KDPS Hiring Window Open Until October 1, 2025
Published on September 15, 2025
The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety has opened their application process for the position of "Public Safety Officer" on Monday September 15, 2025. The application process will remain open until 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, October 1, 2025.
Application:
Applications may be submitted online between 09/15/25 and 10/01/25 at the following websites:
The hiring process includes an application, MCOLES testing (written test and fitness test), an extensive background investigation, interviews, and medical/psychological/drug testing. If these steps are successfully completed, candidates will start in January of 2025.
Qualifications:
To be considered for employment, applicants must be a U.S. citizen, have a high school diploma or GED equivalent, possess a valid driver's license, and be 21 years old by May 14, 2026. KDPS seeks candidates with integrity, a strong work ethic, and a desire to serve the Kalamazoo community.
Benefits:
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. KDPS offers a meaningful career that promotes balance between life and career and has opportunities for professional development and advancement.
Applicants do not need to have prior police, fire, or medical first responder certifications to be considered, as KDPS will sponsor hired applicants through the police academy and provide fire/EMS training, if needed. Additional benefits include, but are not limited to, a Spanish language bonus, veteran on-the-job training education benefits, a defined benefit pension plan, a $5,000 annual residency bonus, tuition reimbursement program, the federal direct student loan forgiveness program, and more.
Additionally, KDPS offers a lateral transfer incentive for current police officers (MCOLES certified/certifiable) and/or fulltime firefighter/medical first responders. Applicants in good standing with another police or fire agency can laterally transfer up to three (3) years of police/fire experience in regard to the current wage scale. This will significantly increase starting wages for eligible new hires. Qualified lateral transfers will also receive a $15,000 hiring bonus.
Advancement Opportunities:
There are multiple career advancement opportunities for PSOs to include the positions of:
Detective, Canine Handler, Community Policing Officer, Narcotics Investigator, Crime Lab Technician, SWAT Technician, Bomb Squad Technician, Recruiter, Fire Marshal, Honor Guard Member, Peer Fitness Trainer, Training Officer, Technical Rescue Team Member, Aviation Team Member, Bike Response Unit Member, Motorcycle Unit Member, Command Officer and more.
Contact Us:
To speak to a recruiter about a career with KDPS, text ‘JoinKDPS' to 269.291.0199.
By authority of: Assistant Chief Victor Green