Seattle police may boost hiring incentives to $50,000

The Seattle City Council is evaluating a proposal to enhance its police recruitment and retention program by increasing lateral hiring incentives to $50,000. This initiative aims to address the ongoing staffing shortages within the Seattle Police Department (SPD), which has been experiencing a net deficit of officers despite a recent uptick in applications. In 2022, the council had previously allocated $1.57 million from SPD salary savings to support recruitment efforts, which are crucial for maintaining competitive hiring practices against neighboring jurisdictions. The proposed Council Bill 120862 seeks to extend the current hiring incentive program, which is set to expire at the end of the year. If approved, this increase in incentives would position Seattle ahead of several other cities, including Des Moines and Everett, in attracting experienced officers. Council Chair Sara Nelson emphasized the necessity of these incentives to remain competitive in the recruitment landscape, as all cities are vying for the same pool of candidates. Currently, SPD is prioritizing lateral hires due to their ability to be deployed more swiftly than entry-level recruits. The department has seen a positive trend, averaging one lateral applicant per day, a significant improvement compared to previous years. However, the net loss of officers continues, with 21 new hires in the first half of 2024 contrasted by 55 separations from the department. The committee plans to discuss this proposal further in their upcoming meeting on September 23, highlighting the urgency of addressing the staffing crisis within the SPD and ensuring public safety through adequate police presence.