Seattle police report recruitment hits highest level in over a decade

The Seattle Police Department (SPD) is celebrating a historic rise in officer recruitment, having received 4,300 applications in 2024, the highest level in over a decade. This surge represents more than double the number of applications from the previous year and exceeds the 83 officers who left the force. Key factors driving this increase include a streamlined hiring process that has reduced wait times for applicants and a $2. 3 million investment in targeted advertising campaigns. The department has also enhanced its salary offerings, with new recruits starting at over $100,000 annually, along with hiring incentives.

Mayor Bruce Harrell praised the SPD’s progress, emphasizing that this positive staffing trend is vital for public safety in Seattle. Interim Police Chief Sue Rahr announced that over 20 new officers are prepared to enter the academy, with many more in the recruitment pipeline. Incoming Chief Shon F. Barnes highlighted the community’s readiness to collaborate in creating a safer Seattle, indicating a shift towards a more sustainable and effective police force in the city.