By Police1 Staff
FREMONT, Calif. — The City of Fremont has introduced a $100,000 signing bonus for up to 10 lateral police officer hires, making it one of the largest law enforcement hiring incentives in the nation, according to a news release. This initiative significantly expands upon the city’s previous $20,000 signing bonus for lateral officers.
The incentive is part of a broader effort by the city to address a national decline in law enforcement applicants and fill the department’s staffing gap, which currently stands at 35 vacancies out of 205 sworn positions. Despite hiring 17 officers this year and accelerating recruitment efforts, the city continues to face a challenging hiring market, with vacancy rates fluctuating between 30 and 35 officer positions.
“Fremont is committed to offering competitive compensation for our employees,” said Mayor Raj Salwan. “This new police lateral hiring incentive reflects our dedication to attracting experienced, high-caliber officers. By investing in strategic solutions to address staffing challenges, we aim to contend with the current police officer shortage in this highly competitive hiring market.”
🚨 New hiring incentives just dropped 🚨
— Fremont Police Department (@FremontPD) December 20, 2024
We’re now offering new Fremont PD officers:
🚓 $100,000 Lateral Officer signing bonus
🚓 $10,000 entry-level signing bonus
We also expanded benefits for our existing officers. Learn more here: https://t.co/SNvdgdHSSC pic.twitter.com/kxvYxPMgPZ
In addition to the signing bonus, Fremont has rolled out several programs aimed at enhancing police recruitment and retention. These include an expedited hiring and training program for lateral officers, a double-overtime pilot program and longevity pay for officers with eight or more years of service. Over the past five years, the Fremont Police Officers Association has received a 30.5% salary increase, with additional mid-contract retention benefits recently approved.
“Fremont remains a safe community thanks to the dedication of our police department and the support of an engaged community,” said Police Chief Sean Washington. “This substantial $100,000 hiring bonus positions us to attract exceptional officers who are eager to join a forward-thinking department committed to using state-of-the-art technology to advance public safety.”
The new hiring incentives come as law enforcement agencies nationwide grapple with recruitment challenges. According to a 2024 survey by the International Association of Chiefs of Police, 70% of agencies report that recruitment is more difficult now than five years ago, with many operating at nearly 10% below authorized staffing levels.
The Fremont Police Department is currently hiring for multiple positions, including police officer, dispatcher and records supervisor. Interested candidates can apply at jobs.fremontpolice.gov.
