Mayor touts Seattle Police recruitment moving past 100 new hires so far in 2025

The Seattle Police Department has exceeded 100 new hires in 2025, signaling a positive shift in recruitment after facing significant staffing challenges. Mayor Bruce Harrell highlighted that the department received 1,218 applications by the end of the first quarter this year, a sharp increase from 690 in the same period last year. Last year's recruitment efforts led to 84 new officers joining the force, slightly outpacing the number of officers lost. To incentivize hiring, the city has introduced a $7,500 bonus for new recruits and boosted bonuses for lateral hires to $50,000. Additionally, a $2.

5 million advertising campaign featuring cartoon officers aims to attract more candidates, especially women. SPD's ranks had previously fallen to their lowest levels in 30 years, prompting these changes. The mayor and City Council president Sara Nelson are pushing for an increase in officer numbers from just under 1,000 in 2022 to nearly 1,500 by 2027. Chief Shon Barnes is also engaging with the community through public safety forums this summer.