Roswell hikes hiring bonus for new police officers

The Roswell Police Department has increased patrols on the city's East side after a resident reported of a suspicious vehicle driving around the Barrington Farms subdivision talking to kids.

The Roswell Police Department has increased patrols on the city's East side after a resident reported of a suspicious vehicle driving around the Barrington Farms subdivision talking to kids.

The Roswell City Council, stating it wants to be more competitive and generate greater interest in its officer recruiting efforts, has approved a resolution increasing the signing bonus for police recruits.

The hiring incentive will go from $2,000 to $3,000 for non-Peace Officer Standards and Training certified recruits, and from $2,000 to $4,000 for POST-certified officers.

The Police Department hires, on average, nine non-certified officers and 13 certified officers a year, according to a staff report. The higher incentive is expected to increase the number of hires to 11 non-certified and 16 certified officers, for a total cost impact of $43,000.

The bonus is paid to persons hired as sworn police officers who complete the necessary training and serve Roswell for at least one year. It must be repaid if the new hire leaves, transfers to a non-sworn position or is terminated for cause before the completion of two years.