By Police1 Staff
WASHINGTON — Emergency legislation is being considered to combat the problem DC police are having in filling in the ranks.
According to city officials, officers are retiring in their 40s and 50s and the department is having trouble recruiting and training cops as quickly as they’re losing them.
In an effort combat violence and retain experienced officers, D.C. Council member Vincent Gray introduced emergency legislation to reward officers who stay on, WTOP reported.
If the officers signed on for another five years past their retirement eligibility, they would receive a bonus and one year’s salary.
“We’re not talking about people who are way past the point where they’d be a part of a patrol effort,” Gray told the news station. “These are people who are really at the prime of their career, who are choosing to go on to other jobs or onto another police force just to do something different.”
Former Police Chief Cathy Lanier said if the department fell below 3,800, the city would be in trouble. According to the department, the force currently has 3,762 sworn officers.
The legislation, which Mayor Muriel Bowser said she will not implement, needs nine votes to pass. Gray has also introduced it as a permanent bill. It will be voted on this week.