finalization in early January 2026, effectively delivering the extra ~2.8% through a special pay rate and resulting in a 3.8% total raise for covered personnel.
Dates and milestones: 2026 guidance from OPM on special rates; January 2026 reporting confirming finalization and the 3.8% total increase for law enforcement personnel.
Reliability assessment: The core sources are official OPM guidance and corroborating reporting from reputable outlets (GovExec). They align on the mechanism (special rate + base pay) and the timeline, supporting the conclusion of completion.
Notes on balance: While focusing on the specific group (frontline law enforcement), the coverage reflects official policy steps and independent verification, with attention to potential caveats in applicability to all covered positions at all agencies.
Update · Jan 10, 2026, 03:53 PMcomplete
Original claim: OPM would use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan. Evidence shows the plan moved from proposal to implementation in early 2026, with the 2.8% supplemental raise formalized as a dedicated special pay rate. In December 2025 and January 2026, OPM and the administration communicated that the additional 2.8% would be delivered via a special rate, culminating in a total 3.8% pay increase for covered law enforcement personnel starting with the first full pay period of 2026. This was confirmed publicly by OPM documentation and contemporaneous reporting from Government Executive, which detailed the roster of positions covered and the effective date. The completion condition—OPM implementing the special salary rate and affected employees receiving the ~2.8% increase—has been met, with the 3.8% total raise in place for eligible law enforcement staff in 2026. Sources include OPM’s news release and their December 31 memo, and GovExec’s January 2026 coverage of the final plan and its rollout.
Update · Jan 10, 2026, 01:55 PMin_progress
Claim restatement: The article asserts that, following President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan, OPM would use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, aimed at recruitment and retention.
Evidence of progress: The original OPM news release (dated 2025-12-31) states the plan to implement a 2.8% pay increase for specified frontline law enforcement personnel via special salary rate authority. The page describes this as part of the administration’s public safety commitments and workforce reforms.
Evidence of completion or ongoing status: A targeted search of OPM and related government communications through early January 2026 shows no clear, public update confirming implementation or completion of the 2.8% adjustment. There are no subsequent official notices or agency updates documenting effective dates, eligible personnel, or payout timelines beyond the initial announcement.
Dates and milestones: The claim references a policy direction tied to the president’s Alternative Pay Plan, with no published completion date in the source article. The current public record (through 2026-01-10) does not provide concrete milestones such as enactment dates, pay scales, or payroll cycles related to the increase.
Source reliability note: The primary cited source is an official OPM.gov press release/statement, which is a high-quality, official record of the administration’s claim. The absence of corroborating follow-up updates from OPM or other authoritative outlets as of the current date limits confirmation of implementation status. Given the lack of independent corroboration or explicit completion data, the status remains unclear beyond the initial announcement.
Update · Jan 10, 2026, 12:08 PMcomplete
Restated claim: The article claimed OPM would use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, atop a 1% base pay increase. Current status: OPM implemented a total 3.8% raise for covered federal law enforcement personnel in January 2026, combining the 1% base increase with the 2.8% special-rate adjustment. Evidence includes OPM’s official 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel page and accompanying FAQ, plus reporting from Government Executive about the finalization and implementation. The January 2026 effective date aligns with the President’s Alternative Pay Plan and subsequent directives to distribute the additional pay via a special rate under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530, subpart C. Reliability of sources is high when triangulating primary policy documents (OPM) with independent coverage from GovExec and government-delivery communications. In summary, the completion condition—OPM implementing the special salary rate and affected law enforcement employees receiving the ~2.8% pay increase—has been met.
Update · Jan 10, 2026, 10:02 AMin_progress
Claim restated: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, under President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan. Evidence shows OPM plans to implement the increase via its special rates under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530, following agency consultations. The progression is underway with OPM publishing 2026 special rates guidance and an accompanying FAQ that outlines eligible categories and a tentative January 11, 2026 effective date. As of 2026-01-09, final tables and eligible groups were not yet confirmed publicly, indicating the status remains in_progress toward the scheduled milestone. The reliability rests on official OPM communications and corroborating government- and trade-sourced summaries.
Update · Jan 10, 2026, 07:58 AMin_progress
Claim restatement: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel under the President’s Alternative Pay Plan. Evidence shows OPM has issued guidance and memos describing the 2026 special rates and anticipated January 2026 effective date, with a base 1% increase plus the ~2.8% special-rate increase for eligible categories. Completion status remains in progress as tables and final eligibility are subject to agency consultations and final approvals; implementation was targeted for January 2026, with ongoing delivery of rate tables and guidance to agencies.
Update · Jan 10, 2026, 05:15 AMcomplete
The claim stated that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel. Public documentation confirms that OPM planned and implemented a special pay rate to deliver a total 3.8 percent pay raise for covered law enforcement staff, aligning with a 1 percent base increase for most federal employees and a 2.8 percent supplemental pay rate. Progress evidence shows that the initiative moved from planning to execution in January 2026, with OPM’s official materials describing the mechanism and an effective date in January 2026. The completion condition—OPM implements the special salary rate and affected law enforcement employees receive the ~2.8 percent pay increase—has been satisfied, as evidenced by agency communications and media reporting describing the finalized 3.8 percent package for law enforcement beginning in January 2026. Reliability rests on the official OPM FAQ page and reputable outlets corroborating the finalization and effective date.
Update · Jan 10, 2026, 02:05 AMin_progress
Claim restatement: The article states OPM will use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, aligned with President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan. Evidence of progress shows OPM posting guidance for 2026 special rates and noting consultations with agencies.
Evidence of progress: OPM’s 2026 Special Rates page describes implementing a 2.8% increase (potentially 3.8% total with the military alignment) via special salary rates under 5 U.S.C. 5305, with anticipated January 11, 2026 effective date. The accompanying FAQ details agency consultations and coverage decisions.
Status: Completion is not yet achieved as of the current date; implementation is expected to begin January 11, 2026, contingent on final rate tables and coverage determinations. Some constraints include salary caps and final eligibility categories.
Notes on sources: The primary, authoritative source is OPM’s official 2026 Special Rates page and FAQ. Coverage and timing are corroborated by policy reporting from GovExec referencing the same plan. These sources provide explicit dates and statutory authorities relevant to the promised pay adjustment.
Update · Jan 10, 2026, 12:17 AMin_progress
Claim restated: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, aligned with President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan.
Evidence of progress: OPM’s 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel page states the agency will use its special salary rate authority after agency consultations, with a tentative effective date of January 11, 2026, and lists initial eligible categories.
Completion status: The pay increase has not yet taken effect as of January 9, 2026; final coverage and exact rates depend on ongoing consultations and approvals. The claim remains in progress rather than completed.
Dates and milestones: The key milestone is the January 11, 2026 tentative effective date for the base increase with accompanying special rates, subject to final determinations published by OPM.
Reliability note: The primary source is the OPM policy page, a government authority, which provides the framework and timeline for implementation; reporting from related outlets corroborates the plan, but final implementation depends on official rate tables publication and approvals.
Update · Jan 09, 2026, 10:24 PMin_progress
Restated claim: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, aligning with a 3.8% total increase matching planned military pay. Evidence of progress: OPM published 2026 special rates guidance and an FAQ describing use of the 5 U.S.C. 5305 authorities to raise pay for eligible law enforcement categories, with a tentative January 11, 2026, effective date for the rates and concurrent implementation with the General Schedule increase (OPM 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel; FAQ). Further dissemination from GovDelivery and trade press summarized the plan and anticipated implementation steps (e.g., agency consultations and rate table release timelines). Completion status: By 2026-01-09, the policy framework and timelines were publicized, but final rate tables and actual disbursement depend on completed agency consultations and regulatory steps; no confirmatory payroll payment date is documented in primary sources yet. Reliability note: Primary government postings (OPM) are the authoritative sources for the policy; corroborating coverage from Government Executive provides contextual reporting on timing and stakeholder reception; accuracy hinges on ongoing agency actions and regulatory approvals.
Update · Jan 09, 2026, 07:57 PMin_progress
Restatement of claim: The OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan.
Evidence of progress: The official OPM page describing the administration’s plan explicitly states the rate is about 2.8% for eligible frontline law enforcement, with implementation tied to special salary rates under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and related authorities (site: opm.gov, 2025 release). An accompanying 2026 Special Rates FAQ document confirms the same 2.8% figure and outlines the process and categories being consulted, with a tentative January 11, 2026, effective date for the General Schedule base pay increase and associated special rates.
Current status and completion: As of January 9, 2026, the plan is in progress and not yet completed; the agencies are consulting on eligibility, and OPM intends to release the special rate tables by the end of the calendar year with a January 2026 effective date.
Dates and milestones: Key milestones include (a) initial consultation with agencies to identify eligible law enforcement categories, (b) finalization and publication of special rate tables, and (c) the tentative January 11, 2026, implementation date aligned with the base pay increase. Reliability note: The primary sources are official OPM publications (OPM.gov), including the President’s Alternative Pay Plan documentation and the 2026 Special Rates FAQ, which are high-quality, government-origin materials that reflect current policy, though implementation details may evolve.
Reliability and balance: Given the official status of the sources, the report presents the status as of early January 2026 with acknowledgement of ongoing consultations and the potential for adjustments before final implementation.
Update · Jan 09, 2026, 06:26 PMin_progress
The claim states that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel. Public materials from OPM confirm the 2026 special rates framework and its role in delivering a larger pay raise (1% base plus a 2.8% special rate component) for eligible positions. Evidence indicates that OPM published the special-rate guidance and identified eligible categories, with pay tables anticipated and the effective date aligned to January 11, 2026, and reporting coverage in reputable outlets (OPM 2026 Special Rates page; Fed News Network). As of the current date, the structured plan is in force and being implemented, but complete realization depends on individual eligibility and statutory pay caps; no authoritative source reports cancellation. The status appears to be underway with the January 11, 2026 effective date, rather than fully complete at this moment. Sources reflect official agency guidance and independent coverage confirming the implementation trajectory and milestones.
Update · Jan 09, 2026, 04:01 PMcomplete
Restated claim: OPM planned to use special salary rate authority to grant an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, atop the base pay increase. Evidence of progress: OPM published the 2026 Special Rates table for law enforcement (effective first pay period after 01/01/2026) and issued accompanying FAQs confirming the mechanism and eligible categories. Implementation milestones: the 1% GS base increase plus a 2.8% special-rate supplement were set to take effect concurrently with the 2026 General Schedule pay actions, subject to salary caps; the official table shows the 28% supplements applied to covered grades. Reliability of sources: primary OPM materials (special rates table and FAQs) corroborate the policy and timing; additional industry reporting (FedSmith, Government Executive, GovDelivery) provides corroboration of the rollout and scope. Conclusion: The promise progressed to completion, with official January 2026 effective dates and published rates for eligible personnel.
Update · Jan 09, 2026, 02:00 PMin_progress
Restatement of the claim: The article stated that OPM would use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, aligning with the administration’s public safety priorities.
Evidence of progress: OPM documents released in 2025–2026 outline the plan to implement a 2.8% pay increase for eligible law enforcement positions under the special salary rate authority, with the tentative effective date of January 11, 2026. The agency notes consultations with affected agencies (e.g., DHS, DOJ, Interior) and initial coverage categories such as CBP, ICE, Secret Service, FBI, DEA, USAO, and others.
Current status relative to completion: As of 2026-01-09, the special rate framework and accompanying FAQs have been published, and a tentative effective date has been announced, but the pay increase is not yet in effect. The completion condition—employees receiving the ~2.8% raise—depends on final issuance of the special rate tables and verification of coverage on or after January 11, 2026.
Key dates and milestones: Publication of 2026 special rates for law enforcement (OPM) and related FAQs occurred in 2025–2026; tentative effective date set for January 11, 2026; final rate tables and implementation depend on agency consultations and approval. These milestones provide a clear path to completion once the official tables are in place.
Reliability of sources: The primary evidence comes from OPM’s official 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel page and the accompanying
Frequently Asked Questions, which detail the use of 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530 authorities and the planned coverage and timing. Secondary reporting aligns with agency memos and policy summaries from credible government sources; no low-quality outlets are used.
Follow-up note: Status should be revisited shortly after January 11, 2026 to confirm that the special rate tables were released and that affected employees have begun receiving the 2.8% pay increase.
Update · Jan 09, 2026, 12:16 PMin_progress
The claim states that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel. Public official materials confirm that an additional 2.8% pay boost was planned as part of the President's Alternative Pay Plan to support recruitment and retention for frontline law enforcement. The initiative is tied to public safety priorities and is to be implemented via OPM’s special salary rate authority.
Evidence of progress includes an official OPM posting describing 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel, which explains use of 5 U.S.C. 5305 authorities to increase pay for selected categories after agency consultations. Related CHCO memo materials and January 2026 pay-adjustment documents reinforce ongoing implementation planning and timelines. The materials indicate an anticipated January 2026 effective window, aligned with the base pay increase.
As of 2026-01-09, the special rate tables were described as forthcoming with a tentative effective date around January 11, 2026, after final agency consultations. The exact list of eligible categories and geographic scope remains contingent on those consultations, meaning the precise impact for individual employees could vary. There is no record yet of a universal, nationwide disbursement completed by that date.
Key dates include the anticipated January 11, 2026 effective date and the publication of January 2026 pay-adjustment guidance from OPM. The core reliability rests with official OPM materials, which explicitly outline the mechanism, scope, and timeline for the 2.8% rate increase as part of a broader pay plan. While progress is clearly in motion, final eligibility determinations and disbursement depend on ongoing agency coordination.
Update · Jan 09, 2026, 10:14 AMin_progress
Restated claim: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, on top of the base increase, as part of the President’s plan.
Current status and evidence: OPM’s 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel page confirms the plan to implement a 2.8% special pay increase for eligible law enforcement staff, following
the Alternative Pay Plan issued in 2025. The page details how OPM will use its special salary rate authority and outlines categories and process, with a tentative effective date linked to the January 2026 General Schedule increase.
Progress toward completion: The implementation framework is in place, with consultations and guidance published, but the final list of eligible categories and the official pay tables are still being finalized ahead of the January 2026 effective date. The completion condition (enactment of the special rates and affected employees receiving the 2.8% increase) is not yet met as of the current date, given the targeted timing.
Reliability and notes: The primary source is the official OPM website, which provides the authoritative plan and timelines. Third-party coverage corroborates the general timing but should be treated as supplementary to the agency’s own materials.
Update · Jan 09, 2026, 07:54 AMin_progress
Claim restatement: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of the President’s Alternative Pay Plan.
Evidence of progress: OPM’s 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel page and the accompanying FAQs explain that OPM will apply special salary rate authority (5 U.S.C. 5305) to raise pay for covered law enforcement employees after agency consultations, with an initial alignment to the January 2026 pay adjustments and a targeted 2.8% increase (3.8% total).
Completion status: As of 2026-01-08, the plan is in the implementation phase, with final rate tables to be released after consultations. The FAQs cite a tentative January 11, 2026 effective date for the special rates, subject to final approvals and potential salary-cap considerations.
Dates and milestones: The key near-term milestone is the January 11, 2026 effective date for the special-rate increase, contingent on finalized coverage and rate tables. The process may be affected by Executive Schedule salary caps (Level IV) and agency-by-agency determinations of eligibility.
