SMITHFIELD – The Smithfield Police Department has announced a significant milestone in law enforcement recruitment and retention efforts by offering the highest starting salary among all police agencies in Wake and Johnston Counties.
Effective Monday, July 1st, new recruits joining the Smithfield Police Department can expect a starting salary of $60,000, plus a $5,000 sign on bonus, numbers that surpass all other agencies in the region. This move is part of the department’s ongoing commitment to attract the best and brightest individuals to serve and protect the community.
Police Chief Pete Hedrick said, “Ensuring public safety begins with investing in our officers. Offering this salary recognizes the dedication and sacrifice of our law enforcement professionals but also strives to recruit top talent who will uphold our standards of excellence.”
The decision to enhance starting salaries comes amidst a nationwide effort to bolster police forces and enhance community safety measures.
“We believe that a well-compensated police force is essential to maintaining the safety and security of our community,” Chief Hedrick added. “This investment not only benefits our officers and their families but also strengthens our ability to deliver quality law enforcement services to the residents of Smithfield.”
Prospective candidates interested in joining the Smithfield Police Department are encouraged to visit www.smithfield-nc.com/jobs for more information about career opportunities, benefits, and the application process.
Wow, now that is a salary. I believe Police Officers should make this kind of salary, but I also would expect the highest in standards from each officer.
60k to sit at sheetz all night isn’t bad
I like this. Cops have a dangerous and tough job. They have to deal with the worst of the town often. With Bidenomics, it’s hard making it out here.
Yeah!
Now I hope we can expect better vigilance of the lawbreakers who drive like
maniacs through our streets & neighborhoods.
I almost NEVER see anyone being stopped, much less ticketed.
Awesome job! Wake up, Johnston Co. Sheriff’s Office….
lol. Y’all think this is a good salary to put up with joco ? Bizzell will still give you more
They could have kept some good ones if this would have been the starting salary a few years ago too!
You can look at it from different perspectives. Why do they have to pay so much to get or retain employees? Is it that bad? Why have so many left to go to the Sheriff and take pay cuts? The sheriff has very high expectations and standards as to how citizens are treated so it’s a harder job.
I don’t know, I have no knowledge of the new police chief or of the culture of the department. Just an observation. I do know that those who think it’s a job equal to EMS or fire department are delusional. Police are the most hated and killed for just having on the uniform. Fireman take naps and eat all day and are celebrated wherever they go, Americans Hero’s!!!
For the one who says fire and ems workers are not equal. We are the same ones who risk our lives and respond with the police department to the stabbings, shootings ,domestics and all emergency related situations just like the police department. Fire and ems workers have a high stress job dealing with the sick. Injured and dying ever day of there career. We go through rigorous training to complete those tasks to save the lives we swore to protect and serve. So until you walk in the shoes of a fire or ems worker. Please leave comments to yourself. We are just as equal to the emergency response team as the police department I am a retired paramedic/fire fighter with over 30 years of service in this county. So yes, I have walked in those shoes.
Thank you to all emergency service workers.
You’re delusional. You’re not equal and do not deal with the same problems that police do. In fact, you go crying to the police when you need help.
Thank you for setting me straight. I understand the high stress of seeing people at their worst. Its a thankless job for sure. Thank you for your many years of service. What I didn’ clearly state was that police are hated and are targeted simply for putting on the uniform. In contrast firemen are heros simply for wearing theirs. I do understand that second responders are just as exposed to hostile situations as the police, ( was they secure the scene for you to come in of course) lol, dont get mad Im just joking with you. I know there are things yall had to deal with that police don’t.
Just do your job, it’s not always about the pay. Sfc retired US Army 24 years, county jail AA county retired 5 years.
Most don’t get into the profession for the money, but when another similar agency is making more for the same job, it makes it a little more difficult to stay. Community plays a big part in the decision-making process of the older generation, but newer officers sometime don’t see the benefit of staying where they are. Good for Smithfield though recognizing the need to adjust their pay to hopefully bring in some good quality officers. They already have some and lost some good ones as well. Everybody has their opinion on this, but the way the world is going it is a much needed change in some agencies.
EMS and Fire are as valuable as law enforcement. Put dispatchers in there as well. They are a team and need each other to operate safely and effectively. The pay is something that doesn’t dictate most getting into the profession, but it is a nice way to say that they are appreciated for their efforts.