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Police chief says 'we're in an officer's market' as three veterans depart; board discusses pay, bonuses and 'grow your own' options
Summary
Police Chief Adams told the board three officers—10‑ and 12‑year veterans—have left recently and said aggressive outside offers, including a $15,000 lateral bonus in Gastonia, are drawing officers away; commissioners discussed higher base pay, signing bonuses, apprenticeship/grow‑your‑own programs and tuition reimbursement as possible responses.
Police Chief Adams told the Town of Cramerton Board of Commissioners on Dec. 10 that three officers have left in the past few months, including long‑tenured 10‑ and 12‑year officers, and that competing agencies are offering substantially higher pay.
"We’re in an officer’s market now," Chief Adams said, describing a shift in hiring where agencies are offering large signing bonuses and higher base pay to recruit laterals. He cited a roughly $15,000 lateral bonus offered by…
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