In a significant development for law enforcement personnel, the Allentown City Council has unanimously approved an amendment to the pension and retirement ordinance. This amendment grants police officers service credit for their prior work with other police departments, a move that aligns with Act 49 of 2024. The legislation allows officers to purchase five years' worth of pension time from their previous employment, a benefit that does not extend to healthcare. This decision is particularly noteworthy as it aims to incentivize seasoned officers to join the Allentown Police Department, which currently faces a staffing shortage with only 212 officers for a target of 300. Council member Candida Affa, who has firsthand experience with the department, emphasized the importance of this incentive in attracting and retaining experienced officers. The administration has already received applications from about 10 officers eager to take advantage of this new benefit. This development underscores the council's commitment to strengthening the city's police force and ensuring public safety.
