ATLANTA, GA — The Atlanta Police Foundation (APF) announced today a $10,000 signing bonus for lateral transfers into the Atlanta Police Department (APD). This incentive is part of the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the city’s police force by attracting experienced, qualified officers from agencies across the nation.
The $10,000 bonus will be available to certified officers who join APD through lateral transfer, bringing with them valuable experience, training, and leadership that can immediately support Atlanta’s public safety needs. The incentive is designed to accelerate the onboarding of capable officers who can hit the ground running, while also bolstering APD’s ranks ahead of major upcoming events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“We are investing in experience,” said Dave Wilkinson, President & CEO of the Atlanta Police Foundation. “Lateral officers bring tested skills and real-time readiness. This bonus is our way of saying that if you’re ready to serve Atlanta, we’re ready to support you.”
The bonus is one component of a broader “Build the Force” initiative launched by the Atlanta Police Foundation to increase recruitment, improve officer retention, and maintain Atlanta’s momentum in reducing crime. This includes housing assistance, mental wellness programs, training opportunities, scholarships, life insurance policies, and childcare incentives.
“We’re committed to giving the Atlanta Police Department the resources it needs to hire and retain the best officers and to keep our communities safe,” said Wilkinson.
Lateral applicants must meet APD’s transfer qualifications and complete an expedited hiring process. For more information and application details, please visit JoinAtlantaPD.org.
