By Joanna Putman
Police1
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — A law enforcement recruitment program is believed to have brought new officers to Florida from all 50 states and two territories, Florida’s Voice reported.
The Florida Law Enforcement Recruitment Bonus Program offered a $5,000 bonus to anyone who became a law enforcement officer in the state or transferred to Florida from another state. The state’s budget set aside $20 million for the program during its legislative session, the Washington Examiner reported.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has encouraged officers throughout the country to move to Florida if they feel unsatisfied with their departments. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)
The bonuses awarded have already surpassed that number, according to the Florida’s Voice report. The state has given out $22.5 million in more than 3,350 bonuses to new or newly transferred officers since the program’s launch.
Of the Florida officer recruits, 915 transferred from out of state, according to the report. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has encouraged officers throughout the country to move to Florida if they feel unsatisfied with their departments, even putting up billboards near Chicago.
Forty-seven officer transfers to Florida came from Illinois, according to the report.
