Kalamazoo, MI: On Wednesday June 14th, 2018 at approximately 9:05 PM a Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety officer was conducting a directed patrol in the 900 block of Hays Park when he made contact with a vehicle and began conducting a drug investigation. Upon making contact an occupant of the vehicle fled on foot and the officer gave chase. The officer was able to catch up to the suspect, and upon doing so, the subject began to resist arrest as several other officers arrived to assist. Once the subject was taken into custody a stolen and loaded handgun was located on his person. The 26 year old Kalamazoo resident was lodged at the Kalamazoo County Jail on charges of resisting and obstructing an officer, carrying a concealed weapon, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, receiving and concealing stolen property, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and delivery of cocaine.

Anyone have 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: Lt VanderKlok

Date: June 14th, 2018

Address: 150 E. Crosstown Parkway, Kalamazoo, MI 49001

Contact: Acting Captain Habel, 269-337-8120

 

Kalamazoo, MI:

On Tuesday June 12th, 2018 at 3:45 am, a Kalamazoo Public Safety officer was on foot patrol conducting routine business checks in the 200 block of E Michigan. While on patrol the officer witnessed a subject stealing gardening equipment from a business in the 200 block of E Michigan Ave. Upon attempting contact with the suspect, he fled on a bicycle toward the area of N Church and Ransom St. Visual contact with the suspect was lost in the residential neighborhood and a K9 unit was called in to assist. Kalamazoo Public Safety K9 “Axl” responded. Axl is a recent addition to the KDPS family and has been in service for two months. Axl conducted a track of the suspect and located him hiding behind a residence. The suspect, a 39 year old male from Kalamazoo, was taken into police custody without incident. The suspect was found to have a parole absconder warrant and was lodged at the Kalamazoo County Jail with additional charges pending for larceny and resisting and obstructing a police officer.

Anyone who may have information regarding this investigation is asked to call Kalamazoo Public Safety at 337-8994 or Silent Observer at 343-2100 or www.kalamazoosilentobserver.com.

By authority of: Sgt. Richard McCall

Date: June 11th, 2018

Address: 150 E. Crosstown Parkway, Kalamazoo, MI 49001

Contact: Captain Matthew Huber, 337-8139

 

Kalamazoo, MI:

On Wednesday, June 6th 2018 around 10:10 am, Kalamazoo Public Safety officers responded to the 1000 block of Interfaith Boulevard for reports of a subject who had been shot. Officers located a lone female victim inside of an apartment suffering from a gunshot wound to her hip. Life-saving measures were initiated and the female was transported to Bronson Hospital for her injuries. The victim has been identified as an 18 year old Kalamazoo resident. Her medical condition is unknown at this time.

The Criminal Investigation Division is investigating this incident. The investigation is in its early stages at this point and no suspect information is known at this time.

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: June 6th, 2018

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

Contact: Acting Captain Craig Habel, Criminal Investigation Division, 269-337-8139

 

Kalamazoo, MI:

In recent weeks, the City of Kalamazoo has been made aware of a subject contacting Kalamazoo residents, asking to purchase their homes. The subject, who has not yet been identified, makes a claim that the City of Kalamazoo is in the process of using eminent domain to purchase or confiscate homes and then requests to purchase the home for himself at a discounted rate. This subject does not work on the behalf of the City of Kalamazoo and residents should be wary of anyone making these claims. The City of Kalamazoo does not have any current plans for projects utilizing eminent domain in any Kalamazoo neighborhoods. Kalamazoo Public Safety urges residents to get identification from any individuals making this claim and notify Kalamazoo Public Safety for further investigation if they are approached in a similar manner.

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: May 25th, 2018

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

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

 

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