The Seattle Police Department's Hiring Bonus Just Got Defunded?!
Charlie Harger's Spidey-senses started tingling last week, and he was hoping the story wasn't true. It is. As of Sept. 1, the Seattle Police Department has ended its hiring bonuses — the $7,500 for rookies and up to $50,000 for experienced lateral hires — while SPD sits about 300 officers short of full staffing.
Meanwhile, Tacoma still pays a $50,000 lateral bonus. Renton pays $40,000. Bellevue spent Friday on social media reminding everyone about theirs. Charlie on the interim chief's explanation, the mayor's history, and what a lateral officer with a map and a calculator is going to do next.
Listen to Seattle's Morning News w/ Charlie Harger and Manda Factor every weekday at 5am on KIRO Newsradio 97.3 FM or go to MyNorthwest.com to learn more!
