The Dearborn Police Department is hiring full-time entry-level police officers to join its law enforcement family. The city of Dearborn is the 6th-largest city in Michigan, employs the 4th-largest police department in the state, and is an Accredited Agency that employs approximately 190 sworn police personnel.
Police officers must be able to exercise quick, sound judgment independently in applying police methods in emergency situations. As the officer acquires experience on the job, additional responsibility will be granted. The employee works in a designated area on an assigned shift and may be assigned to a special detail or training under supervision. A superior officer supervises work through personal inspection, review of reports, and general appraisal of the effectiveness of the police service.
Employee interacts consistently in a pleasant and helpful manner with fellow employees, visitors, and citizens of the City of Dearborn, and demonstrates the highest standards of internal and external customer service. The starting pay is $70,462. The salary for achieving the rank of corporal after 4 years is $91,913.
The Dearborn Police Department also has a lateral transfer program.
Apply for the Dearborn Police Department’s Police Officer Position
Based on the responsibilities and requirements listed below, interested applicants must submit the application online with the following information:
- Written notification from MCOLES of Physical Agility and Written Test scores, or MCOLES # if currently certified.
- DD214 (if applicable)
Examination Process
The results at each step in the application process will determine eligibility for continuation to subsequent steps. The process will include an application review, a personal history questionnaire, an oral board interview, a psychological evaluation, a background investigation, and a chief’s interview. Non-certified applicants who are selected will be enrolled in a police academy sponsored by the Dearborn Police Department. All candidates must successfully complete a Field Training Program.
NOTE: Do not include picture IDs, social security cards, or birth certificates with applications.
View the Dearborn Recruitment Video
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Essential Job Functions (Functions essential to attaining job objectives):
- Affects an arrest, forcibly if necessary, using handcuffs and other restraints.
- Pursues fleeing suspects on foot, both day and night, in unfamiliar terrain.
- Subdues resisting subjects using hands and feet while employing defensive tactics, maneuvers, or approved nonlethal weapons.
- Climbs over obstacles; climbs through openings; jumps down from elevated surfaces; jumps over obstacles, ditches, and streams; and crawls in confined areas to pursue, search, investigate, and/or rescue.
- Uses body force to gain entrance through barriers to search, seize, investigate, and/or rescue.
- Enters and exits vehicles quickly to perform rescue operations, pursues a suspect, or answers an emergency call.
- Load, unload, aim, and accurately fire handguns, shotguns, and other agency firearms from a variety of body positions in situations that justify the use of deadly force while maintaining emotional control under extreme stress.
- Performs tasks that require lifting, carrying, or dragging people or heavy objects while performing arrests, rescues, or general patrol functions.
- Performs law enforcement patrol functions while working rotating shifts or with variable off days and unanticipated overtime.
- Conducts searches of buildings, homes, and outdoor areas, which may involve walking and standing for long periods of time, and which require the ability to see from a distance, to distinguish color, and perceive shapes as well as discern smells, tastes, and tactile sensations.
- Conducts visual and audio surveillance for extended periods of time.
- Performs searches of persons that involve touching and feeling to detect potential weapons and contraband.
- And much more!
Marginal Job Functions (Peripheral or incidental to primary job functions):
- Assists the jail administrator in the City lock-up facility.
- Maintains order in the court and conducts prisoners to court from detention quarters.
- Serves criminal processes, including warrants and subpoenas.
- Furnishes escorts when required.
- Performs related work as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Some knowledge of:
- Modern approved principles, practices, and procedures of police work.
- Federal and state laws, City ordinances, and departmental rules and regulations.
- First aid methods.
- Satisfactorily complete required training.
- Learn the streets and physical layout of the City and adjoining areas within an appropriate time frame.
- Perform essential job functions either with or without reasonable accommodation.
- Cooperate with other officers and employees, accept lines of authority, and deal courteously but firmly with the general public.
EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING/LICENSING REQUIREMENTS
- Must have a high school diploma or GED from an accredited institution.
Must meet all employment standards for Michigan Law Enforcement Officers as established by MCOLES, including:
- A valid driver’s license.
- Good moral character and no record of criminal convictions (including expungements).
- U. S. Citizenship.
- Minimum of 18 years old.
Related experience may include certified PA330 Security Police, Corrections Officer/Deputy, or prior certified Police Officer experience, or graduation from or currently enrolled in a Michigan Police Academy, or a minimum:
- Military duty with an Honorable Discharge
- Military Reserve or National Guard experience with an Honorable Discharge or currently active with good standing
- Police Reserve experience
SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS
- Possession of a valid motor vehicle operator’s license issued by the State of Michigan and a satisfactory driving record.
- Must meet Michigan Law Enforcement Training Council testing requirements and physical standards (to be determined post-job offer) for certification as a police officer.
For More Information about the Dearborn Police Officer Position
To apply, visit the Dearborn Police career page or email Bernie Gibson with any questions. Applications close on December 31, 2026.