Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety is excited to announce the opening of an application process for the position of “Public Safety Officer”. This process is limited to those individuals who:
- Are currently licensed and working full-time as a police officer in the State of Michigan;
- Are currently certified/licensed and working full-time out-of-state as a police officer and eligible for reciprocal licensure within the State of Michigan as defined by MCOLES;
- Have recently separated employment (in good standing) within the last year after being employed full-time as a police officer at a department within the State of Michigan.
- Will be eligible to be licensed by Michigan Commission of Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) prior to the date of hire in May, 2020.
Police officers currently employed full-time and in good standing with another police agency would have the opportunity to laterally transfer up to three (3) years of police experience in regards to the current wage scale. This lateral transfer would significantly increase starting wages for eligible new hires.
An illustrative example is one that candidates with three (3) completed years of service as a certified police officer would receive a starting annual salary of $59,776.00. Additionally, once the qualifying candidate successfully completes their initial training and their probationary period (approximately 1 year), the annual salary for the candidate would increase to $65,891.00 under the current bargaining agreement.
The application process consists of an application, a written test, a background packet, physical agility test, and several interviews throughout the process. Once these steps are completed, it is anticipated that an offer of employment would be given in May, 2020.
Applications may be submitted between January 15, 2020 through January 31, 2020 at the following websites:
1- https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/kalamazoomi
2- www.kalamazoopublicsafety.org
To be considered as a KDPS employee, applicants must be MCOLES certified or certifiable, must be a U.S. citizen and have a High School Diploma or GED equivalent, a valid driver’s license, and be 21 years old at time of appointment in May 2020. Applicants will also be required to pass a written and physical test, and an extensive background investigation.
Kalamazoo Public Safety Officers are cross-trained as police officers, firefighters, and medical first responders. They respond to calls for police, fire, and medical emergencies, along with performing other duties. Additional benefits include a Spanish language bonus, veteran on-the-job training education benefits and the federal direct student loan forgiveness program.
Advancement/additional opportunities include Detective, Canine Handler, Community Policing Officer, Narcotics Investigator, Crime Lab Technician, SWAT Team, Bomb Squad, Honor Guard, and Command Officer.
Information about KDPS is available at www.kalamazoopublicsafety.org and questions can be submitted through the “Contact” link at the top of the Home Page.
By authority of: Inspector Matt Elzinga
Date: January 14, 2020
Address: 150 E. Crosstown Pkwy., Suite A, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Subject: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
KDPS OFFERING HIRING INCENTIVE FOR CURRENT
MCOLES-CERTIFIED / CERTIFIABLE OFFICERS
APPLICATION PERIOD RUNS FROM JANUARY 15-31, 2020
Media Contact: Jeff VanderWiere, Assistant Chief, (269) 337-827
