Committee hears bill to pay $6,000 retention bonus to officers after four years; supporters say it aids rural recruitment, critics cite funding uncertainty

The House Political Subdivisions Committee conducted a public hearing on a bill to establish a $6,000 annual retention bonus for peace officers and correctional officers who have been continuously employed by the same agency for at least four years. Sponsor Representative Steve Vetter said the program would target retention and rural recruitment by giving a $6,000 bonus, beginning May 1 each year after an officer completes at least four consecutive years with the same agency.

Vetter said the bonus is intended to be a fixed $6,000 payment and not a merit-based or “up to” amount. “It’s intended to be a $6,000 bonus beginning after your four years of service,” he told the committee. He described the proposal as a workforce tool to reduce poaching between agencies and to make North Dakota more competitive with neighboring states.

Support and numbers cited Representatives of county and law-enforcement groups expressed support. Danelle Presky of the North Dakota Association of Counties, who also serves as executive director for the North Dakota Sheriffs and Deputies Association in that role, said the county…