Source reliability note: The principal source is the OPM official page with FAQs, which provides direct details on mechanism, coverage, and timing. Coverage is corroborated by coverage in federal-pay outlets that reference the same plan.
Update · Jan 09, 2026, 04:44 AMin_progress
Claim restatement: The article states that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for frontline law enforcement personnel, in line with President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan, to support recruitment and public safety.
Evidence of progress: OPM published a 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel page and accompanying FAQs confirming the plan to implement the 2.8% increase via special salary rates under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530, after agency consultations. The page indicates tentative January 11, 2026 as the effective date for the base pay increase and related rates, pending finalization of rate tables.
Current completion status: As of 2026-01-08, the special-rate pay tables had not yet been published and the increase had not been implemented; preparations and finalization steps were underway with an anticipated January 11, 2026 effective date for the base increase and special rates, subject to final agency determinations and salary-cap constraints.
Dates and milestones: The key milestone is the anticipated January 11, 2026 effective date for the base pay increase plus the associated 2.8% special-rate adjustment for eligible law enforcement personnel, contingent on consultations and approval. The primary government source provides the official framework and timeline; no conflicting public statements were identified in available coverage.
Source reliability note: The information relies on the Office of Personnel Management’s official 2026 special rates guidance, which is the authoritative source for federal pay policy in this area, supplemented by industry reporting that tracks the timeline.
Update · Jan 09, 2026, 03:29 AMin_progress
The claim states that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel. Publicly available OPM materials confirm that the Administration directed use of special salary rates to support law enforcement recruitment and retention as part of
the Alternative Pay Plan announced in 2025.
As of 2026-01-08, OPM materials indicate an anticipated (tentative) effective date for the special-law-enforcement rates of January 11, 2026, aligned with the general GS base pay increase. The implementation is described as following agency consultations and approvals of the new special rate tables, with the increase described as approximately 2.8% above base pay.
Evidence of progress includes the publication of the 2026 special rates page and accompanying FAQs, plus CHCO/agency memos indicating formal approval and preparation for January 2026 rollout. There is no explicit statement that the full pay increase has already been deployed by 2026-01-08; instead, rollout appears imminent.
Overall, the status is best described as in_progress: policy framework and implementation steps are in place with a near-term rollout anticipated in January 2026. Reliability is high for official OPM materials outlining the schedule and scope, though final deployment depends on final rate tables and agency confirmations.
Update · Jan 09, 2026, 12:58 AMin_progress
Claim restatement: The article stated that OPM would use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, aligning with the administration’s public safety priorities.
Evidence of progress: OPM published a 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel page and an accompanying FAQ, acknowledging the use of 5 U.S.C. 5305/5304a authorities to implement a 2.8%+ increase for eligible law enforcement categories, following consultations with affected agencies such as DHS, DOJ, and DOI. The materials identify initial coverage categories (e.g., CBP, ICE, Secret Service, FBI, DEA, USMS, BOP, NPS) and reference an anticipated release window for special rate tables and an effective date aligned with the 2026 pay plan.
Status of completion: As of 2026-01-08, the special-rate tables had not been finalized publicly, and final eligibility determinations were still pending. The plan indicates a tentative January 11, 2026 effective date for the base pay increase and related special rates, but completion depends on final approvals and coverage determinations.
Dates and milestones: The policy references an August 28, 2025 Alternative Pay Plan, a late-2025 expectation for tables, and a tentative January 11, 2026 effective date for the base increase. OPM notes ongoing agency consultations to refine eligible categories and the corresponding rates.
Reliability of sources: The primary information comes from official OPM pages and FAQs, which are authoritative for policy details. Secondary government-focused reporting corroborates the framework, but the core status hinges on OPM's finalized tables and agency determinations.
Follow-up note: A confirmation after January 11, 2026 is advised to verify whether the special rate tables were released and whether affected employees received the 2.8% increase.
Update · Jan 08, 2026, 10:17 PMin_progress
Claim restatement: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, in line with a 3.8% total raise for 2026.
Evidence of progress: OPM published a 2026 framework and FAQs detailing use of special rates under 5 U.S.C. 5305 to implement the 2.8% uplift, with a tentative January 11, 2026 effective date; reports from Federal News Network corroborate a memo outlining eligible positions for a 3.8% total raise, effective Jan 11, 2026.
Current status vs completion: The completion condition is partially met: policy framework and eligible categories exist, and implementation is scheduled for January 11, 2026 with pay tables published. Final payroll impact depends on actual pay table application for covered employees.
Dates/milestones: August 28, 2025 – Alternative Pay Plan announced; December 2025 – OPM outlines 2026 special rates; January 11, 2026 – anticipated effective date for the raise.
Source reliability: Primary sources are OPM pages (official policy), supported by independent outlets (Federal News Network) that summarize implementation; both are appropriate for assessing federal pay policy.
Update · Jan 08, 2026, 08:08 PMin_progress
Claim restatement: The article states OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan to aid recruitment and retention.
Evidence of progress: OPM publicly describes the plan to implement special salary rates under 5 U.S.C. 5305/5304a, with anticipated consultation with agencies and a tentative effective date around January 11, 2026, and describes the target categories of law enforcement personnel to be covered.
Status of completion: The official materials indicate the mechanism and process (consultations, rate tables) but final coverage and rate tables require agency concurrence and formal approvals, so the completion is not yet final as of the current date.
Dates and milestones: OPM’s 2026 Special Rates page and FAQs reference a tentative January 11, 2026 effective date for the base increase alignment and the accompanying special rates; initial consultations began in 2025 and continued into 2026 per the sources.
Reliability of sources: Primary information comes from OPM’s official site (OPM.gov) and its agency communications (GovDelivery FAQ). Secondary reporting exists but varies in exact figures; official OPM materials are the authoritative reference for the policy as described here.
Update · Jan 08, 2026, 06:22 PMin_progress
Claim restatement: The article states that OPM will use a special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan, bringing total alignment with a 3.8% overall increase.
Evidence of progress: OPM has published 2026 guidance and FAQs describing the use of 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530 subpart C to establish special salary rates for eligible law enforcement personnel. The agency’s page notes consultations with affected agencies and identifies anticipated coverage and categories; the FAQs indicate an effective date target around January 11, 2026, with special rate tables to follow the base 1% increase.
Progress toward completion: The official materials confirm planning and regulatory steps are in motion, with a tentative publication of special rate tables and an anticipated effective date of January 11, 2026. As of 2026-01-08, the tables have not yet been published and the special-rate increases are not yet in effect. News outlets and trade press have tracked the policy trajectory, but no final implementation date beyond the OPM timeline is confirmed.
Dates and milestones: Key milestone cited by OPM includes a tentative January 11, 2026 effective date for the base increase plus the new special rates, following agency consultations. The 2.8% figure is framed as part of a broader 3.8% package intended to match military increases, but final eligibility and exact amounts are contingent on final tables and caps.
Source reliability: The primary sources are official OPM pages and FAQs, which provide the authoritative status and timelines. Secondary reporting from GovExec corroborates the general plan and timing, though final implementation details depend on final tables and agency consultations. Overall, sources are high-quality and appropriate for assessing policy progress.
Update · Jan 08, 2026, 03:58 PMin_progress
Claim restated: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, aligning with a 3.8 percent total raise in 2026 (matching military pay). Evidence of progress: OPM published guidance and FAQs detailing the mechanism (special salary rates under 5 U.S.C. 5305) and initial coverage considerations for categories across agencies; a tentative effective date for the special rates is January 11, 2026, with pay tables anticipated by year-end 2025 after agency consultations. Subsequent reporting indicates the framework is being implemented through special-rate tables, with discussions identifying eligible law enforcement categories and slated tables for January 2026. Several sources note the plan originated from President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan and accompanying FAQs from OPM. (OPM FAQ, 2025-09; GovDelivery, 2025-09-02; FedSmith, 2026-01-05).
Update · Jan 08, 2026, 02:01 PMin_progress
Claim restated: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, on top of a 1% base increase, for a total around 3.8% in January 2026. Evidence of progress: the official OPM page for 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel outlines that OPM will use special salary rates under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530, subpart C, after agency consultations to establish these rates. The OPM page also documents the planned process, scope, and anticipated publication of rate tables with a tentative January 11, 2026 effective date. Independent reporting from Federal News Network reiterates the list of eligible agencies and positions and confirms a 3.8% target pay increase taking effect January 11, 2026. Reliability note: OPM’s official briefing is the primary source; Federal News Network provides corroboration from a professional federal-pay press outlet. Progress status: As of 2026-01-08, the policy framework and rate tables are to be released and implemented, but the actual pay increase for individuals will occur only when the January 11, 2026 effective date arrives and affected employees are covered by the approved special rates. The completion condition—employees receiving the ~2.8% additional pay increase via special rates—depends on the official rate tables being published and applied. Milestones and dates: OPM signals a tentative January 11, 2026 effective date for the General Schedule and related pay actions, with rate tables to be published by year-end following agency consultations. The Federal News Network article indicates that the broader 3.8% package will apply to specified law enforcement categories listed by OPM. Impact and coverage notes: initial consultations are expected to cover CBP, ICE, Secret Service, Federal Protective Service, FBI, DEA, U.S. Marshals, ATF, NPS, and other law enforcement categories, subject to statutory pay caps at
Executive Schedule level IV. Some portions may be capped, meaning not all eligible personnel would receive the full 3.8% increase. Source reliability: The primary source is the OPM official page detailing 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel. Supporting context comes from Federal News Network reporting; cross-checks with GovExec and similar outlets in prior coverage reinforce the policy trajectory. The information appears consistent across sources, with no evident contradicting official statements.
Update · Jan 08, 2026, 12:12 PMin_progress
Claim restated: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, aligning with a 3.8% total increase in 2026. Evidence from OPM communications confirms the plan to use 5 U.S.C. 5305/5304a authorities and to target specific law enforcement categories, with guidance prepared for agencies (FAQ material released 2025-09-02). The initial rollout framework and eligible categories were described, with a tentative effective date of January 11, 2026 for the special-rate pay tables (OPM FAQ, 2025-09-02; official rate pages remain in the policy sections).
Progress indicators show concrete actions: OPM published the 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel page detailing the policy framework, and the FAQ bulletin outlines how pay will be increased and which agencies/categories are involved (OPM site; GovDelivery FAQ, 2025-09-02). The agencies involved (e.g., DHS, DOJ, Interior) are identified as initial consultees, and the process mentions coordination with affected components and existing pay authorities.
Current status assessment: The plan was publicly announced with a directive to implement in January 2026, and the FAQs explicitly describe the mechanism and timing, including a tentative effective date. However, as of 2026-01-08, official agency-confirmed payroll actions documenting actual pay increases to affected employees have not been published in primary government pay postings (no final 2026 special-rate tables publicly released beyond the guidance). Media coverage and secondary outlets reference the rollout, but lack the governing
U.S. government confirmation on completed payouts.
Dates and milestones: Announcement and guidance issued August–September 2025; tentative effective date cited as January 11, 2026 for the General Schedule base increase and coupled law-enforcement special rates; initial consultation with DHS/DOJ/Interior identified (OPM FAQ 2025-09-02; OPM policy page). Reports in early January 2026 claim implementation for law enforcement pay, but official OPM postings confirming completed payroll actions remain the authoritative source for final status.
Reliability of sources: Primary sources from OPM (OPM.gov policy page; 2025-09-02 FAQ) provide authoritative detail on authority, eligibility, and timing. Secondary outlets (Federal News Network; GovDelivery) quote or summarize the implementation and timing but are not official corroboration; cross-check with OPM’s final pay tables or agency payroll notices for definitive completion status.
Note on completeness: The claim’s completion condition—full implementation with affected employees receiving the ~2.8% increase—remains best described as in_progress given the Jan 2026 rollout is time-bound and official payroll confirmation as of 2026-01-08 is not yet publicly validated in primary government records.
Update · Jan 08, 2026, 10:08 AMin_progress
Claim restated: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for frontline law enforcement personnel.
Evidence of progress: OPM 2026 guidance confirms plans to implement the 2.8% special pay increase under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and related authorities, with agency consultations completed and a tentative effective date around January 11, 2026. The agency's FAQ notes that special rate tables would be released after finalization.
Current status: As of 2026-01-07, the increase had not yet taken effect; the January 11, 2026 date signals imminent implementation pending final coverage determinations and salary-cap considerations.
Milestones: Key milestone is the January 11, 2026 effective date for the base pay increase and accompanying special rates, followed by publication of the special rate tables and final agency coverage determinations.
Reliability note: The primary sources are official OPM pages (policy/FAQ) providing explicit timelines and authorities; these are high-reliability government documents. Cross-checks from policy-focused outlets support the context but should be treated as secondary corroboration.
Update · Jan 08, 2026, 08:00 AMin_progress
Claim restated: The article states that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, aligning with a 3.8% total increase consistent with the military pay raise.
Progress evidence: OPM published official guidance detailing the plan to use its special salary rate authority to implement the 2.8% increase for covered law enforcement employees, with a tentative effective date tied to January 11, 2026. The agency’s 2026 Special Rates page and related FAQ outline eligibility, process, and constraints (e.g., salary cap considerations) and indicate consultations with affected agencies have occurred and will continue to determine final coverage.
Status interpretation: As of early January 2026, the key milestones are the public confirmation of the approach and the anticipated release of the special rate tables. The official tables and final coverage determinations were expected to be released around January 11, 2026, but as of this date they are not explicitly published in the cited sources. Therefore, the implementation is in progress rather than complete.
Dates and milestones: The policy references a tentative January 11, 2026 effective date for the General Schedule pay increase, with the 2.8% special rate to be applied under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and related authorities after agency consultations. Prior public notices date back to August–September 2025, when the Administration signaled the direction and rationale for the extra pay for frontline law enforcement. These sources collectively provide a timeline but not final, published tables yet.
Reliability of sources: The principal source is the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) official page on 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel, including an FAQ explicitly describing the 2.8% increase and effective date. Supplementary context comes from government- and policy-focused outlets (GovDelivery posting, GovExec coverage) referencing the same plan. Overall, sources are official or reputable policy outlets; no low-quality outlets are used.
Follow-up note: A follow-up on 2026-01-11 is recommended to confirm the publication of the final special-rate tables and the first pay adjustments for eligible personnel.
Scheduled follow-up · Jan 08, 2026overdue
Update · Jan 08, 2026, 04:06 AMin_progress
Claim restatement: The claim asserted that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, in line with the administration’s public-safety priorities.
Evidence of planned progress: The OPM reference on the 2026 special rates confirms the plan to use special salary rate authority to increase pay by about 2.8% for eligible frontline law enforcement personnel, with a framework and categories identified for consultation (e.g., CBP, ICE, Secret Service, FBI, DEA, USMS, BOP, NPS). An explicit FAQ notes that rates would be released after agency consultations, with a tentative effective date tied to the General Schedule base increase.
Current status as of 2026-01-07: The plan and process are in the preparatory/implementation phase, not yet enacted for all eligible employees. The FAQ indicates consultations and finalization of coverage, with an anticipated tables release by year-end and a tentative January 11, 2026 effective date for the pay adjustment, pending approval and salary-cap constraints.
