The Seattle Police Department (SPD) will no longer offer hiring bonuses as of September 1, citing budget concerns — a major shift even as the department struggles to put enough officers on the street.
Currently, entry-level hires qualify for $7,500 and up to $5,000 in reimbursable moving expenses if moving more than 50 miles. Lateral hires, those moving from another agency, could get up to $50,000 and up to $7,500 in moving expenses.
Ironically, and probably not coincidentally, the Bellevue Police Department (BVPD) posted on X Friday that $30,000 bonuses are still being offered for officers making a lateral move to BVPD.
Budget concerns end SPD’s hiring incentives
Interim Seattle Police Chief Andre Sayles decided to end hiring incentives effective Sept. 1 as a way to help manage the department’s budget…