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Mesa offers bonuses to new officers as city plans to fulfill public safety promise

Mesa recently announced new hiring incentives for police officers.

The move comes shortly after the city said it’s doubling down on a commitment to prioritize public safety.

Mesa police say officers with experience at other law enforcement agencies can get a $5,000 bonus for switching departments and finishing training.

Recruits aspiring to pass the academy and become a Mesa police officer can earn a $3,500 bonus. Plus more cash is available for fresh recruits with a bachelor’s or master’s degree.

Mesa officials have said the city will add 117 full-time police personnel, such as patrol officers and a squad of expert trainers.

The figure is almost double the number of new police hires the city had forecast in 2018.

Money for the positions comes from a voter-approved public safety sales tax.   

Matthew Casey has won Edward R. Murrow awards for hard news and sports reporting since he joined KJZZ as a senior field correspondent in 2015.