LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Those interested in joining the Lawrence Police Department could receive a $1,500 sign-on bonus if they speak fluent Spanish.

The city of Lawrence seeks to fill open positions at the Lawrence Police Department and encourages Spanish-speakers to apply. Those hired will be offered a $750 upon hire and a $750 bonus upon successful completion of training.

A spokesman for the police department said the desire to hire more Spanish-speaking officers is because of a growing population in Lawrence that speaks Spanish.

The Lawrence Journal-World reports law enforcement officials have cited the language barrier between Spanish-speaking witnesses and English-speaking investigators to helping slow the pace of an investigation into the November homicide of a Mexican immigrant.