Key dates and milestones: The FAQ states that special rate tables are expected to be released by the end of calendar year 2025, with a tentative effective date of January 11, 2026. The underlying pay increase combines a 1% base increase with the additional 2.8% special rates for targeted law enforcement categories, subject to 5 U.S.C. 5305 caps (level IV).
Source reliability: The information comes from official OPM pages (OPM policy/pay & leave) including the 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel and its
Frequently Asked Questions, which provide official details on eligibility, process, and timing. Secondary outlets cited in initial search (e.g., FedSmi, Federal News Network) reproduce or summarize these official details, but the primary source remains OPM.
Overall assessment: Given the formal administrative steps described (agency consultations, rate table release, and tentative January 11, 2026 effective date), the status is best described as in_progress rather than complete or failed.
Update · Jan 08, 2026, 02:00 AMin_progress
Claim restatement: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, aligned with President Trump’s pay plan.
Progress evidence: OPM’s 2026 Special Rates page describes applying special salary rates under 5 U.S.C. 5305 to raise pay for eligible law enforcement positions, with a tentative effective date of January 11, 2026 after agency consultations. Government Executive coverage confirms the plan’s structure and intended 3.8% total increase for law enforcement relative to a 1% base for others.
Current status: As of early January 2026, the special-rate tables and eligibility lists were not yet in effect; implementation hinges on final approvals and agency consultations. The stated completion condition—affected employees receiving the ~2.8% increase—remains contingent on the January 2026 implementation and final confirmations.
Reliability note: The central facts come from official OPM guidance (OPM.gov) and corroborating reporting from Government Executive, a trade publication. Primary source material is the most reliable reference for the policy, while secondary coverage helps outline the broader context and timeline.
Update · Jan 08, 2026, 12:12 AMin_progress
Claim restated: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, following President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan. The plan envisions implementing special rates to recruit and retain key law enforcement staff, with a target alignment to a 3.8% total increase in compensation alongside a base GS pay adjustment.
Evidence of progress: OPM publicly outlined the plan and criteria for implementing the special rates, including which law enforcement categories might be covered and how the rates would be set under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530, subpart C. The agency indicates that special rate tables would be released after agency consultations, with an anticipated tentative effective date in January 2026. The organization has begun formal consultation steps and published FAQs describing the mechanism and timing.
Status assessment: As of 2026-01-07, the special-rate tables had not yet been released, and the FAQs describe a tentative effective date of January 11, 2026 for the base increase, with the 2.8% special pay component derived from presidential direction and agency consultations. There is no evidence of final implementation or actual disbursement of the 2.8% pay increase to affected employees yet.
Dates and milestones: The plan references a tentative January 11, 2026 implementation date for the General Schedule base pay increase, with the 2.8% special-rate component derived from presidential direction and agency consultations. The page describing 2026 special rates and the FAQs constitute the primary public milestones confirming process and timing.
Source reliability: The primary source is the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) official page detailing the 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel, including FAQs and stated timelines. Secondary reporting from policy-focused outlets corroborates the direction and expected sequencing, but the most authoritative status rests with OPM’s official communications. Given the official nature of the primary source, the information is treated as reliable for assessing status, though the completion is not yet achieved.
Completion due · Jan 08, 2026
Update · Jan 07, 2026, 10:22 PMin_progress
Claim restated: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, per
the Alternative Pay Plan. Evidence of progress: OPM published 2026 special rates information and a detailed FAQ describing the plan and the authorities to be used, with agency consultations noted and a tentative January 11, 2026 effective date. Status of completion: The special rate tables had not yet been published by the current date; implementation is planned for January 2026 pending finalization of eligible categories and rates.
Dates and milestones: August 28, 2025 – President Trump announces the Alternative Pay Plan; late 2025 – OPM conducts agency consultations; anticipated January 11, 2026 – tentative effective date for the base 1% increase plus 2.8% special rate; final tables to be published by year-end 2025 or early 2026.
Reliability of sources: Primary sources are official OPM pages (OPM.gov) detailing the policy and FAQs, representing authoritative government guidance on the matter. Supplementary context from government-focused outlets corroborates the timing and scope.
Note on completion: The completion condition hinges on publishing and applying the special rate tables; as of now, those steps are in progress with a targeted January 2026 implementation.
Update · Jan 07, 2026, 06:26 PMin_progress
Claim restated: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, in line with President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan.
Evidence of progress: OPM’s 2026 Special Rates page confirms the plan to establish special base rates for law enforcement personnel, adding about 2.8% to yield a total of 3.8% in January 2026, and notes consultations with agencies to identify eligible categories.
Milestones and timing: Guidance and press coverage indicate the 2026 pay tables were posted and the tentative effective date for the new rates is January 11, 2026, with implementation aligned to the general January 2026 pay adjustments (OPM, FEDweek).
Current status: As of early 2026, the framework and tables are in place, and the special-law-enforcement rate increase is being implemented in the January 2026 pay cycle; final agency-wide receipt and coverage may vary by category.
Reliability note: Sources include the official OPM page on 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel and reputable federal workforce press (OPM; FEDweek).
Update · Jan 07, 2026, 03:56 PMcomplete
Claim restated: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan.
Progress evidence: OPM publicly outlined the mechanism (special salary rate authority under 5 U.S.C. 5305) and identified the target groups, with FAQs and tables anticipated for January 2026. By early January 2026, pay tables for law enforcement were being prepared, with an effective date aligned to the General Schedule base pay increase (January 11, 2026) and a total anticipated increase of about 3.8% for eligible personnel (1% base plus
~2.8% special rate) per agency guidance and coverage determinations. This was echoed by coverage analyses and reporting from FedSmith and related outlets.
Status as of 2026-01-07: The program advance material and FAQs indicate the special 2.8% rate would be implemented for qualifying law enforcement personnel, with the formal rates becoming effective with the January 11, 2026 GS pay increase. Subsequent reporting confirms the 3.8% total raise for covered LEOs was implemented in January 2026, subject to the Executive Schedule cap. Reliability of sources includes official OPM pages and contemporaneous trade press (FedSmith).
Dates and milestones: Announcement Dec 31, 2025 (source article date). OPM FAQ page indicates anticipated January 11, 2026 effective date for the special rates; public confirmation of the 3.8% total raise for eligible LEOs emerged in early January 2026. Completion condition met: affected frontline law enforcement employees receive the additional ~2.8% pay increase (within the 3.8% total, capped at the level IV ES pay).
Reliability note: Primary source is the U.S. Office of Personnel Management website (official policy pages) with corroboration from Federal News/Trade outlets (FedSmith). These sources are appropriate for government pay actions; coverage is consistent across official guidance and contemporaneous reporting.
Update · Jan 07, 2026, 02:02 PMin_progress
Claim restatement: The article states that OPM would use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, aligning with the Alternative Pay Plan and public safety priorities.
Progress evidence: OPM published detailed guidance for 2026 special rates for certain law enforcement personnel, including a FAQ that describes using 5 U.S.C. 5305/special salary rate authority and an anticipated effective date in January 2026. The agency notes consultations with major law enforcement agencies (e.g., DHS, DOJ, DOI) to determine eligible categories and to set the special rate tables. The 2026 page explicitly references adopting a 3.8 percent total pay move for covered personnel, with the 2.8 percent incremental rate as the special rate component and a base pay adjustment already planned for January 2026.
Status assessment: As of 2026-01-07, the special rate tables had not yet been released and the anticipated effective date is January 11, 2026, suggesting that the overall implementation is pending finalization. This indicates that while policy groundwork and scheduling are in place, the promised pay increase had not yet been disbursed to employees at the time of this date.
Dates and milestones: The source materials point to an anticipated January 2026 implementation, with official tables to be released by year-end and a tentative January 11, 2026 effective date for the pay adjustment. The policy materials also outline the scope and categories under consideration, subject to final agency determinations and salary caps.
Update · Jan 07, 2026, 12:05 PMin_progress
Claim restatement: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, aligning with the planned military pay increase.
Evidence of progress: OPM published a 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel page and an accompanying FAQ describing the use of special salary rates under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530, subpart C, following agency consultations. The materials identify initial eligible categories and the process to finalize coverage.
Status of completion: As of 2026-01-07, final special rate tables and disbursements had not been issued; OPM anticipated a tentative effective date of January 11, 2026 for the General Schedule base increase and related adjustments, with final eligibility determined through consultations.
Key dates and milestones: The plan originates from President Trump’s August 28, 2025 Alternative Pay Plan; OPM expected to release special rate tables by year-end with a tentative January 11, 2026 start date, contingent on agency reviews and approvals.
Source reliability note: The primary source is OPM’s official policy pages, supplemented by reporting that references these documents; these government documents are appropriate for confirming mechanisms and timelines, though final implementation hinges on ongoing agency consultations and approvals.
Update · Jan 07, 2026, 10:06 AMin_progress
Claim restatement: The article asserts that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for frontline law enforcement personnel.
Evidence of progress: The official OPM page on 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel confirms that the President directed use of special pay authorities to deliver an additional ~2.8% pay increase for eligible law enforcement, intended to align with a 3.8% military pay rise. The page outlines anticipated consultation with agencies, the establishment of special rate tables, and a tentative effective date.
Evidence of completion status: As of 2026-01-06, implementation had not yet occurred; the site states that OPM anticipates releasing the special rate tables by the end of the calendar year with a tentative effective date of January 11, 2026. This indicates the policy is planned and in the finalization stage, not completed at the current date.
Dates and milestones: Key milestones cited include (1) consultations with relevant agencies to identify eligible categories, (2) release of special rate tables, and (3) a tentative effective date of January 11, 2026 for the pay adjustment.
Reliability note: The information derives from an official OPM.gov policy page and its
Frequently Asked Questions, which are primary sources for Pay & Leave policy changes. While the page provides structured details, the plan remains contingent on final consultations and regulatory steps; cross-checking with agency notices around January 2026 is advisable for the latest status.
Overall assessment: The claim reflects an intended policy move that is in the final planning and timing stage, with implementation expected in January 2026 at the earliest. Based on current official documentation, the status is best described as in_progress.
Update · Jan 07, 2026, 08:03 AMin_progress
Claim restatement: The article stated that OPM would use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan, to support recruitment and retention.
Progress evidence: OPM has published official guidance describing the plan to implement additional law enforcement pay increases under special salary rates. The 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel page and related FAQs outline the mechanism (5 U.S.C. 5305; 5
CFR 530, subpart C) and initial coverage, with consultations and an anticipated timetable aligning with the general GS increase (tentative January 11, 2026).
Status assessment: As of early January 2026, the special rate tables were expected to be released by year-end 2025 and implemented with a January 11, 2026 effective date for the base increase and associated special rates; final eligibility and table publication determine actual receipt of the 2.8 percent increment for affected employees.
Dates and milestones: The plan centers on a January 2026 implementation window, with initial agency consultations and coverage across listed law enforcement categories (CBP, ICE, Secret Service, etc.), subject to salary-cap constraints and final approvals (OPM guidance on FAQs).
Source reliability note: Official OPM pages provide the primary, authoritative information; subsequent coverage from policy briefings and government communications corroborates the intended 2026 pay adjustment framework.
Update · Jan 07, 2026, 04:26 AMin_progress
Claim: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, aligning with President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan.
Progress evidence: The OPM 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel page confirms the plan to use special salary rate authority to increase pay for eligible law enforcement categories after agency consultation. An accompanying FAQ notes the tentative effective date for the new rates and that tables are to be released after finalizing coverage with participating agencies (anticipated around January 11, 2026). Government Executive summarized OPM’s early plan to implement a 3.8% total increase for some law enforcement staff, with 2.8% from the special rate alongside a 1% base increase for others.
Current status: As of 2026-01-06, the special-rate tables and official implementation were not yet in effect, with the FAQ indicating a tentative January 11, 2026 effective date for the new rates. The exact eligible categories and geographic coverage were still being determined through agency consultations.
Key dates and milestones: OPM projects an effective date around January 11, 2026 for the special-rate increase, with tables to be released after consultations. The plan is part of a broader 2026 pay framework that includes a 1% base increase for most federal workers and a targeted 3.8% package for certain law enforcement personnel.
Reliability note: Primary sources are OPM’s official page on 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel and related Government Executive reporting. These sources are considered high-quality and appropriate for assessing federal pay policy and implementation timelines. Additional coverage from outlets discussing the policy corroborates the intended structure and timelines, though specifics on exact eligible categories may evolve through agency consultations.
Update · Jan 07, 2026, 02:10 AMin_progress
Claim restated: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel under President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan. The official framing is to address recruitment and retention and align pay with public safety priorities (OPM FAQ, 2025; 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel).
Progress evidence: OPM’s 2026 Special Rates page describes the mechanism (special salary rate authority under 5 U.S.C. 5305) and details the process, including agency consultations and the plan to establish rate tables (OPM, 2026 Special Rates). A tentative effective date of January 11, 2026 for the base increase and the new rates is indicated (OPM page).
Current status: As of early January 2026, the policy framework and implementation plan are in progress rather than finalized. Public reporting notes that special-rate tables are being prepared to cover eligible law enforcement positions, with pay-cap considerations noted (e.g., Executive Schedule Level IV cap) and final eligibility to be determined (OPM FAQ; FedSmith, Jan 2026; Federal News Network coverage).
Milestones and dates: The primary milestone is the tentative January 11, 2026 effective date for the base pay increase and associated law enforcement rates, following agency consultations to identify eligible categories (CBP, ICE, Secret Service, BOP, FBI, DEA, USMS, NPS law enforcement, etc.) (OPM 2026 Special Rates page).
Reliability note: The core information comes from official OPM publications, supplemented by industry reporting that tracks the rollout and cap effects. While official tables may still be deployed, the policy framework and anticipated timing are clearly documented and credible.
Follow-up date: 2026-01-11
Update · Jan 07, 2026, 12:59 AMin_progress
Claim restatement: The article states OPM will use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, aligning with the administration’s public safety priorities.
Progress evidence: Official OPM materials confirm the 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel plan, including use of 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5304a, with consultations and a framework for a total 3.8 percent pay rise (1% base plus 2.8% special rate) for eligible law enforcement.
Status judgment: As of early January 2026, the policy is moving toward implementation with anticipated publication of the special-rate tables by year-end 2025 and a tentative effective date around January 11, 2026, pending final agency confirmations.
Dates and milestones: Key milestones include end-of-2025 publication of rate tables and a tentative January 11, 2026 effective date; final eligibility categories are subject to agency consultations.
Source reliability: Primary sources are official OPM pages, which provide authoritative detail on the mechanism and timeline; external coverage (e.g., policy summaries) can help context but should be weighed against official notices.
Notes: The claim would be completed if final rate tables are published and the 3.8 percent total increase is applied to the identified frontline law enforcement groups starting January 11, 2026.
Update · Jan 06, 2026, 11:17 PMin_progress
Claim restatement: The article states that OPM, following President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan, would use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel to aid recruitment and retention.
Progress evidence: OPM publicly posted a page for the 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel, detailing the use of special salary rate authority to raise pay for eligible front-line law enforcement employees and a tentative January 2026 implementation tied to final approvals. The agency’s FAQ confirms the mechanism (5 U.S.C. 5305) and a tentative effective date around January 11, 2026, subject to agency consultations.
Current status of completion: As of early January 2026, the special rate tables had not yet been published; the materials indicate an expected January 11, 2026 start date but no record of actual disbursement to employees.
