With a pair of veteran Mercer Island Police Department (MIPD) officers retiring in June, Mercer Island City Council has authorized a $40,000 hiring bonus for an experienced, lateral police officer to join the local force.

This is a first-time incentive from MIPD, and it’s the highest lateral bonus in the area that covers Seattle throughout the Eastside. Branching out from that realm, MIPD and the Renton Police Department each offer the loftiest $40K lateral bonuses.

“Whether you’re just a few years into your law enforcement career or very established and looking for a safe city to work for, Mercer Island cannot be beat,” reads a hiring announcement.

MIPD is reviewing applications throughout the summer, and interested officers can visit the department’s site at https://www.mercerisland.gov/police

“You can’t put a price on the value of experienced officers, or the impact on our small department when excellent officers retire after serving Mercer Island for decades. This bold initiative will help to bring some of that experience back in a very quick way,” the announcement adds.

The announcement also notes that MIPD possesses one of the highest pay bands in the area, leads the way in hiring and retaining the best officers and is one of a handful of police departments in this region that remain fully staffed.