KDPS will open up the application process for the position of “Public Safety Officer” on May 16, 2018 and it will remain open until 11:59 p.m, May 29, 2018. 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 complete, it is anticipated that an offer of employment would be given in December, 2018.

Applications may be submitted between 5/16/18 through 5/29/18 at the following websites:

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

2- www.kalamazoopublicsafety.org

To be considered, applicants 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 (December, 2018). Applicants will also be required to pass a written and physical test, and an extensive background investigation. Applicants are not required to be MCOLES (Police) certified to apply.

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.

Advancement/additional opportunities include Detective, Canine Handler, Community Policing Officer, Narcotics Investigator, Crime Lab Technician, SWAT Team, Bomb Squad, Honor Guard, and Command Officer.

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 a Spanish language bonus, veteran on-the-job training education benefits and the federal direct student loan forgiveness program.

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: May 15, 2018

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

Subject: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: KDPS’ APPLICATION PERIOD OPENS ON MAY 16, 2018

Media Contact:

Jeff VanderWiere, Assistant Chief, (269) 337-8270

Kalamazoo, MI:

On Monday, May 14th, 2018 around 12:43 pm, Kalamazoo Public Safety Officers responded to the 800 block of Staples Street for multiple reports of shots fired. Alert witnesses in the area reported that a male subject shot several rounds into the air from a shotgun following an argument with subjects in front of his house. The suspect then retreated back inside his home. Officers arrived and were able to identify the residence where the incident occurred and attempted contact with the occupants inside.

Officers spoke with the residents for an extensive period of time in an attempt to de-escalate and safely resolve the incident. Through negotiations, the suspect exited the home and was arrested for a warrant. Two other subjects also exited the residence. The suspect was identified as a 29 year old Kalamazoo resident. He was arrested for an outstanding warrant and will be facing additional charges for felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a stolen firearm, reckless discharge of a firearm and possessing a firearm while intoxicated. An additional male resident of the home, a 35 year old Kalamazoo resident, was arrested on charges of Domestic Assault. Both subjects were lodged at the Kalamazoo County jail.

A search warrant was drafted and executed at the residence by officers. Inside the home a rifle, a stolen shotgun, and several boxes of ammunition were recovered.

Public Safety encourages anyone with information regarding this investigation to contact the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety at 337-8994, Silent Observer at 343-2100 or report online at www.kalamazoosilentobserver.com.

By authority of: Lt Danielle Guilds

Date: Monday, May 14, 2018

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

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

Kalamazoo, MI:

On Monday, April 30^th, 2018 around 01:30 pm, Kalamazoo Public Safety Officers responded to the 1000 block of Clarence in an effort to arrest a subject wanted on a parole absconder warrant. Officers had intelligence information that the subject may be armed. Officers were able to confirm that the wanted subject was inside a residence in the area. Officers surrounded the residence and attempted to call-out the suspect to take him into custody. Public Safety Officers, with the assistance of the K9 Team, were able to make contact with the suspect in an attempt to de-escalate the situation. The suspect surrendered and was taken into custody without incident a short time later. The suspect was identified as a 28 year old Kalamazoo resident. The suspect was arrested on the outstanding warrant, as well as, charges of felon in possession of a firearm. He was lodged at the Kalamazoo County Jail.

Public Safety encourages anyone with information regarding this investigation to contact the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety at 337-8994, Silent Observer at 343-2100 or report online at www.kalamazoosilentobserver.com.

By authority of: Lt Danielle Guilds

Date: Monday, April 30, 2018

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

Contact: Captain Brad Misner, Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team, 269-337-8880

Kalamazoo, MI:

On Sunday, April 1^st, 2018, around 01:45 am, Kalamazoo Public Safety Officers responded to the area of Jack Pine Way and W Michigan Avenue for multiple reports of shots being fired in the area. An alert citizen witnessed a subject shooting a handgun in a parking lot in the 1400 block of Jack Pine Way and observed the subject enter a residence immediately after. Several spent shell casings were located in the area that the witness had observed the subject shooting. Officers attempted contact at the residence, however were not allowed entry inside by the residents.

A search warrant was drafted and executed at the residence by officers. Inside the home, a loaded .45 caliber pistol, along with additional ammunition, was located. Officers also located lysergic acid diethylamide (commonly known as LSD), marijuana, and various edible cannabis products inside the home. Officers additionally located evidence of drug sales occurring from the home.

A 21 year old male resident will be facing criminal charges to include felony firearm, reckless discharge of a firearm, possession with intent to deliver LSD, and maintaining a drug house. A 25 year old male resident will be facing criminal charges to include possession with intent to deliver marijuana and maintaining a drug house. A 21 year old female who is not a resident of the home will be facing a charge of possession of marijuana. Further charges are pending regarding two other residents within the home.

Public Safety encourages anyone with information regarding this investigation to contact the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety at 337-8994, Silent Observer at 343-2100 or report online at www.kalamazoosilentobserver.com.

By authority of: Lt Danielle Guilds

Date: Monday, April 02, 2018

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

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

Kalamazoo, MI:

On Wednesday, March 14th, 2018 around 3:00 am, Kalamazoo Public Safety Officer Nick DeLeeuw initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle in the area of Stuart/Conant after observing a motor vehicle violation. Additional Kalamazoo Public Safety officers assisted on scene with the investigation.

During the traffic stop, the driver and passenger of the vehicle were found to have multiple warrants for their arrest. Officers were able to take the suspects into custody on their warrants without incident. During a subsequent search of the passenger, cocaine and marijuana were located on his person. A later search of the vehicle led to the recovery of a loaded pistol. The pistol had been recently reported stolen out of the Battle Creek area.

The suspect was identified as a 23 year old male. He was lodged at the Kalamazoo County jail for charges of carrying a concealed weapon, felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a stolen firearm, possession with the intent to deliver cocaine, possession of marijuana, and multiple warrants.

Public Safety encourages anyone with information regarding this investigation to contact the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety at 337-8994, Silent Observer at 343-2100 or report online at www.kalamazoosilentobserver.com.

By authority of: Sgt Tim Millard

Date: March 14th, 2018

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

Contact: Captain Shannon Bagley, Criminal Investigation Division, 269-337-8139