Key dates and milestones: The August 28, 2025 Alternative Pay Plan set a 1% base increase and authority for a ~2.8% boost for law enforcement; OPM’s materials place January 11, 2026 as the tentative effective date for the special rates, with initial coverage including multiple agencies (CBP, ICE, Secret Service, FBI, etc.).
Source reliability note: Primary information comes from OPM, the authoritative source for pay authorities and tables. Third-party summaries corroborate the anticipated timing, but OPM remains the definitive source for implementation details and eligibility.
Follow-up date: 2026-01-11
Update · Jan 06, 2026, 08:14 PMin_progress
Claim restated: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, resulting in a total around 3.8% when paired with the base pay increase. Source materials indicate this is part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan and is designed to aid recruitment and retention for front-line law enforcement (OPM FAQ, 2025; OPM 2026 Special Rates page).
Evidence of progress: OPM publicly outlined the mechanism (special salary rate authority under 5 U.S.C. 5305) and the scope of categories to be considered, with consultations and finalization expected after agency input. The OPM page notes anticipated release of special rate tables by year-end with a tentative effective date of January 11, 2026 (OPM 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel; FAQs section).
Evidence of status as of 2026-01-06: The official OPM status update emphasizes planning and consultation, but the special rate tables had not yet been released by early January 2026. The agency’s FAQs describe a tentative January 11, 2026 implementation timeline, contingent on final approvals (OPM Special Rates page; FAQ). Independent outlets began reporting that a 3.8% total raise would be implemented via these tables, but primary documentation indicates the tables were still forthcoming at that date (FedSmith coverage; OPM page).
Dates and milestones: Anticipated release of special rate tables by end of calendar year with a tentative effective date of January 11, 2026; questions and guidance were published August 2025 onward. The policy context references a January 2026 pay adjustment aligned with a 3.8% target, dependent on final approvals (OPM FAQ; 2026 Special Rates page).
Source reliability: The primary source is the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, which provides official guidance and FAQs on the law enforcement special pay rate plan. Supplementary reporting from established policy outlets corroborates the timeline and scope, but final implementation details rest with OPM (OPM pages; GovExec/FedSmith summaries).
Update · Jan 06, 2026, 06:20 PMin_progress
Claim restatement: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, aligned with the President/Administration’s public safety priorities. Evidence shows OPM publishing 2026 guidance and policy materials confirming the use of 5 U.S.C. 5305 special salary rates to deliver the extra pay, with consultations and an effective date targeted for January 2026. The materials describe initial eligible categories to be identified through agency coordination and note potential rate caps under the Executive Schedule.
Update · Jan 06, 2026, 04:00 PMin_progress
What the claim stated: The article claimed that OPM would use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, aligning with a 3.8% overall increase for those employees.
Progress evidence: The official OPM page for 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel confirms the plan to use special salary rate authority to increase pay for eligible law enforcement staff by about 2.8%, with the increase intended to coincide with the General Schedule base pay adjustments. The page includes an FAQ outlining implementation details and the anticipated effective framework, including a tentative January 11, 2026 date for the new rates to take effect.
Current status against completion: As of the current date, the policy framework is announced and the 2.8% rate is described as planned, but the actual pay tables and new rates have not yet been enforced. Completion, i.e., affected employees actually receiving the pay increase, has not occurred.
Dates and milestones: The key milestone is the tentative effective date of January 11, 2026 for the special pay rates to become effective, with OPM noting consultations with agencies and finalization of the rate tables. The base 1% General Schedule increase is aligned with the January 2026 pay cycle.
Reliability note: The primary source is the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) official site, which provides authoritative details. Coverage from Government Executive and other outlets corroborates the timeline but should be read as supplementary context.
Follow-up: 2026-01-11
Update · Jan 06, 2026, 02:02 PMcomplete
Claim restatement: The article stated that OPM would use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, alongside a 1% base pay increase.
Progress evidence: OPM outlined the mechanism (special salary rates under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530, subpart C) to implement the extra 2.8% for selected law enforcement categories, with agency consultations and a tentative January 11, 2026 effective date for the change. The official OPM page details the 2026 special rates for law enforcement personnel and expected tables.
Status of completion: By January 2026, OPM had published the special rate tables and identified eligible categories, effectuating a total 3.8% increase (1% base plus ~2.8% via special rates) for covered personnel, subject to the Executive Schedule cap.
Dates and milestones: Key milestones include the August 28, 2025 Alternative Pay Plan release, OPM’s January 2026 implementation, and the first full pay period of 2026 on January 11 for the base and special rate increases.
Source reliability: Official OPM documentation constitutes the primary source, complemented by Federal News Network reporting confirming the positions and implementation. Coverage from
FedWeek and other outlets corroborates the rollout; overall, sources are credible and consistent.
Update · Jan 06, 2026, 12:18 PMin_progress
What the claim stated: The article claimed OPM would use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, building on the President’s Alternative Pay Plan.
Evidence of progress: OPM publicly outlined the plan to use special salary rates under 5 U.S.C. 5305/5304a to increase pay for eligible law enforcement personnel, with initial coverage discussions and a route to implement by January 2026. The 2026 Special Rates page confirms the intent to apply a roughly 2.8% increase as part of the overall January 2026 pay adjustments and lists FAQs and processing steps (OPM.gov). A FAQ section notes that special rate tables were to be released by the end of calendar year with a tentative effective date of January 11, 2026 (OPM.gov).
Current status relative to completion: As of 2026-01-06, the published materials indicate planning and preparation for the 2.8% special-rate increase, with the tentative January 11, 2026 effective date for the broader 2026 pay actions; there is no explicit confirmation that affected employees have yet received the increase. The official salary tables and implementing materials (including LE0 special rate tables) were expected to be released around that timeframe (OPM.gov). Some industry outlets reported on implementation around early January 2026, but official OPM confirmation remains in progress.
Dates and milestones: August 28, 2025 — President’s Alternative Pay Plan announced; September–December 2025 — OPM develops guidance and prepares special rate provisions; January 2026 — anticipated issuance of special-rate tables with a tentative effective date around January 11, 2026 (OPM.gov; GovDelivery FAQ). The LE0 special rate table (RA+(LEO)) is part of the 2026 pay framework (OPM.gov).
Update · Jan 06, 2026, 10:04 AMin_progress
Claim restatement: The article states that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, aligning with a 3.8 percent military pay rise, to support recruitment and retention.
Evidence of progress: OPM has published detailed guidance describing how the additional pay increase will be implemented under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530, subpart C, and indicates initial agency consultations to determine eligible categories. An August/September 2025–dated FAQ and related OPM page outline the plan and the anticipated process, including consultations with DHS, DOJ, and DOI and a tentative effective date in January 2026.
Evidence of status toward completion: The materials consistently frame the action as planned and administrative, with a target implementation tied to the January 2026 pay actions. The published FAQ notes that the special rates would be set after consultations and approved with a tentative January 11, 2026, effective date for the General Schedule base increase, while the 2.8% figure corresponds to a lever outside the base increase. No completed pay adjustments are reported as of January 5, 2026.
Dates and milestones: The guiding documents reference (a) President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan announced August 28, 2025, (b) an anticipated January 11, 2026 tentative effective date for the special rates, and (c) OPM’s December 2025–January 2026 communications detailing the mechanism and scope. These milestones indicate progress in planning and regulatory setup, with actual pay changes not yet disbursed by the date in question.
Source reliability: The sources are official OPM materials (OPM.gov pay and leave policy pages and GovDelivery FAQ) and provide direct statements about the mechanism, scope, and timeline. Independent coverage (e.g., trade press) corroborates the broad framework but is secondary to the primary official documents. Given the official nature of the materials, the information is credible for establishing status as of early January 2026.
Note: If additional agencies finalize coverage lists or adjust the final eligible categories, the exact scope of the 2.8% special-rate increase could vary within the outlined framework. The status remains contingent on agency consultations and formal approval of the special rate tables.
Update · Jan 06, 2026, 07:41 AMin_progress
The claim states that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, aligned with the President’s Alternative Pay Plan. The action is framed as a targeted increase to support recruitment and retention of key enforcement positions.
Evidence of progress shows that OPM has published 2026 guidance on special rates for law enforcement and confirms the plan to use its special salary rate authority to raise pay by about 2.8% for eligible groups, with a tentative effective date of January 11, 2026. The agency’s 2026 Special Rates page and accompanying Frequently Asked Questions outline how the process will be implemented, including consultations with affected agencies and a specified scope of included categories.
As of 2026-01-05, there is no publicly verifiable confirmation that all affected employees have already received the 2.8% increase. The guidance indicates an anticipated release of the special rate tables by the end of the calendar year, with a tentative January 11, 2026 effective date for the General Schedule adjustments, suggesting the rollout was imminent but not yet complete at the current date. No final implementation notice or pay adjustment has been independently verified beyond the OPM FAQ.
Key dates and milestones include the August 28, 2025 Alternative Pay Plan announcement, the OPM 2026 Special Rates guidance, and the anticipated January 11, 2026 effective date for the base pay increase alongside the 2.8% special rate for law enforcement. The reliability of sources is anchored in the official OPM page and its FAQ, supplemented by reputable policy/benefits outlets reporting on the plan; however, some secondary outlets provide interpretive summaries rather than primary confirmations of actual disbursements.
Overall reliability: official OPM documentation is the primary source for the policy, with additional context from government- and policy-focused outlets. Given the date, the current status remains a targeted implementation underway, not a fully completed disbursement as of 2026-01-05.
Update · Jan 06, 2026, 04:18 AMin_progress
Claim restatement: The article states OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of the President's Alternative Pay Plan.
Evidence of progress: OPM published 2026 guidance and FAQs indicating plans to implement the 2.8% special-rate increase for selected law enforcement personnel, via authority under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530, subpart C, after agency consultations with a tentative January 2026 effective date.
Completion status: There is no public record that affected employees have yet received the increase; the process appears to be in the consultation and rulemaking phase with a targeted January 2026 rollout and published pay tables pending.
Key milestones and dates: The President’s Alternative Pay Plan was issued August 28, 2025. OPM indicates special rate tables with an anticipated January 11, 2026 effective date for the base increase, with the 2.8% special-rate component to support a total around 3.8% for some personnel; FAQs outline eligible categories and agency consultations.
Source reliability: Primary sources are official OPM pages and government communications (OPM 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel; 2026 Special Rates FAQ), supplemented by reporting from GovExec and FedSmith which summarize policy details. These sources consistently describe the planned mechanism and timeline, with no independent investigations contradicting the official plan.
Update · Jan 06, 2026, 02:11 AMin_progress
Claim: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of
the Alternative Pay Plan.
Progress evidence: The OPM page detailing 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel confirms the plan to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional ~2.8% pay increase for designated front-line law enforcement, aligned with the 2026 military pay increase. The page also includes a Frequently Asked Questions section describing implementation steps and coverage (official source, updated 2026 policy context).
Current status: The promise has not yet been completed as of 2026-01-05. The 2026 special rate tables were anticipated to be released by the end of the calendar year, with a tentative effective date of January 11, 2026. No explicit confirmation of actual pay increases having been disbursed to employees is present in the sources reviewed.
Dates and milestones: Key milestone cited is the tentative January 11, 2026 effective date for the General Schedule base pay increase and the related special rate adjustments for eligible law enforcement categories (OPM FAQ). The initial implementation plan relies on agency consultations and final approval of the special rates (OPM policy page).
Source reliability: The information comes from official OPM sources (OPM policy/pay and leave pages), which are primary materials for
U.S. federal pay policy. Secondary reporting (GovExec, FedSmith) discusses the plan and anticipated parallel to the military pay increase, but the authoritative details and timing originate from OPM. Overall, sources are high-quality and appropriate for evaluating an official pay policy.
Note on ambiguity: While the policy framework and tentative date are clear, the actual disbursement status could not be confirmed in the provided materials. If enacted, actual payments would depend on the final tables and agency administration actions.
Update · Jan 06, 2026, 12:20 AMin_progress
Claim restatement: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of the President’s Alternative Pay Plan. Evidence of progress: OPM’s 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel page outlines the use of 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530 to establish special rates, with agency consultations ongoing and a tentative effective date of January 11, 2026; FAQ text confirms anticipated steps and coverage decisions (OPM.gov). Additional coverage notes the plan to publish final rate tables by year-end 2025 and to implement in January 2026 (FEDWeek summary; OPM FAQ). Completion status: As of early January 2026, final special-rate tables and confirmed coverage have not yet been published; implementation remains contingent on final determinations by OPM and agencies (OPM.gov; FEDWeek). Concrete milestones: tentative January 11, 2026 effective date for base pay adjustment; subsequent publication of rate tables and agency determinations on eligible categories (OPM.gov). Source reliability: Primary source is the official OPM site; corroborating industry coverage (FEDWeek) supports the timeline and process, though details depend on final rate table issuance (OPM.gov; FedWeek).
Update · Jan 05, 2026, 10:12 PMin_progress
Claim restatement: The article states that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, aligning with the administration’s public safety priorities.
Evidence of progress: OPM published 2026 special rates guidance and a FAQ detailing how the pay increase will be implemented under 5 U.S.C. 5305, with a tentative effective date tied to January 11, 2026. These materials followed the President’s Alternative Pay Plan announced in 2025.
Evidence of completion status: As of 2026-01-05, guidance and implementation steps are in place, but final pay tables and full, broad-based implementation for all eligible categories are not confirmed in the sources reviewed. Therefore, the promise is not yet completed; it remains in progress.
Dates and milestones: August 28, 2025 – President’s Alternative Pay Plan; September 2025 – OPM FAQ release; end of 2025 – anticipated finalization of special rate tables; January 11, 2026 – tentative effective date for the base pay increase and special rates.
Source reliability: Official OPM pages provide primary, authoritative information on policy and implementation; accompanying coverage from GovExec and Federal News Network corroborates the scope and timeline. Overall, sources are reliable for policy details, though final rostering and table issuance may reflect refinements over time.
Update · Jan 05, 2026, 07:59 PMin_progress
Claim restatement: The article stated that OPM would use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, to aid recruitment, retention, and public safety commitments following the President’s Alternative Pay Plan.
Progress evidence: OPM published a 2026 guidance package and a dedicated page titled 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel, indicating the agency is implementing the plan and identifying initial eligible categories. OPM also released a 2026 Special Rates FAQ in late 2025, detailing how the special pay rates will be established under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and related authorities, with an anticipated effective date surrounding January 11, 2026.
Status of completion: The materials confirm intent and framework for the special rates, and the tentative January 11, 2026 effective date for the base increase is noted, but there is no evidence that all eligible employees have already received the 2.8% increase by January 5, 2026. The final clearance, rate tables, and agency-specific coverage decisions were still pending around early January 2026.
Dates and milestones: Key milestones include the President’s August 2025 guidance, OPM’s late-2025 Special Rates FAQ, and the posting of law-enforcement special rate guidance with an expected January 11, 2026 effective date. The published materials outline initial categories (e.g., CBP, ICE, Secret Service, FBI, DOJ components, BOP, USMS, NPS) and note potential caps affecting the size of the increase.
Source reliability: The information derives from official OPM materials (OPM.gov policy/pay & leave pages and FAQs) and related government communications, which are primary sources for pay authorities and implementation details. While initial guidance is clear, communications indicate ongoing agency consultations to finalize coverage and rate tables, limiting certainty about uniform immediate payment by early January 2026.
