The Mt. Vernon, Indiana, Police Department is the latest law enforcement agency to offer bonuses to lateral hires in an effort to attract experienced police officers to its ranks.

According to a press release, the agency is offering a $10,000 signing bonus for lateral transfers and is looking to fill two vacant positions.

According to the department, applicants must work full time as an Indiana Tier I Certified Officer from a state, county or local municipality with full arrest powers to be eligible for the position.

The bonus, which was approved by the Mount Vernon Common Council, will be paid in two increments, with $5,000 being paid out at the end of year one and the other half at end of year three.

In addition, the press release stated that lateral hires will receive an increased lateral pay of $50,656 on top of the bonus.

For officers without previous experience, salaries start at $48,656.

Officials estimated that the incentive offer will save the department over $10,000 when compared to hiring a new applicant without previous experience.

“Applications for Police Officer need to be turned in at the police department or can be emailed to arush@mountvernon-in.com. Applications for Police Officer are due by February 3, 2023. For complete hiring requirements, please refer to the application provided in the link below. Interested? Go to https://www.mountvernonin.gov/police-department to get an application!” the department wrote on Facebook.