By Joanna Putman
Police1
IRWIN BOROUGH, Pa. — Police in Irwin have introduced a $5,000 incentive to retain newly hired police officers for at least four years, Trib Live reported.
Police Chief Dan Wensel proposed the bonus program as a way to reduce turnover, as the borough often loses officers to larger departments after only a few years on the job, according to the report. Wensel, who has been with the department for 24 years, noted that about 61 officers have worked for the borough during his tenure, with only a few retiring.
Under the proposed program, new officers hired in 2025 will receive a $2,500 bonus upon joining, with another $2,500 awarded if they remain with the department for two more years, according to the report. Officers who leave before the end of the two-year periods will be required to repay a portion of the bonus based on how long they stayed. The program is designed to keep officers from moving to higher-paying positions in nearby departments.
The bonus is included in Irwin’s tentative 2025 budget, which allocates enough funds to cover bonuses for two officers, according to the report.
NEXT: Is recruitment and retention really about the money? Sheriff Leon Lott says no — and he’s built a department where deputies want to stay. Hear how he did it on the Policing Matters podcast.
