Police Officer Certified/Certifiable 27-02

City of Grand Rapids; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 52,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision - Day 1

Pension plan

Tuition reimbursement

Paid holidays & leave

Parental leave

Wellness program

Job summary

The City of Grand Rapids is seeking Certified Police Officers or Academy graduates by May 2027 to join a diverse policing division. You will patrol city streets, enforce laws, interview witnesses, and provide a visible professional presence across assignments.

Qualified candidates will undergo a multi-step process including entrance exams, oral interview, panel interview, and a Personal History Questionnaire, with dates in 2026 and 2027.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Must have a valid drivers license and be able to obtain a Michigan Driver's license by date of hire.
• Must have a high school diploma or GED.
• US citizenship
• Some experience involves communicating with people under varyingcircumstances.
• Candidates for positions in this class are required to meet initial employment requirements as established by the Civil Service Board.
• Musttake and receive a passing scoreon theGrand Rapids Civil Service Exam for Police Officers.

Responsibilities

• Patrol city streets to provide protection of citizens and enforce ordinances and state laws.
• Interview complainants, suspects, and witnesses; testify in court when required.
• Conduct community policing to address problems and improve relations with residents.
• Perform tactical operations as needed across the city; support special events and various patrol modes.

Skills

Communication skills

Valid drivers license

Interacting with people under varying

US citizenship

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Please note that this job posting is for those who are currently Certified Police Officers or those who will graduate from a Police Academy by May 2027.

Patrol: The purpose of this job is to provide police services to the general public and patrol city streets to provide protection of its citizens. Enforces city ordinances and state laws. Offers professional police presence where needed and requested. Interviews complainants, suspects, and witnesses to criminal activity. Testifies in criminal, civil, or administrative court cases when required.

Community Policing: The purpose of this position is to serve and protect life and property within the city limits of Grand Rapids. The position enforces laws and ordinances, works with citizens to address problems, and improves police and community relations.

Tactical: The purpose of this job is to perform tactical operations throughout the city. Responsible for Patrol Officer duties in any capacity needed or requested throughout the City, which include special events, foot, bike, uniformed or plainclothes and Segway patrols.

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must have a valid driver's license and be able to obtain a Michigan Driver's license by date of hire.
• Must have a high school diploma or GED.
• US citizenship
• Some experience involves communicating with people under varyingcircumstances.
• Candidates for positions in this class are required to meet initial employment requirements as established by the Civil Service Board.
• Musttake and receive a passing scoreon theGrand Rapids Civil Service Exam for Police Officers.

Must take and receive a passing score on the Grand Rapids Civil Service Exam for Police Officers. Meet all State of Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards, as found HERE.

OUT-OF-STATE CERTIFIED OFFICERS: Please contact the Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) at [phone] to determine your eligibility and available dates for the Recognition of Prior Training and Experience Program (RPTE). (Link to RPTE website)

ASSESSMENT PROCESS

All dates and times are approximate and may change

Qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the following sequential steps. Each step must be successfully completed in order to advance to the next stage of the selection process.

Dates: November 4, December 2, 2026 & January 6, 2027

1. Entrance Exam (8AM):

• National Criminal Justice Officer Selection Inventory (cognitive/integrity)
• Study guides are available at GR Public Libraries or for purchase (New Study Guide Link)

2. Oral Exam (10AM-12PM): A structured interview proctored by a panel of Human Resources and Police personnel

3. Interview (1-5PM): Facilitated by Police Chief

4. Personal History Questionnaire: You will receive an invitation from Guardian to create account and initiate the process.

Please note that this job posting is for those who are currently Certified Police Officers or are enrolled in a Police Academy and will be certified by May 2027

Significant Dates:
Must be Eligible for MCOLES by the Date of Hire
Recruit Class Orientation Begins May 3, 2027
Recruit Class Oath of Office June 27, 2027

THIS POSITION IS NOT COVERED BY SOCIAL SECURITY. FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

We offer:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision starting on Day 1
• GRPD has a defined benefit pension plan.
• Employee & Employer contributions to Retiree Health Savings Account
• Voluntary benefits such as term life insurance, flexible spending accounts, accidental insurance, disability insurance, and deferred compensation plan options
• Thirteen Paid Holidays
• Paid Vacation and Sick Time
• Paid parking (if applicable)
• Employee Home Ownership Incentive
• Tuition Reimbursement and professional development opportunities
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Assistance Program with free mental health counseling
• Comprehensive Wellness programwith a health and wellness incentive
• Employee Discounts and Perks

If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to our Leaves and Accommodations Analyst, Amanda Kaulback. Email [e-mail] or [e-mail] or by phone at [phone].

The City of Grand Rapids does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy or gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.

Please Note: This position is subject to the provisions of the applicable collective bargaining agreement and all relevant civil service rules. For additional information, links to union agreement and Civil Service Rules are provided below.

Collective Bargaining Agreements

Civil Service Rules(Download PDF reader)(Download PDF reader)(Download PDF reader)