Public Safety Officer (PSO) - Hire Date Jan 2027 (80)

******** Please visit https://www.joinkdps.org/Home for additional information about the hiring process, FAQs, and MCOLES testing dates ******** ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 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 through promotion. Seeking a career that leaves room for life? KDPS has a schedule for you . Balance Life and Career: PSOs assigned to patrol work 12-hour shifts. During a 28-day rotation, PSOs are scheduled to work 14 days and have 14 days off. Our unique schedule encourages a healthy balance between life and career with ample time off. Workdays vary during a 28-day rotation, creating two weekends off every month and a run of seven days off in a row, starting on a Friday. This stretch of days commonly refe rred to as the ‘7-day’ allows PSOs to reset, take a trip, or complete a project every month. Have a special skill or interest? KDPS has a specialty assignment for you . Professional Development: KDPS offers one badge, but endless career opportunities. PSOs can pursue more than forty professional growth tracks to include: Aviation Unit, Bike Response Unit, Bomb Squad, Crime Reduction Team, Crisis Negotiator, Community Police Officer, Community Service Team, Court Officer, Crowd Management Team, Detective, Equipment Operator, Explorer Advisor, Field Training Officer, Fifth District Technical Team, Fire Marshal, Hazmat Team, Honor Guard, K9 Team, KVET (Drug) Investigator, Lab Specialist/Technician, Motorcycle Unit, Peer Fitness Trainer, Peer Support Team, Pipe and Drum Unit, Polygraph Examiner, Recruiter, School Resource Officer, Strategic Planner, SWAT Team, Task Force Officer (ATF, DEA, FBI), Traffic Unit, Training Officer, and Technical Rescue Team. Desire to be a leader? KDPS has a leadership role for you . Career Advancement: PSOs can advance through the ranks to include Sergeant, Lieutenant, Executive Lieutenant, Captain, Inspector, Assistant Chief, Deputy Chief, and Chief. KDPS provides training at each level to enhance PSOs leadership abilities. Starting wage is effective January 1, 2026 and varies depending on the Recruit’s training and experience. Recruits (no experience) and Police Academy Graduates : $55,779.36 + overtime opportunities. *** Public Safety Officer top pay is $92,907.36*** ***As of September 2026, contract negotiations are in progress. Be advised, the current salary ranges may see adjustments*** Paid to Train: From the date of hire, Recruits are paid full time hourly wages to attend all basic training including the Police Academy, Fire Academy, MFR Academy, Advanced Police Academy, and Field Training Officer Program. All tuition, fees, uniforms, and equipment are provided/paid for by KDPS. Additional training for future assignments is also provided from KDPS staff and outside vendors. Residency Bonus: Recruits receive an annual $5,000 residency bonus for living within the City of Kalamazoo; Restrictions apply. Military On-the-Job Training Benefits: Military on-the-job training benefits are available while attending the Police Academy, Fire Academy, MFR Academy, Advanced Police Academy, and Field Training. Additionally, military personnel may buy back up to three years of credited service toward a full pension. Student Loan Forgiveness Program: KDPS is an e