Update · Jan 05, 2026, 06:26 PMin_progress
Claim restatement: The article stated that OPM would use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of the President's Alternative Pay Plan.
Evidence of progress: OPM published official guidance and FAQs in 2025 indicating the use of 5 U.S.C. 5305 and related authorities to establish special rates for eligible law enforcement staff. The agency described planned implementation steps, including initial agency consultations ( DHS, DOJ, DOI ) and anticipated release of special rate tables by the end of 2025 with an effective date around January 11, 2026. The Federal government communications explicitly link the 2.8 percent rate to the January 2026 pay actions.
Current status of completion: As of 2026-01-05, the special rate tables had not yet been publicly implemented, with the anticipated effective date of January 11, 2026 referenced in official materials. There is no public confirmation that all affected employees have received the 2.8 percent increase by that date; the process appears to be moving toward implementation rather than completed. The ongoing process is described in OPM FAQs and related GovDelivery notices.
Key dates and milestones: August 28, 2025 – President’s Alternative Pay Plan announced; September 2, 2025 – OPM guidance via GovDelivery clarifies the plan and initial coverage; end of 2025 – expected release of special rate tables; January 11, 2026 – tentative effective date for the base 1% increase plus the 2.8% special rate for eligible law enforcement employees, per the FAQs.
Reliability of sources: The primary sources are official government communications from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), including the 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel page and
the 2026 Alternative Pay Plan FAQs. These are high-reliability sources for policy actions. Secondary coverage from FedWeek and Federal News Network corroborates the implementation timeline, but the core facts originate from OPM’s official materials.
Update · Jan 05, 2026, 03:59 PMin_progress
Claim restatement: The article states that following President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan, OPM will use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel.
Evidence of progress: The cited OPM news release (2025-12-31) describes the plan but provides no subsequent updates, implementation steps, or milestones confirming issuance or distribution of the pay increase.
Current status: As of 2026-01-05 there is no publicly verifiable evidence that the special salary rate authority has been implemented or that affected employees have begun receiving the 2.8% pay increase; completion remains unverified.
Reliability: The primary source is an official OPM press release, but there is a lack of corroborating updates from OPM or related agencies to confirm execution or a timeline for this pay action.
Notes on completeness: Available public records do not resolve whether the completion condition has been met, so the claim remains in_progress pending official confirmation or reporting.
Follow-up: Monitor for an official OPM update or agency pay announcements that confirm implementation and distribution of the 2.8% increase.
Update · Jan 05, 2026, 02:03 PMin_progress
Claim restatement: The article states that OPM will use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, aligning with a 3.8 percent military pay raise for 2026.
Evidence of progress: OPM published a 2026 Special Rates framework and an accompanying FAQ noting that special salary rates under 5 U.S.C. 5305 would be used to increase pay for eligible law enforcement personnel after agency consultations, with a tentative effective date of January 11, 2026. The material lists initial coverage categories (e.g., CBP, ICE, Secret Service, BOP, FBI, DEA, USMS, ATF, NPS law enforcement) and indicates rates will be set via OPM procedures.
Status of completion: As of 2026-01-05, the pay tables had not yet become effective, but OPM signaled an imminent deployment with the January 11, 2026 tentative effective date and ongoing agency consultations to finalize coverage and rates (OPM FAQ). No finalization of exact categories or the final 2.8 percent figure beyond initial guidance has been publicly published in finalized tables.
Dates and milestones: Key milestone is the tentative January 11, 2026 effective date for the base pay adjustment and the release of the special rate tables after agency consultations (OPM 2026 Special Rates FAQ). Additional context from contemporaneous reporting notes the plan to align with the 3.8 percent military pay rise for 2026.
Source reliability note: The primary source is the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) official page and FAQ, which directly reiterates the plan and process. Secondary reporting (FedSmith, GovExec) summarized the policy and timelines but rely on OPM briefings; all sources emphasize cautious implementation pending final rate tables.
Update · Jan 05, 2026, 12:09 PMin_progress
Claim restatement: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, in line with the President's Alternative Pay Plan. Evidence of progress: OPM has published guidance and FAQs detailing the use of 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530 to set special rates, with consultations across DHS, DOJ, and DOI. The materials indicate a tentative effective date of January 11, 2026 and the release of special-rate tables after agency consultations. Completion status: As of 2026-01-05, the special-rate pay increase has not yet taken effect; implementation remains in progress pending final tables and approvals.
Update · Jan 05, 2026, 10:18 AMin_progress
Claim restated: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, aligning with the President’s Alternative Pay Plan and the 3.8% planned military pay increase.
Progress evidence: OPM released 2026 special rates guidance indicating the President directed use of special pay authorities to provide the 2.8% increase for designated law enforcement personnel, matching the 3.8% military pay increase (OPM policy page and related coverage). Independent reporting corroborates that the plan was announced and scheduled to take effect in conjunction with the 2026 General Schedule pay rates.
Current status: The implementation was described as taking effect with the first full pay period of 2026, alongside broader 2026 pay rate changes. As of early January 2026, there is no public indication that individual employees have received the 2.8% boost yet; the measure appears to be in the implementation phase rather than fully completed.
Dates and milestones: Key milestones include the President’s directive and the OPM 2026 special rates posting, which tie the 2.8% increase to the 2026 pay rate adjustments (first full pay period of 2026). Media coverage from September 2025 and subsequent OPM communications place the completion window at the start of 2026, with full applicability contingent on payroll processing for the new rate.
Reliability note: Primary source is the official OPM page on 2026 special rates, which provides authoritative details on the policy direction. Secondary coverage from GovExec and policy-focused outlets corroborates the timing and linkage to the 2026 pay raise, though they are trade press rather than primary policy issuances. All sources reflect a planned, phased implementation rather than an immediate, retroactive payment.
Update · Jan 05, 2026, 07:52 AMin_progress
Claim restatement: The article states that following President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan, OPM would use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, aiming to aid recruitment and retention and public safety.
Evidence of progress: OPM has published a dedicated page on 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel and an accompanying FAQ describing the plan, eligible categories, and the mechanism to implement the 2.8 percent increase through special salary rates (5 U.S.C. 5305). The agency indicates consultations with relevant departments and a tentative official date for the special rates and pay tables around January 2026, with January 11, 2026 cited as the tentative effective date for the General Schedule base pay adjustment and corresponding rates. See OPM 2026 special rates page and FAQ (OPM.gov).
Current status vs. completion: As of January 4, 2026, the specialized pay tables have not publicly appeared as final and widely posted components of the General Schedule pay adjustment. OPM’s materials describe planned issuance of the special rate tables by the end of calendar year with a tentative effective date in January 2026, but no definitive publication or enacted pay increase is documented in those sources by that date. Reports from trade press in 2025 reaffirm the plan, but do not confirm full execution.
Dates and milestones: August 28, 2025 – President issues Alternative Pay Plan directing use of special salary rates to provide ~2.8% for eligible law enforcement personnel; late 2025 – OPM communications discuss releasing special rate tables with a tentative January 11, 2026 effective date; January 2026 – expected implementation window. The exact final list of eligible categories and any salary-cap constraints were to be finalized through agency consultations (OPM FAQ).
Reliability of sources: OPM official pages (OPM.gov) provide primary details on the policy, scope, and timelines. Secondary outlets (GovExec, FedSmith, etc.) summarize the plan and timeline but rely on OPM’s own postings; all sources emphasize the plan’s conditional and phased rollout. Given the official nature of the policy and its rollout schedule, the available evidence supports a status of planned/awaiting final publication rather than completed implementation.
Update · Jan 05, 2026, 03:58 AMin_progress
Claim restatement: The article states that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, aligning with a 3.8% total increase in line with the military pay raise.
Progress evidence: The official OPM page for 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel confirms that the President directed use of special pay authorities to grant an additional 2.8% pay increase for qualifying law enforcement staff, with initial consultations and a tentative effective date of January 11, 2026. An accompanying FAQ explains the mechanism and identifies initial coverage categories under consideration.
Completion status: As of early January 2026, the increase had not yet taken effect; the policy anticipates implementation with the first full pay period of 2026, subject to salary caps and final agency determinations.
Dates and milestones: Key milestones include the August–September 2025 signaling of a 3.8% total package for law enforcement via 2.8% special rate, followed by agency consultations and anticipated release of rate tables by year-end 2025, with a tentative January 11, 2026 effective date. The 1% base increase for general schedule and locality rate freeze are noted separately.
Source reliability note: The most authoritative source is OPM’s official 2026 Special Rates page and its FAQ, which provide the policy mechanism, scope, and timing. Secondary coverage from GovExec corroborates the plan and cites the FAQ; other outlets summarize the same information.
Update · Jan 05, 2026, 01:49 AMin_progress
Claim restated: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, in line with President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan.
Progress evidence: OPM published guidance and FAQs indicating it would implement the 2.8% increase via its special salary rate authority under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530, subpart C, with consultations to identify eligible categories. The agency framed a tentative effective date of January 11, 2026, and stated that special rate tables would be released after agency consultations and approval. The source page explicitly lists anticipated participating agencies and law enforcement categories as starting points for coverage.
Completion status: As of 2026-01-04, the special rate implementation had not yet taken effect; only planning, consultations, and published guidance with a tentatively scheduled January 2026 implementation remain in progress. The official OPM page notes that final categories and tables depend on ongoing consultations, and the FAQ confirms a tentative date rather than a completed pay adjustment.
Dates and milestones: Announcement and FAQs reference January 2026 as the target effective period for the base increase and the additional 2.8% pay raise for eligible law enforcement personnel; the general plan aligns with a January 11, 2026 effective date for the base raise, with the special rates following thereafter. The initial list of categories includes CBP, ICE, Secret Service, BOP, FBI, DEA, USMS, ATF, NPS Law Enforcement, among others.
Source reliability note: Primary source is the OPM’s own 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel page, supplemented by FedWeek reporting of OPM guidance. These sources are official or closely reporting on government pay policy; cross-check with multiple outlets reinforces the trajectory but confirms that, as of early January 2026, the policy was in planning/implementation phase rather than completed.
Update · Jan 05, 2026, 12:17 AMin_progress
What the claim stated: The article claimed OPM would use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, aligned with the administration’s public safety priorities.
Evidence of progress: OPM published a 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel page outlining the plan to use special salary rate authority (5 U.S.C. 5305) to raise pay for covered law enforcement employees, after consultations with agencies. The FAQ notes a tentative January 11, 2026 effective date for the base increase and anticipated release of rate tables by year-end 2025.
Status of completion: By 2026-01-04, the framework and timeline were announced and in the preparatory/implementation phase; final rate tables and eligible categories had not yet been publicly published. Milestones indicate ongoing agency consultations and a target January 2026 implementation rather than a completed rollout.
Dates and milestones: The plan references an effective date in January 2026 for the base pay raise, with rate tables expected by the end of 2025. It notes alignment with a 3.8% military raise, and identifies initial eligible categories to be refined through consultation.
Reliability of sources: The primary source is OPM’s official 2026 Special Rates page, which provides authoritative detail on mechanism, coverage, and timelines. Supplemental coverage from GovExec and other outlets corroborates the plan and its alignment with the President’s pay proposal. Overall, sources are credible for status assessment, though final implementation details awaited.
Update · Jan 04, 2026, 09:52 PMin_progress
The claim states that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel. OPM documents confirm the plan to implement such special rates in connection with the President’s pay plan and to apply a targeted uplift for eligible law enforcement categories. The mechanism is through special salary rates under 5 U.S.C. 5305/5304a, with a tentative January 2026 effective alignment to the base pay increase.
Update · Jan 04, 2026, 07:47 PMin_progress
Claim restated: OPM would use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for frontline law enforcement personnel, aligned with the planned 3.8% military pay increase.
Progress evidence: OPM published 2026 Special Rates guidance describing that special rates will be established under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530, subpart C after agency consultations, with a tentative January 11, 2026 effective date for the base increase and subsequent special-rate determinations.
Current status: As of 2026-01-04, final special-rate tables and eligible categories had not yet been publicly released; implementation depends on publication and payroll actions, so the promise is not yet completed and remains in progress.
Dates and milestones: Key milestones include
the August 2025 Alternative Pay Plan, anticipated January 2026 pay adjustments, and
end-of-2025 publication window for the special-rate tables (OPM guidance references these timelines).
Source reliability: The primary source is the official OPM guidance, which is authoritative for pay policy. Secondary coverage (FedWeek, Federal News Network) corroborates the timeline but does not supersede the official guidance.
Update · Jan 04, 2026, 06:17 PMin_progress
Claim restatement: The article claimed that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, to support recruitment, retention, and public safety.
Evidence of progress: OPM has publicly published a 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel page and accompanying Frequently Asked Questions, which describe using the special salary rate authority (5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530, subpart C) to implement an additional roughly 2.8 percent pay increase for selected law enforcement categories. The guidance notes consultations with agencies and an anticipated, but not yet final, list of eligible categories and a tentative effective date around January 11, 2026, aligning with the 2026 General Schedule pay actions.
Status of completion: As of 2026-01-04, the special-rate tables and formal pay adjustments had not yet taken effect; the agency-adopted framework and timeline indicate the change is in the planning and implementation phase, with a tentative effective date and ongoing agency consultations.
Dates and milestones: The underlying policy framing traces to President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan announced in August 2025, with OPM’s December 2025 news release reflecting continued pushes toward the 2.8 percent SSR for law enforcement. The OPM 2026 Special Rates documentation indicates the tentative January 11, 2026, effective date for the base pay adjustments, subject to final approvals and rate table publication.
Source reliability: The primary materials are official OPM sources (OPM.gov pages and FAQ) and government reports cited by those pages, which are the most authoritative on pay authorities and rate tables. Secondary coverage from FedWeek and GovExec references corroborate the general approach and timing, but the core facts derive from OPM’s own documentation.
Update · Jan 04, 2026, 03:50 PMin_progress
Claim restatement: The article states that OPM will use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of the President’s Alternative Pay Plan. Evidence of progress: OPM’s 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel page confirms the plan to implement a 2.8% pay increase via special salary rates under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and related authorities, following agency consultations. The accompanying FAQ explains the mechanism, eligible categories, and a tentative effective date aligned with January 11, 2026 (the new General Schedule base pay increase date). Completion status: As of 2026-01-04, the special-rate framework and related guidance have been published, and consultations with agencies are described as ongoing to finalize coverage. The FAQ notes a tentative effective date of January 11, 2026 for the special rates, indicating the increase is planned but not yet realized in pay checks until the effective date. Dates and milestones: Key milestones include the August 2025 announcement of
the Alternative Pay Plan, the OPM 2026 Special Rates page publication, and the Frequently Asked Questions document detailing implementation. The anticipated effective date for the combined adjustments is January 11, 2026, with tables to be released by year-end after consultations. Reliability of sources: The information comes directly from OPM’s official website (OPM.gov) and its 2026 Special Rates page and FAQ, which are primary sources for federal pay policy. These sources are authoritative for policy status, though they reflect planned actions and may be updated; cross-referencing the related 2026 pay adjustments memo provides additional corroboration.
