When the city’s police commissioner, Raymond Kelly, and the protesters claiming there was police brutality in the shooting death last year of Sean Bell agree on something, it’s worth at least a serious look. Such is the case in the matter of a pay raise for entry-level police officers, whose base salary is $25,100 for the first six months on the job. Granted, the pay quickly escalates, and the advantages, which include retirement at half pay with health benefits after 20 years, are more generous than most private sector employers provide. Even so, Commissioner Kelly made the point last week, as the department fell more than 300 officers short of its recruiting goal, “It’s just unrealistic to try to attract people over an extended period of time with that salary.” If anyone could do it, Mr. Kelly could, and the trouble he is having filling the ranks of those needed to protect the city is a sign that it is time for the city to think about an increase for some of the officers who, armed with deadly weapons, do some of the most important work to protect us all.