Alderman proposes financial incentives to restore police ranks

Chicago Police Department headquarters Photo credit Getty Images

(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — A Southwest Side alderman is proposing an incentive program to attract more police recruits and retain existing officers.

Matt O’Shea of the 19th Ward said the Chicago Police Department has lost 1,500 officers in the past three years and is not bringing new ones in fast enough.

So, he’s proposing giving new and existing officers who are first-time home-buyers $10,000 in mortgage assistance. The assistance starts off as a no-interest loan, with $2,000 forgiven each year.

Is it enough? O'Shea says he doesn't know. But he said the city needs to do more to support its officers.

Another idea: signing bonuses for new officers and larger ones for veterans who transfer from other municipalities.

“The Chicago Police Department is currently facing a staffing crisis unlike any we have seen in decades,” O’Shea said in a news release. “The ongoing cancellation of days off places an unhealthy burden on our officers and their families and is not acceptable.”