NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - The city of North Charleston is now offering a sign-on bonus for any law enforcement officers who meet certification and are interested in applying.

Law enforcement officers can now receive $7,000 for joining the department and another $7,000 for referring another officer who also gets hired.

The city started this new incentive to invest in public safety and build their police force. The police department says it can be challenging to hire people who haven't been certified through the academy or other needed programs so they are looking for officers who have the experience.

Applicants will need to fit a certain list of qualifications posted on the city website, this includes background checks, swearing in and field training.

There is also a list of items that could disqualify your application, including certain convictions - falsifications or drug use within a certain time frame.

"The whole goal of this is to make the city safe and to have officers out there as quickly as possible. On top of that, our officers will have more help. They'll have more officers out there securing our streets and answering calls for service," Deputy Chief Angela Johnson says.

Anyone who is interested in joining can contact the North Charleston Police Department here.