$100,000 Hiring Bonus For Fremont Police Officers Announced

FREMONT, CA — The Fremont Police Department is now offering a $100,000 signing bonus for up to 10 newly hired Lateral Police Officers. The City has been trying to combat a vacancy rate that has fluctuated between 30-35 officer jobs at any given time this year, despite 17 new hires in 2024. The City of Fremont has 205 sworn positions.

The new bonus is one of the nation’s largest law enforcement hiring incentives.

The City is also taking measures to retain current officers. According to the department, over the last five years, the Fremont Police Officer’s Association (FPA) has received a 30.5-percent salary increase and recently accepted additional retention benefits mid-contract to further address the vacancy rate. The department has a double-overtime pilot program, and new longevity pay for officers who have served for eight years.

"Across the City of Fremont, we are committed to offering competitive compensation for our employees," said Fremont Mayor Raj Salwan. "This new police lateral hiring incentive reflects our dedication to attracting experienced, high-caliber officers. By investing in strategic solutions to address staffing challenges, we aim to contend with the current Police Officer shortage in this highly competitive hiring market. The safety of our community remains our top priority, and we believe these proactive steps will help maintain the exceptional level of service our residents expect and deserve."

The City pointed to a 2024 survey conducted by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), that found more than 70-percent of agencies reported that recruitment is more difficult now than five years ago. Due to staffing challenges, 65-percent reported reduced services or a reduction in specialized units to prioritize essential functions.

"Fremont remains a safe community thanks to the dedication of our police department and the support of an engaged community. Recruiting and retaining skilled officers is critical to our success," said Fremont Police Chief Sean Washington. "This substantial $100,000 hiring bonus positions us to attract exceptional lateral officers who are eager to join a top-tier police department that is using state-of-the-art technology to advance public safety and set the highest standard in policing."

The Fremont Police Department currently has openings for the positions of Police Officer, Police Dispatcher, Animal Services Supervisor, Management Analyst, and Police Records Supervisor.

Apply online to become a Fremont Police Officer.