Police Officer Certified/Certifiable 27-02

Our Community's Children; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision benefits (

Pension plan

Retiree health savings account

Paid holidays

Paid vacation and sick time

Paid parking

Tuition reimbursement

Parental leave

Wellness program

Employee discounts

Job summary

The City of Grand Rapids is seeking qualified individuals to serve as Police Officers. The role encompasses patrols to protect residents, enforcement of laws, and engagement with the community to enhance safety and relations.

Positions require meeting civil service entry criteria, successful exam completion, and certification by May 2027. A full benefits package is offered, with opportunities for career development and specialized assignments within GRPD.

Qualifications

• 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 varying circumstances.
• Candidates for positions in this class are required to meet initial employment requirements as established by the Civil Service Board.
• Must take and receive a passing score on the Grand Rapids Civil Service Exam for Police Officers.

Responsibilities

• Provide police services to the general public and patrol city streets to protect citizens.
• Enforce city ordinances and state laws; interview complainants, suspects, and witnesses; testify in court as required.
• Serve and protect life and property within Grand Rapids; enforce laws and ordinances; address community problems; improve police-community relations.
• Perform tactical patrol duties across the city, including events, foot, bike, and various patrol modes.

Job description

Nature of Work

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.

Minimum Training And Experience

• 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 varying circumstances.
• Candidates for positions in this class are required to meet initial employment requirements as established by the Civil Service Board.
• Must take and receive a passing score on the Grand Rapids Civil Service Exam for Police Officers.

Other Necessary Qualifications

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

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

• 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)
• Interview (1-5PM): Facilitated by Police Chief
• Personal History Questionnaire: You will receive an invitation from Guardian to create account and initiate the process.

Other Information

• 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.

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 program with 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)

City of Grand Rapids Employee Benefits Webpage

01. Have you graduated from or are you currently enrolled in an accredited Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) Police Academy?

• Yes, I have graduated from or am currently enrolled in a MCOLES accredited Police Academy.
• No, I have not graduated and am not currently enrolled in an MCOLES accredited Police Academy.

02. List the name and address of the MCOLES Police Academy you attended, or are currently attending. Additionally, please attach a copy of your Student ID or Certificate of Completion to your application.

03. Are you currently a licensed Police Officer working in the State of Michigan and if so are you in good standing with your agency?

• Yes
• No

04. Are you currently a licensed Police Officer, in any State of the United States and are you in good standing with your department/agency?

• Yes
• No

05. If you answered No any of the above questions, please explain.

06. Did you graduate from high school or receive a GED?

• YES
• NO

07. Do you have a valid driver's license or will you be able to obtain a Michigan's Driver's license by date of hire?

• YES
• NO

08. Are you a US Citizen?

• YES
• NO

09. Have you ever had a Felony conviction? (including any subsequently expunged, set aside, or delayed by diversion program, Holmes Youthful Trainee Act; dismissals after probation for first-time drug offenses; and dismissions of first time aggravated domestic violence offenses.)

• YES
• NO

10. Have you ever had adjudication of guilt for violation or attempts of OWI 2nd within the last 7 years?

• YES
• NO

11. Have you had any alcohol or drug related driving offense within the last 4 years?

• YES
• NO

12. Have you been convicted of driving while license suspended/revoked within the last 4 years?

• YES
• NO

13. Have you lost your driving privilege through suspension or revocation of license for unsatisfactory driving , or accumulated more than 8 points on your driving record within the last 2 years?

• YES
• NO

14. Have you received a military conviction at court martial within the last 2 years?

• YES
• NO

15. Have you ever had adjudication of guilt for violation or attempted Possession of Controlled Substances (does not include marijuana)?

• YES
• NO

16. Have you ever had an adjudication of guilt for violation or attempted Use of Controlled Substances?

• YES
• NO

17. Have you ever had an adjudication of guilt for violation or attempted Domestic Violence (1 year misdemeanor or a 2nd Offense, and/or misdemeanor Stalking)?

• YES
• NO

18. Have you ever had an adjudication of guilt for violation or attempted Assault and Battery (1 year misdemeanor or Aggravated Assault)?

• YES
• NO

19. Have you had 2 or more misdemeanor convictions within the last 4 years?

• YES
• NO

20. Have you ever been an at fault driver in a traffic crash causing death within the last 5 years?

• YES
• NO
• Required Question