WESTMINSTER PD Officer Travis Hartman takes Pako from their air conditioned K-9 patrol car to train at the OCSD’s Harbor Patrol docks. (Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC)
A plan to offer $10,000 bonuses to experienced law enforcement officers to come to the Westminster Police Department was approved by the City Council Tuesday night. The vote was 4-0 with Councilmember Margie Rice absent.
“It’s tough to recruit police officers,” said City Manager Eddie Manfro. “It’s tough all up and down the state.”
According to a staff report, the WPD’s base salary is the third-lowest in Orange County for entry-level positions. The bonus program would follow a similar program in La Habra.
Under the plan, qualified lateral transfers – those moving from one agency to another – will receive the bonus in two installments of $5000 each. The first payment would be upon hiring and the second after an 18-month probation period.
The cost of the program will come from existing salary savings and not require a new appropriation by the city council.
“There’s no guarantee this will work,” said Manfro. “But I think it’s worth giving it a shot.”
The council also heard reports on the city’s Active Transportation Plan, which will encourage bicycling and walking, and the I-405 (San Diego Freeway) Improvement project.
The next council meeting will be on Oct. 11.