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:

1. Are currently licensed and working full-time as a police officer in the State of Michigan;
2. 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;
3. 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.
4. 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

Kalamazoo, MI-

The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety’s Pastors on Patrol will host the 2^nd Annual Coat/Toy Drive for families in need. Pastors on Patrol is reaching out to the community to donate new or gently used coats and new toys. Pastors will be on hand at Public Safety Headquarters, located at 150 E. Crosstown to take donated items November 9, 16 and 23, 2019 from 9am-12pm.

The coat and toy giveaway will take place on December 7, 2019, from 10am-1pm at the Jennings Development Interplex located at 1515 N. Edwards St.

The men of the Pi Lambda Sigma Alumni Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. will also be on hand to assist our Pastors with collection and giveaway. 

Any Kalamazoo Public Safety station will accept coats, gloves, new toys and new hats throughout the month of November. We will accept donations until Monday, December 2, 2019 at 3pm.   

Authority: Vernon Coakley, Assistant Chief

Operations/Community Outreach

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

Date:  October 29, 2019

Contact:  Assistant Chief Vernon Coakley, 269 337-8270

KDPS will open up the application process for the position of “Public Safety Officer” on Oct. 30, 2019 and it will remain open until 11:59 p.m. on Nov. 15, 2019. 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 May, 2020.

Applications may be submitted between 10/30/19 through 11/15/19 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 (May, 2020). 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. 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.

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

Kalamazoo, MI:
On Thursday, March 28, 2019 at 3pm, the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety was dispatched to the intersection of N Park St and Water St for a motorcyclist which struck a vehicle. The motorcyclist was traveling northbound on N Park St from Michigan Ave at excessive speeds. A vehicle traveling westbound on Water St crossed through the intersection, but did not see the motorcycle. The motorcyclist, a 21 year old Kalamazoo resident, sustained serious injuries as a result of the accident and was treated at an area hospital. Speed was a factor in this accident. Two lanes of N Park St at Water St were temporarily closed while the accident was investigated.

As spring approaches, more and more motorcyclists are taking to the road. Motorists are reminded to remain vigilant of the increased number of motorcycles on the roadway.

Anyone having information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety at 337-8994 or Silent Observer at 343-2100.

By authority of: Sgt. David Moran

Date: Thursday, March 28, 2019
Address: 150 E. Crosstown Pkwy. Suite A, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Contact: Captain Matthew Huber, Operations Division, 269-337-8120