KDPS opens hiring process

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, Nov. 10, 2021

Contact: Ryan Bridges, bridgesr@kalamazoocity.org, 269-762-2922

KDPS hiring Public Safety Officers to join nation’s largest public safety department

Online application period open Nov. 10 – Nov. 28

Kalamazoo, Mich. – The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety announced today it is looking to add officers to the nation’s largest public safety department. The online application, available at https://kalamazoopublicsafety.org/about/employment, is open from Wednesday, Nov. 10 to Sunday, Nov. 28.

The hiring process includes:

· An initial application and questionnaire,

· A written exam,

· PSO agility test,

· A 1st interview,

· Background investigation,

· A 2nd Chief’s interview, and

· Psychological, medical and drug screenings.

Individuals who successfully complete the process are expected to receive employment offers in March 2022, with an expected start date in May 2022.

About the job

KDPS offers a meaningful career that promotes balance between life and career and opportunities for professional development and advancement through promotion.

Public Safety Officers (PSOs) protect and serve the community by responding to calls for service involving police, fire, and medical emergencies in a professional and caring manner, to enhance the quality of life for all people in the City of Kalamazoo.

Seeking a career that leaves room for life? KDPS has a schedule for you.

Balance Life and Career

PSOs work 14 days in a 28-day rotation. Our unique schedule encourages a healthy balance between life and career with ample time off to reset. During a 28-day rotation, PSOs have 14 regularly scheduled days off. Workdays vary during a 28-day rotation creating two weekends off every month and seven days off in a row starting on a Friday. This stretch of days, commonly referred to as the 7-day, allows PSOs to reset, take a trip, or complete a project every month.

Have a special skill or interest? KDPS has a specialty assignment for you.

Professional Development

From the date of hire, Recruits are paid full-time, hourly wages to attend all basic training, including the Police Academy, Fire Academy, MFR Academy, Advanced Police Academy, and Field Training Officer Program. All tuition, fees, uniforms, and equipment are provided/paid for by KDPS.

Additional training for future assignments is also provided by KDPS staff and outside vendors. Future opportunities can include one or more of thirty plus professional growth tracks.

Desire to be a leader? KDPS has a leadership role for you.

Career Advancement – With an authorized strength of 268 sworn PSOs, KDPS has several open positions. PSOs can advance through the ranks, including Sergeant, Lieutenant, Executive Lieutenant, Captain, Assistant Chief, Deputy Chief, and Chief.

KDPS Provides training at each level to enhance PSOs leadership abilities.

Qualifications

Applicants must be at least 21 by the date of hire, possess Character Fitness (good moral character), a valid driver’s license, and pass each step in the KDPS hiring process.

Applicants must qualify for and be able to obtain all basic academy training certifications, including the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards, the Fire Fighters Training Council, and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Each discipline, police, fire, and EMS, sets standards to qualify for and maintain licensure.

The City of Kalamazoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and women and minorities are encouraged to apply.

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