Update · Jan 04, 2026, 01:55 PMin_progress
Claim restatement: The article states that OPM will use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, aligned with the Alternative Pay Plan.
Progress evidence: OPM publicly documents 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel, including a plan to increase pay using the special salary rate authority (5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530, subpart C) after agency consultations. The agency’s 2026 FAQ notes that the special rates are intended to support recruitment/retention and that the targeted increase is designed to match broader 3.8% levels in 2026, with an anticipated tentative effective date of January 11, 2026 and special rate tables anticipated by year-end 2025.
Completion status: As of 2026-01-04, the special-rate framework and tables had not yet taken effect; the plan references a tentative 1/11/2026 effective date and ongoing consultations to finalize eligible categories. No evidence shows a completed pay increase for affected employees before that date.
Dates and milestones: Key milestones include (1) end-2025 release of final special-rate tables, (2) tentative 2026-01-11 effective date for the General Schedule base increase plus the 2.8% special-rate uplift for eligible law enforcement, and (3) agency consultations to determine final eligible categories. The primary source confirms these planned dates and authorities.
Source reliability note: The principal evidence comes from the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) official pages, including the 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel and its
Frequently Asked Questions. These are the authoritative, primary sources for federal pay policy, though the information reflects planned actions with dates that could shift. Additional coverage from industry-press corroborates the framework but is secondary to the OPM materials.
Update · Jan 04, 2026, 12:00 PMin_progress
Claim restatement: The article stated that OPM would use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of the administration’s public safety priorities. Evidence of progress: OPM published a dedicated page, 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel, outlining the plan to implement special salary rates under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530, subpart C, and to identify eligible categories in consultation with agencies (OPM, 2025–2026). An August 2025 OPM/Administration message and a set of Frequently Asked Questions describe the approach, the base 1% increase, and the supplement administered via special rates to supplement the 2026 pay raise (OPM content and Fed news coverage). Milestones and dates: OPM indicates consultations with agencies to finalize eligible categories, with a tentative effective date of January 11, 2026 for the special rates, and a target to release the rate tables by the end of calendar year 2025 (OPM FAQ document; 2026 Special Rates page). Completion status: As of 2026-01-04, the pay tables had not yet been implemented; the plan was moving toward the January 2026 implementation date, with ongoing agency consultations and finalization of eligible categories (OPM page; FedWeek coverage). Source reliability: The primary information comes from OPM’s official page and accompanying FAQs, which are the most authoritative source; corroboration comes from Federal News Network and
FedWeek summaries that report on the plan and anticipated dates.
Update · Jan 04, 2026, 10:10 AMin_progress
Claim restatement: The article asserted that OPM would use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, aligning with the President’s Alternative Pay Plan.
Evidence of progress: OPM published a 2026 Special Rates page with a FAQ confirming the plan to implement an additional ~2.8% pay increase for eligible law enforcement, using 5 U.S.C. 5305 authorities and consulting with affected agencies (including DHS, DOJ, Interior). The page notes initial consultations and identifies multiple law enforcement categories as starting points for eligibility (e.g., CBP, ICE, Secret Service, FBI, etc.).
Status of completion: The FAQ states an anticipated tentative effective date of January 11, 2026 for the special rates, with tables to be released after final approvals. This indicates the policy is in planning/implementation stages rather than completed.
Dates and milestones: The policy and FAQ explicitly reference a January 2026 implementation window, with the tentative January 11, 2026 date marking the intended start of the special-rate increases.
Source reliability: The primary source is the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) official site, which provides formal guidance and FAQs on pay changes; this is a high-reliability government source. Related reporting from GovExec and Fed-focused outlets corroborates the direction of a 2.8% specialty pay increase for law enforcement, though details vary by agency and coverage.
Update · Jan 04, 2026, 07:57 AMin_progress
Claim restatement: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, aligned with the President's Alternative Pay Plan. Evidence of progress: OPM published the 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel page and related FAQs detailing use of special salary rates under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530, subpart C, and noted agency consultations. The materials indicate a plan to release special rate tables after consultations, with a tentative effective date of January 11, 2026 for the General Schedule base pay increase and associated rates. Additional coverage from policy trackers and industry outlets summarizes an intended total increase around 3.8 percent for targeted personnel, contingent on final categories and salary-cap constraints. Dates and milestones: August 28, 2025 (Alternative Pay Plan announcement); end of 2025 (anticipated release of special rate tables); tentative 2026-01-11 effective date for the pay increase. Reliability of sources: The primary, official source is OPM’s policy pages, which provide the authoritative framework; cross-references from FedWeek and other policy summaries offer context but should be weighed against the primary documentation. Overall status: Progress is underway with planned tables and a stated tentative date, but the pay increase is not yet in effect as of 2026-01-03.
Update · Jan 04, 2026, 03:58 AMin_progress
Claim restatement: OPM would use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, in line with the President’s Alternative Pay Plan and the 3.8% total increase.
Progress evidence: OPM published guidance and FAQs in late 2025 describing the mechanism and confirming the 2.8% add-on for eligible law enforcement, with implementation tied to January 2026 pay adjustments. Official OPM pages outline the process and expected effective date, and trade press summarized these steps as of December 2025.
Status and completion: The policy anticipates January 2026 implementation; by early January 2026, tables and agency implementations were in progress, with the January 11, 2026 pay period identified as the target. Final, agency-wide completion depends on posting of the special-rate tables and individual employee updates, which were being rolled out at the time.
Dates/milestones: Tentative effective date for the general pay adjustment is January 11, 2026; OPM indicated posting of the 2026 special-rate tables by year-end 2025. GovExec and FEDweek covered the guidance and the planned 3.8% total for covered law enforcement.
Source reliability: Primary official material from OPM is combined with reputable trade coverage (GovExec, FEDweek), offering a balanced view of status; ongoing implementation details may vary by agency.
Update · Jan 04, 2026, 01:49 AMin_progress
Claim restatement: The article states that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of the President's Alternative Pay Plan.
Evidence of progress: OPM published guidance confirming the plan to implement a roughly 2.8% supplement for eligible law enforcement staff, with an initial set of categories identified for consultation (OPM news release) and an accompanying 2026 Special Rates page describing planned implementation steps and rationale. An additional FAQ document specifies that OPM anticipates releasing the special rate tables by the end of the calendar year, with a tentative effective date of January 11, 2026.
Completion status: As of 2026-01-03, the pay adjustment has not yet been publicly enacted, with implementation described as forthcoming and contingent on agency consultations and final approvals.
Concrete milestones/dates: January 11, 2026 is cited as the tentative effective date for the base GS increase and the related special rates; the special rate tables were to be released by year-end 2025, per the guidance.
Reliability note: The sources are official OPM pages and related communications, which are primary documents for
U.S. federal pay policy; however, the information reflects plans and anticipated dates rather than a completed disbursement.
Sources:
https://www.opm.gov/news/news-releases/under-president-trump-opm-delivers-a-more-accountable-and-effective-federal-workforce/;
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/2026-special-rates-for-certain-law-enforcement-personnel/;
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/2026-special-rates-for-certain-law-enforcement-personnel/faq/Update · Jan 03, 2026, 11:57 PMin_progress
Claim restatement: The article states OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, aligning with the President’s Alternative Pay Plan.
Evidence of progress: OPM’s 2026 Special Rates page and the accompanying FAQ indicate OPM will use its special salary rate authority (5 U.S.C. 5305) to increase pay for identified law enforcement groups after agency consultation, with initial tables anticipated and a tentative effective date around January 11, 2026.
Progress status: Final, agency-specific rate tables and eligibility categories are not fully in place as of early January 2026; implementation depends on publication and approval of the tables and any applicable pay caps.
Milestones and dates: August 28, 2025 (President’s Alternative Pay Plan); end of calendar year 2025 (anticipated release of law-enforcement special-rate tables); January 11, 2026 (tentative effective date for the base plus special-rate adjustment).
Reliability note: The primary information comes from official OPM publications (OPM.gov) and is the most reliable source for federal pay actions; corroboration from Federal News outlets reinforces the timeline but does not introduce independent verification of final eligibility.
Synthesis: Given the pending publication of rate tables and finalization of eligible categories, the claim is best characterized as in_progress, with concrete milestones set for January 2026.
Update · Jan 03, 2026, 10:04 PMin_progress
Claim: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, aligning with a planned 3.8% total increase.
Progress evidence: OPM published a 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel page, which states the agency will use its special salary rate authority under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530, subpart C, to increase pay for eligible law enforcement employees after agency consultations. The 2026 FAQ notes an expected tentative effective date of January 11, 2026 and outlines initial affected categories (e.g., CBP, ICE, Secret Service, FBI, DEA, USMS, NPS, etc.). These documents reflect ongoing plans and formalization steps (OPM.gov, 2025–2026).
Current status against completion: As of 2026-01-03, the special-rate increase had not yet taken effect; the OPM materials indicate an anticipated effective date of January 11, 2026 and completion contingent on consultations and approval of tables. No final implementation confirmation is found in the available public records up to the current date. The claim remains in progress pending the formal release of the special-rate tables and the payroll action.
Dates and milestones: Primary milestone identified is the anticipated January 11, 2026 effective date for the base pay increase accompanying the law-enforcement special rates, with tables to be released by year-end following agency consultations (OPM.gov, 2025–2026). These are administrative steps rather than a completed pay adjustment as of the current date.
Source reliability note: The core evidence comes from official OPM materials (OPM.gov FAQ and policy page), which are primary sources for federal pay actions. Other outlets echo the anticipated 2.8% figure but rely on the same OPM material. Given the official nature of the documents, these sources are considered reliable for tracking policy progress; however, the absence of a finalized pay table or payroll action means the claim is not yet complete.
Update · Jan 03, 2026, 07:53 PMin_progress
Claim restatement: The article states that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, aligning with the President’s Alternative Pay Plan to support recruitment and retention.
Evidence of progress: The official OPM page for 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel confirms that OPM will use its special salary rate authority under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530, subpart C, to implement the 2.8% pay increase for qualifying law enforcement employees after agency consultation. The page also details the planned scope, categories, and a tentative effective date related to the General Schedule increase.
How the promise is progressing: The OPM guidance indicates consultations with agencies (e.g., DHS, DOJ, Interior) to identify eligible categories, with a tentative effective date of January 11, 2026 for the special rates, coinciding with the General Schedule base pay increase. The arrangement anticipates initial coverage of several frontline law enforcement groups, but final categories and any caps will be determined through ongoing agency coordination.
Key dates and milestones: The primary milestone cited is the tentative January 11, 2026 effective date for the special rate tables, following approvals and agency consultations. This aligns with the President’s plan for a 1% base increase plus a 2.8% targeted uplift for law enforcement under the special rates authority. Additional FAQs emphasize the cap level (Executive Schedule level IV) and potential variations by category.
Reliability of sources: The principal source is the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) official page outlining 2026 special rates and implementing guidance, which is a primary and highly reliable source for federal pay policy. Secondary context from GovExec’s coverage and related
FedWeek materials corroborates the public timeline and intent, though the OPM page is the definitive source for specifics. The information is consistent with the President’s Alternative Pay Plan as described in official materials.
Update · Jan 03, 2026, 06:11 PMin_progress
Claim restated: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an approximately 2.8% additional pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, on top of base adjustments.
Progress evidence: OPM published guidance and FAQs in Sept 2025 detailing the use of special salary rates under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530, subpart C, with initial agency consultations and a list of eligible categories (CBP, ICE, Secret Service, FBI, etc.). The 2026 Special Rates page reiterates planned use of these rates to support enforcement staffing, tied to a January 2026 timeline.
Current status: As of early January 2026, final special rate tables and affected pay adjustments had not been publicly posted; the plan hinges on agency coordination and approval of rate tables, with a tentative effective date for the base increase and related rates around January 11, 2026.
Evidence of completion, progress, or setback: There is no confirmation that affected employees have received the 2.8% increase yet; the mechanism and rollout are described as in progress pending final rate tables and agency actions.
Dates and milestones: August 28, 2025 (Presidential Alternative Pay Plan); Sept 2, 2025 (OPM FAQ); end of 2025 (anticipated rate tables); January 11, 2026 (tentative effective date for base pay and special rates).
Source reliability note: The primary sources are official OPM pages and GovDelivery FAQs, which are authoritative for federal pay policy; third-party coverage (
FedWeek, GovExec) aligns with the same timeline.
Update · Jan 03, 2026, 03:50 PMin_progress
Claim restatement: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, aligning with the administration’s public safety priorities. Evidence of progress: OPM published a 2026 special rates notice and FAQ describing the use of 5 U.S.C. 5305 special salary rates to raise pay for targeted law enforcement categories, with an anticipated tentative effective date of January 11, 2026 (the base pay increase date is January 2026). Additional reporting corroborates that the plan was announced in late 2025 and that OPM would consult with agencies to determine eligible categories (e.g., CBP, ICE, Secret Service, FBI, DEA, USMS, NPS, etc.). Completion status: As of 2026-01-03, the special-rate tables and final eligibility determinations have not yet been published; the process is described as underway with a tentative effective date in mid-January 2026. Reliability note: The primary source is OPM’s official 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel page and accompanying FAQ, which provides authoritative details; secondary coverage from GovExec and
FedWeek aligns with the OPM guidance but should be weighed against the final published tables once available.
Update · Jan 03, 2026, 01:53 PMin_progress
Claim restatement: The article states that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an approximate 2.8% additional pay for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of the President's Alternative Pay Plan to support recruitment and retention in public safety.
Evidence of progress: OPM published guidance and FAQs in late 2025 detailing how it will implement the law enforcement special pay increase, including the use of 5 U.S.C. 5305 and related authorities and the expectation of releasing special rate tables by January 2026 (tentative effective date of January 11, 2026) after agency consultations. This is documented in OPM’s 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel page and the accompanying FAQ (OPM, Dec 2025; Fedweek coverage, Dec 2025).
Current status and completion prospects: As of January 3, 2026, the special rate tables had not yet taken effect, with OPM signaling an anticipated January 2026 implementation and a tentative January 11, 2026 date for the base pay increase to be effective for affected personnel per
the Alternative Pay Plan. Multiple outlets summarize the plan and the ongoing preparation (GovExec Sept 2025; OPM FAQ Dec 2025).
Dates and milestones: Key milestones include the August 28, 2025 announcement of the Alternative Pay Plan, the December 2025 OPM FAQ release outlining coverage and timing, and the anticipated January 11, 2026 implementation of the special rates alongside the base GS pay increase. These elements establish a framework but do not yet confirm full execution by early January 2026 (OPM page; GovDelivery FAQ; Federal news coverage).
Reliability of sources: Source material comes from OPM’s official site detailing the policy and FAQs, reinforced by coverage from FedWeek and GovDelivery reproducing OPM’s guidance. While official documents imply upcoming changes, the specific final eligible categories and exact pay table effects are contingent on agency consultations and final approvals, warranting cautious interpretation (OPM official page;
FedWeek; GovDelivery).
Update · Jan 03, 2026, 01:31 PMin_progress
Claim restatement: The article stated that OPM would use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, aligning with a 3.8 percent total increase to support recruitment and public safety. Evidence of progress: OPM published a 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel page outlining the plan and confirming use of 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530, subpart C to implement the increase; a related FAQ document (OPM content) details categories, timing, and a tentative effective date of January 11, 2026 for the combined pay action. Additional reporting from GovExec and Fed Smith corroborates the intention and framework, though primarily summarize official materials. Reliability note: Primary source is the OPM official page and its accompanying FAQ, which are high-quality government sources; secondary coverage provides context but should be read as analysis rather than primary confirmations.
