Resolution authorizing a temporary revision to City Policy #300, "Pay Administration" to allow for a  signing bonus to be paid to certified Peace Officers who are hired by the Police Department.

The police department has had difficulties attracting qualified candidates to apply for open positions. 

The department held testing for new officers in October of 2020 and after the completion of the testing process will have only 3-4 viable candidates. 

In order to entice certified peace officers, we would like to offer a $5,000 signing bonus to certified police officers.

These funds would help an officer leaving another agency pay any monies owed for training and equipment.

The bonus would be paid in 2 phases, $2,000 after 30 days of employment, then $3,000 after the successful completion of their probationary period.

Hiring a certified officer saves the police department time and money. The cost to attend the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy is over $8,000 and lasts 16 weeks. 

A certified officer would not have to attend ILEA putting them on them on the street 14 weeks sooner than someone who does. 

They would still have to complete the entire Field Training Officer program.

In addition to saving money the certified officer also brings previous training and expertise to the department.