KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Starting Monday, November 2, the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety (KDPS) will open the application process for the position of “Public Safety Officer.”
The application process will remain open until 11:59 p.m. on Friday, November 20.
Application Information:
Applications may be submitted online between November 2 – 2- at the following websites:
The hiring process includes an application, a written test, a physical agility test, a background investigation and several interviews throughout the process. If these steps are successfully completed, it is anticipated that an offer of employment will be given in May 2021.
Qualifications:
To be considered for employment, applicants must meet the following criteria.
- have a High School Diploma or GED equivalent,
- possess a valid driver’s license, and
- be 21 years old at time of appointment (May 2021).
Applicants will also be required to pass a written and physical test and undergo an extensive background investigation. Applicants are not required to be MCOLES (police) certified to apply. KDPS desires candidates with integrity, a strong work ethic, and a desire to serve the Kalamazoo community.
Benefits Information:
KDPS 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, within the City of Kalamazoo.
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, but are not limited to, a Spanish language bonus, veteran on-the-job training education benefits, a defined benefit pension plan and the federal direct student loan forgiveness program.
Additionally, KDPS offers “lateral transfers” for current police officers (MCOLES certified/certifiable). Police officers currently employed full-time and in good standing with another police agency have the opportunity to laterally transfer up to three years of police experience in regard to the current wage scale.
Officials say this lateral transfer would significantly increase starting wages for eligible new hires.
Opportunities for Advancement:
Multiple career advancement opportunities for Public Safety Officers are available, and include the positions of:
- Detective,
- Canine Handler,
- Community Policing Officer,
- Narcotics Investigator,
- Crime Lab Technician,
- SWAT,
- Bomb Squad,
- Honor Guard, and
- Command Officer.
More 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.
