Staffing shortages have plagued the department in recent years. City Council President Sara Nelson sponsored a measure aimed at recruiting officers.

A plan to entice more officers to join the Seattle Police Department was given the green light on Tuesday. The Seattle City Council approved a measure that would raise hiring bonuses for new officers who fill a position at a similar level to their current position at another police department -- also known as a “lateral hire.

In a 6–1 vote, the Seattle City Council approved a proposal to increase recruitment and retention bonuses for Seattle Police Department (SPD) officers, despite public backlash.

Seattle City Council is scheduled to vote Tuesday afternoon on a proposal that would increase hiring bonuses for lateral police officers up to $50,000.