Maricopa County officials approve $30 million in bonuses for detention officers

PHOENIX — Maricopa County detention officers are being rewarded with a $30 million bonus program, officials announced Wednesday.

The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors approved the compensation package, which begins immediately with initial payouts based on years of service and more in the coming years.

Chairman Thomas Galvin said it’s the county’s first step in increasing overall pay for sheriff’s department staff.

“I’m looking forward to keeping my promise to improve pay for sworn deputies and dispatchers, as well, when we vote on the overall county budget later this month,” Galvin said in an announcement.

Amount of bonuses depends on length of time detention officers served

The initial bonuses start at $1,500 for detention officers with up to four years of service. Longer tenured staff will be rewarded as follows:

• $2,500 for 5-9 years of service.
• $5,000 for 10-14 years of service.
• $7,500 for 15-19 years of service.
• $10,000 for 20 or more years.

Bonuses were also approved for all detention officers of the same amount over the next three years:

• $2,500 in 2026.
• $5,000 in 2027.
• $7,500 in 2028.

The bonus plan will cost an estimated $8.4 million this year and another $22.3 million for the following three years.

All of the bonuses outlined in the package depend on the recipient remaining employed as a detention officer with the department for a full year after receiving their payment.

Why are detention officers in Maricopa County receiving bonuses?

Maricopa County Sheriff Jerry Sheridan has previously said his department suffers from a shortage of jail staff.

Supervisor Steve Gallardo hopes the bonuses will attract new talent and boost retention rates.

“Detention officers do such important work, but it’s tough,” Gallardo said. “The reality is, our current staff is stretched thin because of all the vacant positions in our jail.”

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