Can cash incentives help SPD’s hiring, retention problem?

SEATTLE — Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell and Police Chief Adrian Diaz unveiled an officer recruitment and retention plan. They argue their $1 million proposal will boost morale and make the department more competitive.

According to Diaz, since the start of 2022, the department has lost 109 officers and has made 35 hires. Diaz attributes the losses largely to retirements. However, it is noteworthy that other departments across the Puget Sound are offering lateral transfers and attractive cash bonuses to make the switch.

Data collected by the city shows the nearby Bellevue Police Department is offering $16,000 to lateral hires, Renton is promising $20,000 and Tacoma will give even more, $25,000.

If the ambitious new plan is approved by Seattle City Council, SPD will top those offers with a $30,000 incentive for lateral hires and $7,500 for new recruits.

“We have to compete, let me make that point very clear, that officers have options,” said Harrell.

Other elements of the nine-point plan include: revamping marketing and advertising campaigns, recruiting on college and university campuses, and creating more advancement opportunities within.

“Despite our current staffing crisis, SPD won’t just hire anybody,” said Diaz.

For both the mayor and the chief, more officers alone isn’t the answer. They’re prioritizing culturally competent candidates.

“We will not lower our standards on the type of officer that we want,” said Harrell. “We want the right number of officers and we want the right kind of officers.”

Now that the proposal is made, negotiations with Seattle City Council can begin. The mayor says he’s confident some sort of agreement will be made.

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