Milwaukee offering $10,000 signing bonus for police officers who transfer to MPD

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- They're on the front lines every day, but now the Milwaukee Police Department (MPD) is the one calling for help.

With low enrollment rates and officers retiring, MPD continues to lose staff members. Earlier this month, the Milwaukee Police Association announced the department was short by more than 200 officers.

“We need more police officers, and I want for there to be more police officers in Milwaukee," said Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson. “They’re a vital part of the accountability for anybody who chooses to cause death or harm or destruction in Milwaukee.”

City officials are hoping to change the declining trend with a signing bonus. Any officer who transfers to the Milwaukee Police Department will receive a $10,000 signing bonus. 

“Law enforcement professionals who are on the job in other jurisdictions to join the Milwaukee Police Department," said Johnson.

Over the next decade, the City of Milwaukee must hire more than 1,700 officers as part of Wisconsin Act 12. If it fails to do so, the city could lose $37 million in funding. 

“More officers in the department mean more officers respond to the needs of this community," said Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffery Norman.

Ald. Peter Burgelis of District 11 will sponsor the initiative in front of the Common Council. Burgelis says more officers means a higher quality of life for Milwaukeeans. 

“It means faster response times, more proactive policing, and increased officer visibility in our neighborhoods," said Burgelis. 

The bonus will be made possible by Act 12 sales revenue that was set aside for the police department. The bonus will be available for four weeks and officers who transfer will be required to stay on the force for a minimum of four years. If they fail to do so, officers will be required to pay it back. 

Local leaders hope $10,000 is just the start to making sure Milwaukee's front lines don't falter. 

"I’m optimistic that there are talented and caring officers who hear this invitation and will say to themselves ‘that’s a place I want to go. I want to serve in the Milwaukee Police Department," said Johnson.