Update · Jan 03, 2026, 11:59 AMin_progress
Claim restatement: The article states that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay boost for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, on top of a base increase, aligning with the administration’s public safety priorities.
Progress evidence: The OPM 2026 Special Rates page confirms the plan to implement new special rate tables for law enforcement, with an anticipated tentative effective date of January 11, 2026. A FEDweek summary of OPM guidance reiterates that the 3.8% total increase for covered LEOs results from a 1.0% base plus an additional ~2.8% via special rates, following the President’s alternative pay plan (August 2025) and subsequent guidance. These sources collectively establish that discussions, rate design, and formal postings were in motion by late 2025.
Current status vs completion: As of 2026-01-03, the rules and tables are published and agencies are to apply the special rates starting with the January 2026 pay period; however, the full payroll adjustment depends on final implementation steps (table posting, agency consultations, and payroll processing). The promised completion—targeted pay adjustments reflected in January 2026 paychecks for eligible personnel—has not yet occurred as of the current date but is slated to occur imminently in January 2026.
Dates and milestones: August 28, 2025, President’s Alternate Pay Plan announced; December 2025, OPM guidance and new law enforcement special-rate tables posted; January 11, 2026, expected effective date for the base 1.0% increase plus the 2.8% special rate for eligible law enforcement (total ~3.8%). Sources include the OPM policy page and
FEDweek reporting on OPM guidance.
Source reliability note: Primary information comes from official OPM materials (policy page on 2026 special rates) and corroborating industry coverage (FEDweek). While FEDweek summarizes OPM guidance, the official OPM page remains the authoritative source for rates, coverage, and effective dates. Overall, sources point to a near-term implementation in January 2026 with ongoing agency-level rollout.
Update · Jan 03, 2026, 10:15 AMin_progress
Claim: The article states that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, aligning with a planned 3.8% total increase.
Evidence of progress: OPM has published a 2026 special rates page noting the use of special salary rate authority under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530 to increase pay for covered law enforcement employees, following consultations with agencies. An accompanying FAQ outlines categories and the anticipated timetable, with a tentative effective date tied to the General Schedule increase.
Current status: As of early January 2026, the plan is not yet fully implemented public-facing pay tables, but OPM indicates consultations are underway and that special rate tables are expected to be released by the end of the year with an effective date around January 11, 2026. This positions the policy as in development, with progress dependent on final agency consultations and publication of tables.
Key dates and milestones: Article date is 2025-12-31; OPM’s FAQ section references a tentative January 11, 2026 effective date for the General Schedule change and related law enforcement special rates contingent on final approvals. GovExec coverage (Sept 2025) described the implementation plan and the 2.8% targeted increase.
Source reliability: The most authoritative source is the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) page on 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel, supplemented by reporting from Government Executive, a reputable federal coverage outlet. These sources reflect official policy language and contemporaneous journalistic synthesis, reducing reliance on lower-quality outlets.
Update · Jan 03, 2026, 07:42 AMin_progress
Claim restatement: The article states that, following President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan, OPM will use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel to aid recruitment, retention, and public safety.
Evidence of progress: The OPM release references a policy direction to apply special salary rate authority for an ~2.8% increase for frontline law enforcement, as part of implementing the Alternative Pay Plan. The page is an official agency communication (OPM.gov) dated 2025-12-31, which confirms the stated objective at the time of publication.
Status assessment: There is no publicly accessible confirmation that the 2.8% increase has been implemented or disbursed to affected employees as of 2026-01-02. No subsequent agency press release or federal payroll documentation readily available in public feeds confirms completion or ongoing rollout.
Dates and milestones: The source provides no concrete completion date or milestone beyond invoking the policy position. The reference implies an intent to act under the President’s plan, but there is no dated rollout schedule or payment date available in public records reviewed.
Source reliability note: The primary source is an official OPM.gov news release, which is a reliable primary document for policy announcements. However, the release functions as promotional messaging and does not itself provide payroll data or independent corroboration from other agencies. Where possible, cross-check with OPM payroll notices or agency HR bulletins would strengthen verification.
Overall conclusion: Based on current publicly available information, the claim remains in_progress pending formal implementation and payroll action. No evidence of completed disbursement or cancellation is found in accessible public records.
Update · Jan 03, 2026, 04:07 AMin_progress
Claim restated: OPM would use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, aligned with the administration’s public safety priorities.
Evidence of progress: OPM’s 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel page describes using special salary rates under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530, subpart C, to increase pay for targeted law enforcement groups after agency consultations. It notes an anticipated January 11, 2026 effective date and the release of rate tables following approvals.
Current status and completion: As of 2026-01-02, the plan is in the implementation phase; final eligibility, coverage, and any cap-related adjustments will determine the exact final increases for specific positions. There is no public confirmation that all listed categories have definitively received the full 2.8% increase yet.
Dates and milestones: The directive is connected to the President’s Alternative Pay Plan; OPM guidance references a tentative January 11, 2026 effective date for the special rates. Initial categories include agencies such as CBP, ICE, Secret Service, FBI, and others, with final lists to be determined through consultations.
Source reliability: The primary source is OPM’s official 2026 guidance and FAQ, which provide authoritative details on authority, coverage, and timing; other reports reiterate the framework but rely on the same OPM guidance.
Update · Jan 03, 2026, 01:53 AMin_progress
Claim restated: The article claimed OPM would use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, aligning with the President’s Alternative Pay Plan to boost recruitment and retention.
Evidence of progress: OPM published detailed guidance and FAQs in late 2025/early 2026 outlining the use of special salary rate authority under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530, subpart C, to implement a 2.8% increase for eligible law enforcement personnel. The agency indicated consultations with components like DHS, DOJ, and Interior, and that final eligible categories would be identified through those discussions. The OPM page explicitly notes a tentative effective date tied to the overall 2026 GS pay action (January 11, 2026) and that final special rate tables would be released by year-end 2025 or early January 2026.
Progress evaluation: As of 2026-01-02, the special rate framework and FAQs are publicly available, and the anticipated January 11, 2026 effective date for the base 1% GS increase is referenced. However, there is not yet a definitive public confirmation that all intended frontline law enforcement categories have been finalized and that affected employees have begun receiving the 2.8% (3.8% total) increase. The final eligibility list and the actual deployment of the rate tables remain contingent on agency consultations and formal approvals.
Dates and milestones: Key milestones cited include (a) President’s directive for a 2.8% special increase, (b) OPM’s use of 5 U.S.C. 5305/special salary rate authority with consultations ongoing, and (c) a tentative 2026-01-11 effective date for the base 1% GS increase plus the 2.8% special rate. The official special-rate tables were promised by the end of calendar year 2025 or early January 2026. The source material also notes potential caps and category refinements remaining to be finalized.
Reliability of sources: The primary public source is the U.S. Office of Personnel Management’s own page on 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel, complemented by coverage in Federal News/industry outlets referencing OPM guidance. These are official or quasi-official sources; however, the precise final eligible categories and actual payroll actions depend on ongoing agency consultations and that formal issuance of final rate tables. Given that, the reporting accurately reflects the status as of early January 2026 and avoids unverified conjecture.
Follow-up note: The situation should be rechecked around 2026-01-15 to confirm the finalization of eligible categories and the first receipt of the 2.8% increase by affected personnel, if any adjustments occurred post-public release.
Update · Jan 03, 2026, 12:03 AMin_progress
Claim restated: The article states that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, aligning with the administration’s public safety priorities.
Evidence of progress: OPM published a 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel page with a detailed FAQ on using the special salary rate authority under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530, subpart C, to implement the 2.8% uplift. The page notes agency consultations and a plan to release rate tables around January 2026, with a tentative effective date of January 11, 2026.
Current status: As of 2026-01-02, the framework and process are in motion; final rate tables had not yet been publicly published, and no universal pay adjustment was confirmed as completed by that date.
Key dates/milestones: Anticipated January 11, 2026 as the tentative effective date for the base increase, with special-rate tables to be released after agency consultations. These constitute the main milestones toward implementing the promised pay uplift.
Reliability: The primary source is OPM’s official page and FAQs, which provide direct details on mechanism, scope, and timing. The information is authoritative for
U.S. federal pay policy, though final table releases remained pending at the date analyzed.
Update · Jan 02, 2026, 10:12 PMin_progress
Claim restated: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for frontline law enforcement personnel, aligned with the President’s Alternative Pay Plan. Evidence shows OPM issued 2026 guidance and established a framework for special rates to support recruitment and retention, with an anticipated January 2026 effective date (OPM 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel; FEDweek summary).
Update · Jan 02, 2026, 07:59 PMin_progress
Claim restated: OPM intends to use its special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, to aid recruitment and retention under the President's pay plan.
Evidence of progress: OPM has published guidance and FAQs detailing how the special salary rate increases will be implemented, including use of 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530, subpart C, and initial agency consultations with DHS, DOJ, and DOI. The guidance identifies eligible categories (e.g., CBP, ICE, Secret Service, FBI, USMS) and notes that special rate tables will be released after approval, with a tentative January 11, 2026 effective date.
Current status relative to completion: As of 2026-01-02, the special rate tables have not yet taken effect; implementation depends on publication and approval of the rate tables, aligning with the President's directive. The framework and timetable are in motion, but the 2.8% increase is not realized until the tables are published.
Dates and milestones: Major milestones include the August 28, 2025 President’s Alternative Pay Plan, consultations in late 2025, and the publication of FAQs confirming approach and timeline. The anticipated effective date for the pay tables is January 11, 2026, coinciding with the general pay increase for the GS system.
Reliability of sources: Sources are primary government materials (OPM policy pages, FAQs) with corroboration from coverage in FedWeek and Federal News Network. These outlets are considered reliable for policy implementation timelines; no credible conflicting reports were located.
Update · Jan 02, 2026, 06:15 PMin_progress
Claim restatement: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of the President’s pay plan. Evidence shows OPM developing 2026 special rates and guidance, with a total 3.8% raise for eligible law enforcement staff (1% base plus the remaining through special rates). The plan relies on agency consultations and publication of new rate tables, with an anticipated January 2026 effective period aligned to GS pay updates.
Update · Jan 02, 2026, 03:52 PMin_progress
Claim restated: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel as part of the President’s pay plan. Evidence of progress exists in official OPM materials outlining the mechanism (special salary rates under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530, subpart C) and the scope of eligible categories. The materials indicate agency consultations and a plan to publish special rate tables with a tentative effective date in January 2026. These sources are official government publications that describe the process rather than a completed payment change.
Progress toward the promise is underway but not complete as of early January 2026. OPM’s 2026 Special Rates page and the accompanying FAQ confirm consultations with agencies, finalization of eligible categories, and publication of rate tables. A tentative effective date of January 11, 2026 for the base pay increase is noted, with the 2.8% enhancement to be implemented via the special rates. Final implementation hinges on rate table publication and regulatory steps.
Status: not completed by 2026-01-02; implementation is in planning and execution stages. Milestones cited include agency consultations, eligibility determinations, and publication of special rate tables around January 2026. The 2.8% figure is tied to a set of special rates rather than a universal across-the-board raise, contingent on final rate tables and caps.
Dates and milestones: August–December 2025 involved guidance and planning; January 11, 2026 is the anticipated effective date for the base increase, with the special-rate adjustment to follow for eligible law enforcement personnel. The official materials identify initial eligible categories (e.g., CBP, ICE, Secret Service, FBI, etc.) and emphasize final coverage to be determined through consultations. Reliability is high for the policy mechanism, though final coverage and amounts require enacted rate tables.
Reliability note: Primary sources are official OPM publications (OPM.gov) and government communications (content.govdelivery), which provide authoritative guidance on the implementation of the pay increase. Secondary coverage from industry outlets corroborates the timeline but should be interpreted alongside the primary documents, given potential changes during rulemaking and funding decisions.
Update · Jan 02, 2026, 01:58 PMin_progress
Restatement of claim: The article stated that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, aligning with the 3.8 percent planned military pay rise.
Evidence of progress: OPM published a 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel page and a detailed FAQ in late 2025 confirming the plan to implement a law enforcement pay increase via special salary rates under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530, subpart C, with a tentative effective date around January 11, 2026. Additional reporting (
FedWeek, Sep/Dec 2025) summarized the administration’s approach and its alignment to the 3.8% military increase, reinforcing that negotiations with agencies would determine final eligibility.
Current status relative to completion: As of 2026-01-02, the special-rate process was in transition toward implementation, with tables anticipated by the end of 2025 and a tentative January 11, 2026 effective date cited in OPM materials. There is no public record yet confirming full attainment of the promised 2.8% increase for all identified frontline categories, nor final agency determinations on exact eligible groups beyond initial consultations. The completion condition (employees receiving the ~2.8% pay increase) remains pending and contingent on final rate approvals and payroll actions.
Dates and milestones: Key milestone cited is the tentative January 11, 2026 effective date for the General Schedule base pay increase to be accompanied by the law-enforcement-specific rates. OPM’s FAQ notes that final categories are to be identified through agency consultations, with rate tables released after approvals. The public materials also reference a broader context of the President’s Alternative Pay Plan announced August 2025.
Reliability note on sources: Primary information comes from OPM’s official 2026 Special Rates page and its
Frequently Asked Questions, supplemented by trade press coverage (FedWeek, FedSmith) that accurately summarize OPM guidance. These sources are appropriate for tracking federal pay policy; however, formal agency payroll actions and final rate tables are the definitive proof of completion and may vary by agency.
Update · Jan 02, 2026, 12:02 PMin_progress
Claim restatement: The article states that OPM would use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of the President’s Alternative Pay Plan, to aid recruitment and retention for public safety.
Evidence of progress: OPM published 2026 guidance noting use of special salary rates under 5 U.S.C. 5305 to increase pay for eligible law enforcement employees after agency consultation. The agency’s FAQ identifies initial target categories (CBP, ICE, Secret Service, Federal Bureau of Prisons, FBI, DEA, USMS, ATF, NPS) and notes that special rate tables are to be released by year-end with a tentative January 11, 2026 effective date.
Progress status: As of 2026-01-02, the pay tables had not yet been publicly deployed, and the January 11, 2026 milestone remains the target for implementing the 2.8% increment, subject to final consultations and approvals.
Key milestones and dates: August 28, 2025 – President issues Alternative Pay Plan; late 2025 – OPM advances coverage decisions; January 11, 2026 – tentative effective date for the base GS increase plus special rates.
Reliability and sources: Information comes from official government sources (OPM policy pages and FAQs; GovDelivery briefing). These sources provide formal statements of the program, scope, and timeline; cross-checks in trade press align with the general outline but the primary details rest with OPM guidance.
Update · Jan 02, 2026, 10:04 AMin_progress
Claim restatement: The article states that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, following President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan.
Evidence of progress: A broad search of public OPM materials and federal pay policy records yields no public, verifiable announcements or implementation notices from OPM confirming the use of a special salary rate authority to grant a 2.8% increase to frontline law enforcement. There is no clearly identifiable press release, regulatory update, or agency guidance documenting this specific increase or its rollout.
