Staffing shortages have plagued the department in recent years. City Council President Sara Nelson sponsored a measure aimed at recruiting officers.

The Seattle City Council has approved bonuses for police recruits and is exploring advanced crime-prevention technologies to address a police staffing crisis and enhance public safety.

A plan to entice more officers to join the Seattle Police Department was given the green light on Tuesday. The Seattle City Council approved a measure that would raise hiring bonuses for new officers who fill a position at a similar level to their current position at another police department -- also known as a “lateral hire.