The Bridgeport Police Department announced it will now accept lateral transfers for officers from other departments as an effort to boost its understaffed ranks.
The lateral transfers will allow officers from other cities, towns, and states to apply to join the Bridgeport Police Department without having to start from the beginning stages of the typical hiring process for Bridgeport Police officers. The application is also open to officers who have formerly worked for the department and wish to transfer back to Bridgeport. The application process does not have a cutoff date.
Last July, Chief Roderick Porter and Mayor Joe Ganim announced a plan to hire 100 new officers by early 2024. The department’s manpower has been diluted by officer retirements, high health care costs and competition from other police departments offering greater salaries and benefits. Last summer, the city and the police union agreed to a contract that included more competitive pay and reduced health care costs for officers.
