Detroit Approves $2,000 Retention Bonus For Police Officers

DETROIT — In an effort to keep Detroit Police officers from leaving the department for agencies in the suburbs, the city approved a $2,000 bonus to every sworn-in police officer, city officials announced Tuesday. Police assistants also $1,000 bonus.

"It means a lot to us to stand here together with the Mayor, our City Council members and our union representatives to get this done," Detroit Police Chief James White said. "This unanimous vote by City Council is a resounding show of support for our officers who put their lives on the line every single day."

Detroit City Council unanimously voted to distribute $5 million in bonus from the department's general fund and the American Rescue Plan. So far this year, 19 officers have left the department for other police agencies. In 2021, 103 officers left the department for other agencies, according to a news release.

White said during a news conference that most of the officers who have left the Detroit Police task force have joined the Warren Police Department and the Oakland County Sheriff's Office. Detroit Police Officers start at a salary around $45,000, which is slightly less than the suburbs, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan said during a news conference.

"With today’s vote by City Council, it’s a clear statement to the officers in this city that the people of Detroit love you and we’re behind you," Duggan said.