The Seattle City Council on Tuesday approved legislation to continue its hiring incentive program for police officers as part of a plan to address the department’s staffing shortage. Council Bill 120862 continues the city’s hiring incentive program,

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.

In a 6–1 vote, the Seattle City Council approved a proposal to increase recruitment and retention bonuses for Seattle Police Department (SPD) officers, despite public backlash.

Mayor Harrell and the Council argue the incentive for experienced officers — now the highest in the region — is necessary to compete for applicants.

Seattle City Council is scheduled to vote Tuesday afternoon on a proposal that would increase hiring bonuses for lateral police officers up to $50,000.