With $75K in hand for bonuses, Bethlehem Police looks to expand ranks

BETHLEHEM, Pa. — With eight current vacancies among the rank-and-file and more expected come summer, Bethlehem Police Chief Michelle Kott said Tuesday that a $75,000 state grant could help handle that shortfall.

Kott said the funding, now in hand, would provide incentive for up to 15 officers to get $5,000 bonuses apiece to join the force during 2024 and 2025.

“It puts us in a competitive class with the other departments,” Kott said when responding to questions from the City Council Finance Committee.

“There are some departments — Pocono Mountain Regional, for example — that are offering $10,000 sign-on bonuses. But $5,000 is a start.”

Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. Austin Davis came to town in December to announce the initial wave of allotments from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, which totaled $1 million across 20 departments.

At that time, Davis also said, $200,000 was set aside for Allentown to bring on 40 new officers.

BPD is hiring

The chief said four people are in the background phase of the hiring process, but the department also is accepting applications.

“If you know of anybody that may be interested in serving their community, please, by all means, send them our way,” Kott said.

New officers in Bethlehem have a $65,859 starting salary and are up for an increase after six months on the job, according to the city’s website.

That pay level appears to be just ahead of first-year officers in Easton, who are paid $65,597 following academy training, but behind Allentown’s starting salary of $68,439.

The Pocono Mountain Regional department based in Pocono Summit, Monroe County, pays its officers $66,780 during their first years on the job.

Here are broader benefits for Bethlehem police on the table through 2026, as determined through contract between the department and city officials.