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Seattle officials to consider $15K hiring bonuses for police

Seattle’s Space Needle is centerpiece to the skyline view from Kerry Park on Queen Anne Hill. Seattle officials will consider a measure that offers hiring bonuses of up to $15,000 to experienced officers who join the city’s police department. (Christopher Reynolds / MCT)
Associated Press

SEATTLE – Seattle officials will consider a measure that offers hiring bonuses of up to $15,000 to experienced officers who join the city’s police department.

The Seattle Times reports the city council’s public-safety committee advanced Wednesday the proposal that would also offer hiring bonuses of up to $7,500 to new recruits.

Committee chair M. Lorena Gonzalez says she hopes to present a final bill to the full council Monday but no later than March 11.

The council usually adopts committee recommendations.

Mayor Jenny Durkan proposed the measure last month, saying the city needs to jump into the competition for experienced police officers.

Police Chief Carmen Best says bonuses will help attract top candidates.

According to city figures, the police department has funding for 1,467 full-time positions, but it has 1,398 officers.