TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution amending the Fiscal Year 2022 City Salary Resolution to include a Lateral Police Officer Incentive Program. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
In an effort to increase the City’s ability to recruit and hire experienced lateral Police Officers from around the State, City Council approval is requested to add a pilot Lateral Police Officer Incentive Program to the City’s Salary Resolution, effective upon City Council approval. This Salary Resolution amendment will add a new section within Section 31 (Public Safety Incentive Pay), to provide lump sum payments to Police Officers who successfully complete a one-year probationary period which includes the Long Beach Police Department Police Officer Lateral Academy and field training. The program will be for a period of up to two years, after which its effectiveness in recruiting Police Officers will be evaluated by the Human Resources and Police Departments. The program does not require an amendment to the Memorandum of Understanding with the Long Beach Police Officers Association (POA). However, the City has met and conferred with the POA in accordance with Government Code Section 3505, and the association has indicated that it supports any program which will lead to the hiring of more Police Officers.
Police Lateral Bonus Program Requirements
Immediately following City Council approval, any officers hired as Police Officers from other California police agencies during the two years will be eligible for a bonus of $15,000 under the program. One-third of the bonus ($5,000) will be paid upon hire, and the remaining amount ($10,000) will be paid upon successful completion of a one-year (12 months) probationary period, which includes the Long Beach Police Department Police Officer Lateral Academy and field training. The lateral sign-on bonus is not considered salary and is not included in the retirement benefit calculation.
This matter was reviewed by Assistant City Attorney Gary J. Anderso...
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