Washington area police departments face possible exodus of experienced officers

From fiscal 2009 through fiscal 2010, 243 Prince George's police officers reached 20 years of service, making them eligible to retire and immediately start receiving full benefits. That means that more than 16 percent of the force has the option to walk away from the job and receive -- at a minimum -- 60 percent of their highest two-year salary, plus health care, for life.

It's a major concern of union officials and top police commanders, who fear that the same lucrative retirement package that lures officers to the department might entice them to leave. After 20 years, a police union official said, there is "very little in the way of incentive" for anyone to stay. Although officers are eligible to receive an additional 2.5 percent of their salary for each year they stay beyond 20 -- maxing out at 85 percent -- many find it more lucrative to just get another job, authorities said.