Milwaukee Offers Bonuses to Boost Police Numbers

The City of Milwaukee is offering a $10,000 signing bonus to attract experienced police officers from other cities to join the Milwaukee Police Department (MPD) amid a hiring crisis. Announced by Mayor Cavalier Johnson, the initiative seeks to address staffing shortages caused by retirements and a national decline in law enforcement interest, resulting in MPD being short by over 200 officers. The bonus aligns with Wisconsin Act 12, which mandates Milwaukee to increase its police force and allocate a portion of its new sales tax to public safety. Transferring officers must commit to a four-year contract or repay the bonus, with training requirements adjusted for in-state or out-of-state recruits. Local residents, like Isabella Rasaphoumy, support the initiative for its potential to increase police visibility and deter crime. Additionally, a $500 referral bonus is offered to city employees who successfully refer new recruits.