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

Kalamazoo, MI-

On Thursday, March 28, 2019, at approximately 12:00 p.m, Kalamazoo Public Safety officers responded to the 2100 block of Miller Road in reference to a personal injury accident. Officers on scene found that a single vehicle, occupied by a sole male driver, had crashed into a light pole.

Observation of the vehicle showed airbag deployment and substantial damage to the driver’s side of the vehicle; additionally the impact of the crash caused a light pole to be broken in half. During the course of the investigation, officers spoke to numerous witnesses in the area. It was reported that the driver of the vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed, upward estimates of 70-80 miles per hour in a 30 mile per hour zone.

Additionally it was reported that the driver almost hit a pedestrian and another driver before losing control of the vehicle and crashing into the light pole. The at-fault driver was cited for reckless driving and transported to Bronson Hospital to be treated for non life threatening injuries. Consumers responded to the scene and repaired the broken pole, preventing any interruption in traffic flow.

Anyone with information about this accident is encouraged to call Kalamazoo Public Safety at (269) 488-8911, Silent Observer at (269) 343-2100, or email www.kalamazoosilentobserver.com

Authority: Sgt. L. McMillon

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

Kalamazoo, MI:
On Wednesday, March 27, 2019 at 06:23 am, the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety was dispatched to the 3000 block of S Burdick St in reference to an apartment fire. Upon arrival, officers found heavy smoke coming from a third story apartment. Fire crews were able to quickly extinguish the fire. No residents or firefighters were injured.

The resident and two children were displaced due to the fire. Red Cross provided housing assistance for the displaced tenants. Metro Transit also assisted by providing a bus to keep other evacuated tenants warm while the fire was extinguished. The fire is believed to have started in the kitchen as a cooking fire; however it is still being investigated by the Fire Marshal.

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: Wednesday, March 27, 2019
Address: 150 E. Crosstown Pkwy. Suite A, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Contact: Captain Matthew Huber, Operations Division, 269-337-8120