Date: November 18, 2021

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

Contact: KDPS Criminal Investigation Division 269-337-8139

Kalamazoo, MI:

On November 18th, 2021, at approximately 7:15 AM, Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety officers responded to the area of Branch St and Kings Highway for a report of a subject struck by gunfire. First arriving officers located a 41 year old male suffering from a non-life threatening gunshot wound. The victim told officers that he was riding in a vehicle with another man when they had an argument, which resulted in the victim being shot by the other man. The victim was transported to Bronson Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Public Safety detectives were able to identify and locate the suspect, an 18 year old Kalamazoo man. He was taken into custody without incident. The firearm used in the crime was recovered. The suspect was lodged at the Kalamazoo County Jail on weapons charges.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety at 337-8120 or Silent Observer at 343-2100


By authority of:

Sgt. K. Pittelkow 12638

Date: November 16th, 2021

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

Contact: KDPS Operations Division 269-337-8120

School receives threats

Kalamazoo, MI:

On November 15th, 2021, Kalamazoo Public Schools staff contacted the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety with information about a threat against the school that was circulated on social media. The threat indicated there would be an attack at Loy Norrix high school on the morning of November 16th. In response to this information, Kalamazoo Public Schools and the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety took extra measures to ensure the safety of students and staff at the school.

On November 16th, Kalamazoo Public Safety was notified of a second threat circulated on social media. The second threat indicated that explosives had been placed at the school. Both threats appear to have come from the same source. Kalamazoo Public Safety worked together with KPS Campus Safety and K9 units from Michigan State Police and Western Michigan University Police to conduct a sweep of the school. No explosive devices were located during the sweep. The building was determined to be safe, and students were dismissed from school at the normal time. Kalamazoo Public Safety takes these threats very seriously and is actively investigating to determine the origin of the threats.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety at 337-8120 or Silent Observer at 343-2100.


By authority of:

Lt. Robert Holdwick

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, Nov. 10, 2021

Contact: Ryan Bridges, bridgesr@kalamazoocity.org, 269-762-2922

KDPS hiring Public Safety Officers to join nation’s largest public safety department

Online application period open Nov. 10 – Nov. 28

Kalamazoo, Mich. – The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety announced today it is looking to add officers to the nation’s largest public safety department. The online application, available at https://kalamazoopublicsafety.org/about/employment, is open from Wednesday, Nov. 10 to Sunday, Nov. 28.

The hiring process includes:

· An initial application and questionnaire,

· A written exam,

· PSO agility test,

· A 1st interview,

· Background investigation,

· A 2nd Chief’s interview, and

· Psychological, medical and drug screenings.

Individuals who successfully complete the process are expected to receive employment offers in March 2022, with an expected start date in May 2022.

About the job

KDPS offers a meaningful career that promotes balance between life and career and opportunities for professional development and advancement through promotion.

Public Safety Officers (PSOs) protect and serve the community by responding to calls for service involving police, fire, and medical emergencies in a professional and caring manner, to enhance the quality of life for all people in the City of Kalamazoo.

Seeking a career that leaves room for life? KDPS has a schedule for you.

Balance Life and Career

PSOs work 14 days in a 28-day rotation. Our unique schedule encourages a healthy balance between life and career with ample time off to reset. During a 28-day rotation, PSOs have 14 regularly scheduled days off. Workdays vary during a 28-day rotation creating two weekends off every month and seven days off in a row starting on a Friday. This stretch of days, commonly referred to as the 7-day, allows PSOs to reset, take a trip, or complete a project every month.

Have a special skill or interest? KDPS has a specialty assignment for you.

Professional Development

From the date of hire, Recruits are paid full-time, hourly wages to attend all basic training, including the Police Academy, Fire Academy, MFR Academy, Advanced Police Academy, and Field Training Officer Program. All tuition, fees, uniforms, and equipment are provided/paid for by KDPS.

Additional training for future assignments is also provided by KDPS staff and outside vendors. Future opportunities can include one or more of thirty plus professional growth tracks.

Desire to be a leader? KDPS has a leadership role for you.

Career Advancement – With an authorized strength of 268 sworn PSOs, KDPS has several open positions. PSOs can advance through the ranks, including Sergeant, Lieutenant, Executive Lieutenant, Captain, Assistant Chief, Deputy Chief, and Chief.

KDPS Provides training at each level to enhance PSOs leadership abilities.

Qualifications

Applicants must be at least 21 by the date of hire, possess Character Fitness (good moral character), a valid driver’s license, and pass each step in the KDPS hiring process.

Applicants must qualify for and be able to obtain all basic academy training certifications, including the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards, the Fire Fighters Training Council, and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Each discipline, police, fire, and EMS, sets standards to qualify for and maintain licensure.

The City of Kalamazoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and women and minorities are encouraged to apply.

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Date: November 5, 2021

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

Contact: Captain Habel, Criminal Investigation Division, 337-8139

Felonious Assault Arrest

Kalamazoo, MI:

On Friday, November 5, 2021, 2020 at approximately 1:30 AM, Kalamazoo Public Safety officers responded to the 1300 block of Washington after receiving a report of a fight. During the investigation it was reported that a female had threatened a male with a firearm. Upon officer’s arrival the known suspect was observed inside a nearby residence. Officers attempted contact with the suspect for several hours, however, the suspect refused to surrender. After obtaining a search warrant, the Kalamazoo Metro Special Weapons and Tactics Team responded and assisted with placing the suspect into custody.

The suspect a 27-year-old, female, Kalamazoo resident, was arrested for felonious assault. After executing the search warrant, officers located two firearms. The suspect was lodged for felonious assault.

Anyone who may have information regarding this investigation is asked to call Kalamazoo Public Safety at 488-8911 or Silent Observer at 343-2100 or www.kalamazoosilentobserver.com.

By authority of: Sgt. Ryan Presto

Date: October 2nd, 2021

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

Contact: KDPS Criminal Investigations Division 269-337-8139

Man struck by gunfire

Kalamazoo, MI:

On October 2nd, 2021 at approximately 3:26 am, the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety received a report of a shooting that occurred at a business in the 1300 block of Ravine Rd. The victim, who was struck in the face by gunfire, was transported to a local emergency room by friends. Public Safety officers responded to the 1300 block of Ravine Rd where the shooting scene was located to investigate and collect evidence. As of this time, the suspect has not been located or identified. The motive for the shooting is unknown.

The victim, a 19 year old man from Fenton, MI, is listed in “serious, but stable” condition.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety at 337-8120 or Silent Observer at 343-2100


By authority of:

Lt. Robert Holdwick