Elmhurst Cops Want To Sweeten Job Offers

ELMHURST, IL – Elmhurst police officials want more tools to recruit officers from other towns.

They are asking aldermen to give them the power to start experienced officers with more pay.

Now, a new officer, whether experienced or not, starts at $79,697.

Under the police department's proposal, an experienced officer can start at up to $96,681. That's the equivalent of what an Elmhurst officer gets after three years with the department.

The highest level of pay for an officer is $112,627, which is after 15 years with the department.

In a city memo, officials said police agencies nationwide have seen more retirements and resignations and a decline in officer applications.

The police are proposing a number of steps to make it easier for officers in other agencies to join Elmhurst's police force.

According to the memo, towns such as Addison, Glen Ellyn, Highland Park, Lombard, St. Charles and Wheaton have taken similar steps.

The City Council's Public Safety Committee plans to review the proposal at its meeting Monday.

The city's police union contract now includes a provision that allows an officer hired from another department to start at higher pay.