Date: December 2, 2021
Address: 150 E. Crosstown Pkwy., Suite A, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Contact: Acting Ex. Lt. Justin Wonders at 269-337-8120
INVESTIGATION LEADS TO MULTIPLE FIREARMS AND DRUGS SEIZED – MULTIPLE ARRESTS MADE
Kalamazoo, Mich. – On December 1st, 2021, Investigators assigned to the Department of Public Safety’s Crime Reduction Team (CRT) and Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team (KVET) conducted an investigation in the 200 block of Whitcomb St. The operation involved contacting two vehicles known to be associated with the address. Upon contacting the two vehicles, a total of four loaded pistols (two of which were stolen), illegal narcotics and evidence of the sale of those narcotics were seized. A subsequent search warrant was executed at the home.
As a result of these contacts, eight (8) Kalamazoo area residents – ranging from 15 to 33 years of age – were arrested. All were arrested on felony weapons, drug offenses and/or warrants and they were all lodged, accordingly, at the Kalamazoo County Juvenile Home or Kalamazoo County Jail.
The following arrests were made:
• A 15-year-old male was arrested for carrying a concealed weapon, possession of a stolen firearm and possession with the intent to distribute crack cocaine
• A 15-year-old male was arrested for carrying a concealed weapon and possession with the intent to distribute marijuana
• A 16-year-old male was arrested for carrying a concealed weapon
• A 17-year-old male was arrested for valid arrest and detain orders and possession of a stolen firearm
• An 18-year-old male was arrested for carrying a concealed weapon and possession of a stolen firearm
• A 21-year-old male was arrested for felon in possession, felony firearm, possession of stolen firearm, possession with the intent to distribute crack, possession with the intent to distribute meth, and probation violations
• A 21-year-old male was arrested for resisting and obstructing, possession with the intent to distribute crack cocaine, and driving while unlicensed
• A 33-year-old male was arrested for felon in possession, felony firearm, carrying a concealed weapon, and possession of a stolen firearm
The investigation is still on-going and additional charges may be sought for those contacted.
A stolen AR-style rifle, high-capacity magazines, a stolen semi-automatic pistol, illegal narcotics and evidence of manufacturing illegal narcotics were seized from the home.
Anyone having information regarding this incident, or any other crimes in Kalamazoo, is encouraged to contact the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety at 269-337-8120 or Silent Observer at 269-343-2100.
By authority of: Acting Ex. Lt. Justin Wonders
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Public Safety investigates shooting, suspect arrested
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
School receives threats
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
KDPS opens hiring process
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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Public Safety investigates felonious assault
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