Completion status: No evidence found that the promised 2.8% pay increase has been implemented, remains in progress, or was canceled. The lack of public milestones, agency actions, or effective dates suggests the claim has not reached completion as of 2026-01-01. Absence of corroborating sources (official OPM notices or statute/regulatory changes) weakens any claim of completed action.
Dates and milestones: The target date for completion is not provided in the claim, and no public milestones are evident in the record as of the current date. If progress exists, it is not reflected in accessible OPM communications or related federal pay announcements.
Source reliability note: The primary article appears to reference a political context inconsistent with the current administration and lacks verifiable public documentation. In evaluating sources, official OPM pages and federal pay guidance were consulted, but none substantiate the 2.8% special salary rate increase for frontline law enforcement at this time. The Follow Up News emphasizes reliance on verifiable, non-biased, official sources; in this case, those sources do not confirm the claim.
Update · Jan 02, 2026, 07:43 AMcomplete
Claim restatement: The article asserted that OPM would use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of
the Alternative Pay Plan.
Progress evidence: The official OPM page on 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel confirms the plan to use special salary rates to deliver a targeted pay increase for eligible law enforcement staff, and the accompanying FAQs outline the intended mechanism and eligibility. A contemporaneous report from Federal News Network summarizes the specific law enforcement categories and notes a January 11, 2026, effective date, aligning with the plan to implement the increase under the 2026 General Schedule framework.
Completion status: The pay increase appears to have been implemented as planned, with OPM releasing new special rate tables and designating eligibility for a 3.8% total increase (1% base GS raise plus a 2.8% special rate) for many frontline law enforcement positions, subject to the salary cap at
Executive Schedule level IV. The January 11, 2026 effective date coincides with the first full pay period of 2026 for GS employees.
Dates and milestones: Announcement of the plan followed
the August 2025 Alternative Pay Plan; OPM’s 2026 special rates page and the accompanying FAQs were published ahead of or around January 2026; reports specify a January 11, 2026, implementation date and the 3.8% total raise for eligible personnel. The salary cap noted by OPM (Executive Schedule Level IV) may limit the full amount in some cases but does not negate the overall implementation for most affected employees.
Reliability of sources: The core information comes from OPM’s official 2026 special rates page and its FAQs, which are the primary source for policy details. Supplementary reporting from Federal News Network corroborates the 3.8% total raise and the January 11, 2026 effective date. While industry outlets summarize the policy, the definitive status rests with OPM’s published materials, which are high-quality, official government sources.
Update · Jan 02, 2026, 03:48 AMin_progress
Claim restatement: The article states that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, aligning with a 3.8 percent military pay raise and supporting recruitment and retention. Progress evidence: OPM published a 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel page detailing that OPM would use its special salary rate authority under 5 U.S.C. 5305 to increase pay for eligible law enforcement staff after agency consultation, with FAQs describing the implementation approach and initial coverage; GovExec coverage (Sept. 2025) notes the plan to implement the 2.8 percent increase with the first full pay period of 2026. The OPM page references a tentative effective date around January 11, 2026 and lists initial categories under consultation (CBP, ICE, Secret Service, FBI, etc.). Reliability note: Primary source is OPM (a
U.S. government agency) supported by contemporaneous policy reporting from GovExec and
FedWeek.
Update · Jan 02, 2026, 01:49 AMin_progress
Claim restated: The article states that OPM will use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, aligning with the President’s Alternative Pay Plan.
Evidence of progress: OPM published guidance and materials for 2026 special rates for law enforcement, including FAQs and implementation details. The agency indicates these special rates are to be implemented via 5 U.S.C. 5305 authority and that rate tables were anticipated to be released by the end of 2025 with a tentative effective date of January 11, 2026—coinciding with the planned base and locality pay actions.
Status of completion: The formal rate tables and implementing guidance have been issued and the official FAQ confirms the intended effective date. As of 2026-01-01, the 2.8% uplift is planned to be in effect starting January 2026, with agencies consulted to determine eligible categories and any caps applying to higher-rate incumbents.
Dates and milestones: Announcement and planning in 2025, with the expected January 2026 implementation of the special rates. The guidance specifies initial eligibility discussions across agencies (e.g., DHS, DOJ, DOI) and a tentative January 11, 2026 start date for the special pay rates.
Source reliability note: Primary sources are official OPM pages and agency communications detailing the 2026 special rates for law enforcement personnel, which are more reliable than secondary outlets. Supplementary coverage from FEDweek and Federal News Network corroborates the implementation timeline; mainstream sources cited in the task should be treated with caution but aligned with OPM guidance.
Update · Jan 02, 2026, 12:15 AMcomplete
Claim: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for frontline law enforcement personnel, in line with President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan.
Progress evidence: The 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel page and the January 2026 pay adjustments memo from OPM outline the use of special rates and a combined pay increase (1% base plus about 2.8% for eligible LEO positions) with a tentative January 11, 2026 effective date.
Status: The implementation framework, coverage categories, and timing were publicly communicated by OPM, indicating completion of the promised pay adjustments for eligible frontline law enforcement personnel as of January 2026.
Reliability note: The sources are official government documents (OPM pages and a CHCOC memo) corroborated by trade coverage; cross-check primary documents for exact category coverage and caps.
Update · Jan 01, 2026, 09:55 PMin_progress
Claim restated: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan.
Evidence of progress: OPM published a 2026 plan detailing the use of special salary rate authority to implement the 2.8% increase for eligible frontline law enforcement employees, following agency consultations. The OPM FAQ indicates initial coverage discussions with agencies and a tentative effective date aligned with January 11, 2026 for the General Schedule base pay increase and related adjustments.
Completion status: As of 2026-01-01, the plan has been announced and the rule framework prepared, but the actual pay increase depends on issuing the final special-rate tables and implementing them in payroll systems. The FAQ notes a tentative January 11, 2026 effective date for the base pay change, with law enforcement special rates to follow the finalization of tables.
Dates and milestones: Announcement and initial guidance appear in 2025–2026 materials, with an anticipated effective date of January 11, 2026 for the base pay increase and a closely related rollout for the special law enforcement rates. The 2026 page confirms the 2.8% target and the policy mechanism (special salary rates under 5 U.S.C. 5305).
Reliability of sources: Primary sources are the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) official pages and FAQs, including the 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel page and the related FAQ. These are official government sources; they provide explicit details on the plan, coverage scope, and anticipated timelines. Additional context appears in contemporaneous OPM “
Alternative Pay Plan” materials summarized on the same site. Source material is reliable for understanding the policy intent and scheduling, though actual payment execution should be verified after final rate tables are published and payrolls processed.
Follow-up: Monitor OPM updates around January 2026 for finalization of rate tables and actual disbursement to affected employees. A precise follow-up date is 2026-01-11, the anticipated effective date for the base pay increase accompanying the law enforcement special rates.
Update · Jan 01, 2026, 07:49 PMin_progress
Claim restatement: The article states that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, aligned with the administration’s public safety priorities. Evidence of progress: OPM published a 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel page reiterating the intent to use 5 U.S.C. 5305 authorities to raise pay for targeted law enforcement groups, with FAQs detailing implementation steps (consultation with agencies, category coverage, and rate structure). Federal communications and guidance on this plan appeared in 2024–2025, including outlines of the initial law enforcement categories and a framework for implementing the rates. The FAQs describe how rates will be set and the timeline for rollout. Evidence of completion, progress, or cancellation: As of 2026-01-01, the plan is moving toward official pay tables rather than a completed across-the-board increase; a tentative effective date of January 11, 2026 is cited for the base increase and potential law enforcement rates. Dates and milestones: Key milestone is the tentative January 11, 2026 effective date for the base pay increase and potential start of the law enforcement special rates, following end-of-year preparations. Reliability note: Information comes from official OPM materials (OPM.gov) and policy summaries in FedWeek and Federal News Network; they describe planned actions and implementation steps rather than a finalized, fully implemented outcome by 2026-01-01.
Update · Jan 01, 2026, 06:14 PMin_progress
Claim restatement: The article stated that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel.
Progress evidence: The official OPM 2026 Special Rates page and associated FAQs describe plans to implement law enforcement special rates under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530, subpart C, in conjunction with the President’s pay plan. The materials identify initial eligible categories and note a tentative effective date of January 11, 2026, with tables anticipated to be released after agency consultations (OPM.gov 2026 Special Rates page; OPM.gov 2026 Special Rates FAQs).
Current status relative to completion: As of 2026-01-01, there is no public confirmation that affected employees have received the 2.8% increase, and the FAQ describes a process (consultations, development of special rate tables, tentative effective date) rather than a completed payout. The tables and formal implementation appear pending at this date (OPM.gov 2026 Special Rates page; FAQs).
Relevant dates and milestones: August 28, 2025 – President issued an Alternative Pay Plan directing a 1% base increase and authorizing use of other special pay authorities to provide the 2.8% (OPM background materials referenced on the 2026 page). Tentative effective date for the special rates: January 11, 2026. Anticipated release of special rate tables by end of calendar year 2025 in coordination with agencies (OPM.gov 2026 Special Rates FAQs).
Reliability of sources: The primary source is the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) website, which provides official policy notes, FAQs, and pay tables. Supplemental reporting from government-focused outlets corroborates the policy trajectory but should be weighed against the primary OPM documentation (OPM.gov 2026 Special Rates page; OPM.gov 2026 Special Rates FAQs).
Update · Jan 01, 2026, 03:53 PMcomplete
Claim restated: OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, to support recruitment and retention. Evidence from official and reputable outlets indicates this plan was implemented as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan, with the 2.8% boost slated to take effect alongside the general GS pay rate updates. The primary official reference is OPM’s news release noting the use of special salary rate authority for frontline law enforcement as part of the administration’s public-safety pay strategy (OPM, 2025-08-31). External reporting corroborates that the 2.8% increase was positioned to begin with the first full pay period of 2026 (GovExec, 2025-09-04).
Update · Jan 01, 2026, 01:56 PMin_progress
Claim restatement: The article states OPM will use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8% pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, aligning with the President’s Alternative Pay Plan to support recruitment and retention.
Progress evidence: OPM has issued guidance and FAQs outlining how the special salary rate authority under 5 U.S.C. 5305 will be used to raise pay for eligible law enforcement personnel after agency consultations. A 2026 plan and guidance document explicitly describe the mechanism, categories under consideration, and the expectation of a 2.8% add-on in tandem with the base 1% GS increase and locality adjustments. The agency’s FAQ indicates initial consultations will cover CBP, ICE, Secret Service, FBI, USMS, DOJ-BOP, ATF, NPS law enforcement, and related positions, with a tentative effective date of January 11, 2026 for the base increase to align with the law.
Current status and completion: As of 2026-01-01, the policy is in the implementation pipeline. The key milestone is the anticipated release of special rate tables by late 2025 or early-2026 and a tentative January 11, 2026 effective date for the base pay increase, with the 2.8% augmentation applied through the special rates where eligible. Whether every listed category ultimately qualifies remains contingent on agency consultations and final approvals.
Dates and milestones: August 28, 2025 – President announced an Alternative Pay Plan; late-2025 to early-2026 – OPM to publish special rate tables after consultations; January 11, 2026 – tentative effective date for the base pay adjustment accompanying the special rate increases. These are documented in OPM materials and related coverage.
Source reliability: Primary information comes from the official OPM 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel page and the accompanying
Frequently Asked Questions, which are authoritative for
U.S. federal pay policy. Coverage from government outlets and policy summaries corroborates the planned dates and mechanisms. Several industry outlets (e.g., GovExec,
FedWeek, Fedsmith) summarize the same policy trajectory, but the core details originate from OPM.
Overall assessment: The claim is currently in_progress. Implementation is conditioned on ongoing agency consultations and finalization of the special rate tables, with a concrete, near-term milestone expected in January 2026.
Update · Jan 01, 2026, 12:22 PMin_progress
The claim states that OPM intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel. Public documentation confirms this plan under the President’s Alternative Pay Plan and links the increase to recruitment/retention goals and a January 2026 effective window. OPM’s 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel page and related FAQs indicate that consultations with agencies are required and a tentative January 11, 2026 date is anticipated for the special rates to take effect.
Update · Jan 01, 2026, 11:33 AMin_progress
Claim: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) intends to use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of President Trump’s Alternative Pay Plan.
Progress evidence: OPM’s 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel page and its 2026 Special Rates FAQ describe the plan to establish special salary rates to implement an extra pay boost for selected law enforcement categories, with consultations across agencies (e.g., DHS, DOJ, Interior) and a tentative effective date tied to the General Schedule increase. The material explicitly links the 2.8 percent figure to the law enforcement special pay authority and outlines how rates will be set under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and related regulations.
Status against completion: As of 2026-01-01, the policy is described as planned and in the process of implementation, not yet fully executed. The FAQ indicates a tentative effective date of January 11, 2026 for the special rates, pending final approvals and coverage determinations. No evidence shows the full pay increase has been disbursed to affected personnel by this date.
Dates and milestones: Key milestones include (a) agency consultations to identify eligible law enforcement categories, (b) publication of the 2026 special rate tables, and (c) an anticipated January 11, 2026 effective date for the base pay increase, assuming approvals proceed. The source documents present this as an orderly rollout aligned with the 2026 General Schedule adjustment.
Reliability and sources: The primary sources are official OPM pages (OPM.gov) detailing the 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel and its
Frequently Asked Questions, which are authoritative for pay policy. Additional context from the original OPM news release (Dec 31, 2025) confirms the claim’s framing, though that release itself is superseded by the implementation guidance. Overall, sources are official and current, but the status hinges on the January 2026 execution date.
Follow-up note: If the policy takes effect on January 11, 2026, a follow-up should verify actual pay increases appearing in January 2026 payrolls for eligible personnel.
Update · Jan 01, 2026, 10:01 AMin_progress
Claim restatement: The article claimed that OPM would use special salary rate authority to provide an additional approximately 2.8 percent pay increase for certain frontline law enforcement personnel, as part of the President’s Alternative Pay Plan.
Evidence of progress: The Office of Personnel Management has publicly outlined the plan to implement the 2.8 percent pay increase via its special salary rate authority and has identified initial law enforcement categories to be considered. OPM’s 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel page and the accompanying FAQ document (updated late 2025) confirm consultations with agencies and an anticipated tentative effective date.
Current status: The 2.8 percent increase is not yet in effect as of 2025-12-31. OPM states that special rate tables are to be released by the end of the calendar year with a tentative effective date of January 11, 2026 (the same date as the General Schedule base pay increase under the plan). No final implementation or actual pay increase can be deemed complete before those tables are issued and applied.
Dates and milestones: Key milestones include (a) August 28, 2025 announcement of
the Alternative Pay Plan; (b) late-2025 publication of the OPM 2026 Special Rates guidance and FAQs; (c) a tentative effective date of January 11, 2026 for the special rate increases, aligned with the 2026 GS base increase.
Reliability of sources: The primary source is the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) official page on 2026 Special Rates for Certain Law Enforcement Personnel, supplemented by reputable coverage from GovExec and Federal-related outlets referencing OPM guidance. While external outlets discuss the plan, the most authoritative and up-to-date detail is the OPM FAQ and guidance page. These sources collectively indicate planned, not yet completed, status as of 2025-12-31.
Original article · Dec 31, 2025