Today, Chief Chuck Lovell announced that the Portland Police Bureau is in the midst of a large-scale hiring effort for police officers. "This is a defining time in public safety and the City of Portland," said Chief Chuck Lovell. "We have been hiring, but now with some enhancements, we are able to increase this process and bring on the next generation of police officers." As part of this new hiring effort, the Bureau hired seven background investigators on March 17, 2022, added staff to the Personnel Division and is re-launching its hiring website, social media and recruitment materials. As part of its recruitment effort, PPB recently released a podcast and a new video from Chief Lovell. These can be found at: https://www.joinportlandpolice.com/ The Portland Police Bureau offers the highest pay in the state. Currently, the entry level wage is $75,675, with a $5,000 hiring bonus (new officers receive $1,000 after being sworn in, another $1,000 at end of probation and the final $3,000 upon completion of 3 years of service). For lateral hires, the wage starts at $87,753 and goes to $107,736. PPB is currently challenged with a severe staffing shortage. The Bureau currently has 777 sworn members of all ranks; it is authorized to have 882 (105 vacancies). Of those 777 current sworn members, 510 are officers (with 41 in training). PPB is authorized to have 605 officers (95 vacancies). PPB currently has 21 Public Safety Support Specialists (PS3s), and has one vacancy. The bureau currently has 254 professional staff members, with 50 vacancies. "We also want our community to know they can be part of this effort and we need assistance," said Chief Chuck Lovell. "If you know someone, have them contact us. Help shape the future."