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SNOHOMISH COUNTY, Wash., November 21, 2021 – Following an unprecedented number of officers who left their jobs last year, police departments throughout Snohomish County continue to offer incentive packages to fill vacancies.

In cities like Everett and Lynnwood, officers currently working in Washington state are eligible for up to a $20,000 hiring incentive until December 31, 2021, for those who successfully complete their probation.

Over 200 Seattle police officers resigned from their positions in 2020, almost 20% of the city’s force, CBS reported, which proceeded to explain that many officers voiced frustration with the state’s new police reform legislation paired with the George Floyd protests and riots of last year. The resignations were not limited to Washington’s largest city, however.

The Everett Police Department, Snohomish County’s largest city’s police force, lost over 1,100 years of police experience since 2014 and 295 years of experience within the first six months of 2021, including the resignations of six officers, three sergeants, two lieutenants and one deputy chief.

City of Everett

The Police Officer Incentive Program was approved by Everett City Council at its May 29, 2019 meeting to address the shortage of police officers, difficulty hiring, and unanticipated retirees. At the time the program was passed there were 8 vacant police positions available, which has now increased to 17 vacancies as of November 18, 2021. 

In 2017 the Everett City Council approved a similar incentive program that was re-approved at their 2019 meeting, reinstating the same provisions for out-of-state lateral hires but this time increasing the monetary incentive to $20,000 for in-state lateral hires.

In the approved Memorandum of Understanding between the city of Everett and the Everett Police Department (which has been extended until December 31, 2021) the two entities agreed to the following:

For in-state lateral hires:

• To offer a monetary incentive of $20,000 to lateral hires from a Washington state law enforcement agency who successfully completes their 4th anniversary with the Everett PD
• To pay lateral hires from a Washington State law enforcement agency $7,500 upon Commissioning, $7,500 upon successful transition to Phase 5 of field training, and $5,000 upon successful completion of probation 
• Upon voluntary separation or termination for misconduct as a police officer prior to the fourth anniversary of the officer’s hire, the officer will be required to repay a prorated amount of the incentive back to the city of Everett
• Each Washington state lateral hire offered a monetary incentive shall be provided and sign a written document acknowledging the terms above

For out-of-state lateral hires:

• To offer a monetary incentive of $15,000 to out-of-state lateral hires who successfully complete their fourth anniversary as an Everett police officer
• To pay out-of-state lateral hires $5,000 upon Commissioning; $5,000 upon successful transition to Phase 5 of field training, and $5,000 upon successful completion of probation
• Upon voluntary separation or termination for misconduct as a police officer prior to the fourth anniversary of the officer’s hire, the officer will be required to repay a prorated amount of the incentive back to the city of Everett
• Each Washington state lateral hire offered a monetary incentive shall be provided and sign a written document acknowledging the terms above

Lateral hire police officers, with a starting salary of $8,549 per month, are highly desirable to police departments due to the significantly reduced amount of time between their date of hire and when they are independent, fully functional police officers. Additionally, departments see an immediate benefit from the experience the lateral hires bring from their previous employment, which is paramount when losing experienced officers due to retirement. 

Additionally, in-state lateral hires are not required to attend the Washington State Law Enforcement Equivalency Academy and are already proficient in state laws and court rulings. This typically results in reducing the training time necessary to prepare an in-state lateral versus an out-of-state lateral.

To apply click here or for more information about the application process for an experienced police officer with the Everett Police Department click here. To contact their recruitment office, email EverettPDrecruiter@everettwa.gov.

Other Snohomish County Cities

Lynnwood: A similar agreement between the city of Lynnwood and the Lynnwood Police Guild, representing Lynnwood’s police officers and sergeants, was signed into effect on January 1, 2019, that lasts until December 31, 2021. There are currently four vacancies within the department. 

The successful applicants hired as lateral police officers will receive a $20,000 incentive and an hourly salary between $37.95 – $45.99. To apply, click here.

Lake Stevens: Lake Stevens is a vibrant and growing community – the second fastest-growing city in Snohomish County. It is offering a $10,000 lateral bonus. To learn more click here.

Marysville: With a monthly salary between $6,367 to $7,939, the city of Maryville is offering a $20,000 lateral incentive bonus and education incentive pay for police officers. In addition to a police officer, the city is also looking to hire a custody officer. Lateral level Custody Officer applicants hired by the Marysville Police Department will receive a $5,000 incentive.

Mukilteo: Mukilteo is also currently looking to fill lateral police officer positions including a motorcycle officer with an incentive program of $15,000, of which $5,000 will be paid upon the first paycheck after being formally hired; $5,000 will be paid upon successfully completing the probation period; and the remaining $5,000 to be paid after the officer’s third year with the force. The monthly salary will range from $6,678 to $7,578.

To apply and for more information, including benefits, click here.

Author: Kienan Briscoe