Virginia's largest police force facing major staff shortfall: 'Never seen this level of shortage'

The largest police force in Virginia is reportedly facing a critical shortage of officers, with officials offering a staggering $15,000 incentive for new cops to sign up.

Fairfax, Va., Police Chief Kevin Davis told Fox News this week that his police force has "never seen this level of a staffing shortage" and that they were "fighting really hard to punch our way out of it."

The $15,000 signing bonus, Davis told host Ainsley Earhardt, is meant in part to attract top talent in a law enforcement market that is very favorable to workers. 

"If you're a qualified police applicant today, and you're entering the profession for the right reasons, you're like an unrestricted free agent in the NFL," he said. "You really have your choice of where to go."

The chief said the department is seeking to fill nearly 200 roles, around 10% of the total force there.