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