Kalamazoo:

On Thursday, December 3, 2020 around 11:45 am, Kalamazoo Public Safety officers were dispatched to the intersection of S. Westnedge/ W. Lovell St. for a report of a 2-vehicle crash. Arriving officers located an unconscious male entrapped in one vehicle who had to be extricated from the vehicle. The subject was later transported to Bronson Hospital by Life EMS for serious, but non-life-threatening injuries. The driver of the second vehicle was uninjured.

The cause of the crash is still under investigation.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety at 269-337-8140, Silent Observer at 269-343-2100 or report online at www.kalamazoosilentobserver.com.

By authority of: Lt Danielle Guilds

Date:  Thursday, December 03, 2020

Address:  150 E. Crosstown Pkwy. Suite A, Kalamazoo, MI 49001

Contact:  Captain Matthew Elzinga, Operations Division, 269-337-8120 

INFORMATION: On Tuesday, November 10, 2020, the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety will be visiting 7 locations throughout the City of Kalamazoo to recruit future Public Safety Officers. At each location, Public Safety Officers will be available to discuss the current hiring process and encourage Kalamazoo residents to pursue a career in public service. Our current process for Recruit opened on November 2, 2020 and will close on November 20, 2020. Here is a list of where we will be and when. Look for us in the parking lot areas of the following locations with a Fire Engine and Police cruisers!

1. D & W, 2103 Parkview Ave., Kalamazoo @ 12:00 pm

2. University Commons, 4620 Stadium Dr., Kalamazoo @ 12:45 pm

3. Westwood Plaza, 4702 W. Main St., Kalamazoo @ 1:30 pm

4. Park Street Market, 512 N. Park St., Kalamazoo @ 2:15 pm

5. East Main Food and Beverage, 1614 E. Main St., Kalamazoo @ 3:00 pm

6. Bronson Park, 200 S. Rose St., Kalamazoo @ 3:45 pm

7. Town and Country, 1824 Portage St., Kalamazoo @ 4:30 pm

We will also be livestreaming on Facebook during our time at Park Street Market at 2:15 pm. So, if you are unable to attend in person, please join us virtually! To begin the application process for Public Safety Officer Recruit, please follow this link https://kalamazoopublicsafety.org/about/employment/ and begin your journey!

By authority of Capt. Rafael X. Diaz

Date: Monday, November 9, 2020

Address: 150 E. Crosstown Pkwy., Suite A, Kalamazoo, MI 49001

Contact: Office of Community Affairs, 269-337-8270

Kalamazoo-

The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety will open the application process for the position of “Public Safety Officer” on Monday, November 2, 2020. The application process will remain open until 11:59 p.m. on Friday, November 20, 2020.

Application:

Applications may be submitted online between 11/2/20 and 11/20/20 at the following websites:

1- https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/kalamazoomi

2- www.kalamazoopublicsafety.org

KDPS’ hiring process includes an application, a written test, a physical agility test, a background investigation and several interviews throughout the process. If these steps are successfully completed, it is anticipated that an offer of employment will be given in May 2021.

Qualifications:

To be considered for employment, applicants must be a U.S. citizen, have a High School Diploma or GED equivalent, possess a valid driver’s license, and be 21 years old at time of appointment (May 2021). Applicants will also be required to pass a written and physical test and undergo an extensive background investigation. Applicants are not required to be MCOLES (police) certified to apply. KDPS desires candidates with integrity, a strong work ethic, and a desire to serve our Kalamazoo community.

Benefits:

KDPS 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, within the City of Kalamazoo. Applicants do not need to have prior police or fire certifications to be considered, as KDPS will sponsor them through the police academy and provide fire training, if needed. A training wage may apply to those who need to attend the police academy. Additional benefits include, but are not limited to, a Spanish language bonus, veteran on-the-job training education benefits, a defined benefit pension plan and the federal direct student loan forgiveness program.

Additionally, KDPS offers lateral transfers for current police officers (MCOLES certified/ certifiable). Police officers currently employed full-time and in good standing with another police agency have the opportunity to laterally transfer up to three (3) years of police experience in regard to the current wage scale. This lateral transfer would significantly increase starting wages for eligible new hires.

Advancement Opportunities:

There are multiple career advancement opportunities for Public Safety Officers to include the positions of: Detective, Canine Handler, Community Policing Officer, Narcotics Investigator, Crime Lab Technician, SWAT, 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: Executive Lieutenant Danielle Guilds

Date:  October 14, 2020

Address:  150 E. Crosstown Pkwy., Suite A, Kalamazoo, MI 49001

 Media Contact: Danielle Guilds, Inspector (269) 337-8270