With time running out for Seattle mayor race challengers to jump in, Harrell touts continued turnaround in police hiring

In 2025, the Seattle Police Department reported a hiring turnaround, with 60 officers hired by April, exceeding the total for the past three years combined. Mayor Bruce Harrell praised this achievement, attributing it to recruitment reforms and an influx of applications, which rose from 690 in early 2024 to 1,218 this year. The department aims to increase its ranks from under 1,000 officers in 2022 to nearly 1,500 by 2027. Despite challenges, including ongoing harassment litigation, SPD launched a $2. 5 million advertising campaign to attract candidates and improve female recruitment as part of the "30 by 30" pledge.

The city expanded hiring bonuses, offering $7,500 to new recruits and $50,000 for lateral hires from other departments, addressing regional competition for officers. Harrell emphasized the need for a well-staffed police force to ensure public safety. If current trends persist, SPD could achieve over 150 hires in 2025, marking a record high. The new recruits now start at a salary of $103,000 per year, following a contract that increased pay by 23%.