Officers with experience will now receive $25,000 as many departments around the nation struggle to hire and retain staff
Police officers willing to jump to El Cajon will now get a significantly larger bonus, part of a broader effort to expand law enforcement in East County’s largest city.
El Cajon will give $25,000 to anyone with prior experience, a five-fold increase from the previous amount.to raise the local sales tax, which officials had said would be used to hire more cops.“It’s a tough job these days, a lot tougher than it’s ever been,” said Councilmember Gary Kendrick. “Whatever we can do to help them out, I’m all for.
Normally, El Cajon would annually pull in one or two “laterals,” Police Chief Mike Moulton told the council. But the department has gained nine over the past year, a number that includes some recent academy graduates, a spokesman said. El Cajon currently has 11 open spots, and hiring an experienced officer can save more than a year in training, the chief said.for only a $20,000 bonus, but the council raised the total. Officials said the new number brings El Cajon more in line with other departments around the county.
City Manager Graham Mitchell said the bonuses should not have a dramatic effect on the police budget, but he cautioned against going much higher.The bonus will apply to all lateral hires and be paid in installments.The incentive program was first approved in 2017 and is now set to end June 30, 2024, although it’s been extended before.
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