Missouri City is considering raising its signing bonus for new police officers from $10,000 to $15,000, according to items on the council agenda. An ordinance headed for a final vote next Monday acknowledges that the police department has 10 or more officer vacancies.
Nearby departments reported different staffing levels. Pearland PD said it has three openings and offers a $15,000 signing incentive. Sugar Land PD said it has two vacancies and is actively recruiting. Manvel PD does not currently offer a signing bonus, and its interim chief, Rick Alvarado, said the department is working to stay competitive.
Galveston PD Chief Doug Balli said his department had 32 vacancies out of 168 positions in past years and that a $6,000 signing bonus helped fill them. Police chief Troy Finner is scheduled to present the second reading of the Missouri City ordinance Monday. He was not available for comment Wednesday.