Educational Incentive Program Approved For Raleigh Police Officers

The Raleigh City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved a plan to award officers who get their associate's or bachelor's degrees.

"A lot of police officers across the state offer an educational incentive, and I think they were taking away a lot of good applicants from Raleigh because we did not offer one," said Rick Armstrong with the Raleigh Police Protective Association. "I think it's going to be positive."

Before the change, Raleigh was the only major police department in the state without an educational incentive.

The educational incentive program is expected to improve recruitment efforts for new officers and help the city retain current officers.

Under the program, sworn personnel will be paid an additional $350 a year for obtaining an associate's degree and $700 a year extra for earning a bachelor's degree.

Bonus checks will be issued beginning in the spring to qualifying sworn personnel.