The Garden City Police Department (GCPD) is currently accepting applications for the full-time entry-level Police Officer position. We are sponsoring cadets through the academy.
The City of Garden City is a 5.86-square-mile city in Western Wayne County. The department consists of 36 sworn officers. These employees enforce traffic laws, issue tickets, appear in court, respond to vehicle accidents, apprehend persons who violate City ordinances or State statutes, respond to citizen complaints, assist persons seeking aid, and perform related duties as assigned.
This position includes full medical benefits for the officer and their dependents, vacation time, a uniform allowance of $1,200, and a firearm proficiency allowance of $1,000. The starting salary is $57,439 – $83,708, with a maximum salary package of $93,543.
Applications will be accepted until September 30, 2025.
Required Qualifications of a Garden City Police Officer
- Must be a U.S. citizen
- At least 21 years of age
- Possess a High School Diploma or General Educational Development (GED) Test
- Employees must reside within a 45-mile radius of Garden City.
- New employees must reside within this radius within one year of employment with the city.
- Be one of the following and provide proof:
- Certified Michigan Police Officer; OR
- Certifiable as a Police Officer in the State of Michigan, subject to verification or re-verification by a Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) approved training academy; OR
- Be currently enrolled in an MCOLES-approved training academy and certifiable by date of hire.
- Passing MCOLES physical fitness test/MCOLES reading and writing test and Applicant should be able to complete a 17-week Police Academy.
- Possess normal hearing, normal color vision, and normal visual functions and acuity in accordance with the Civil Service Commission-approved visual acuity standard.
- Be free from any physical defects, chronic diseases, organic diseases, organic or functional conditions, or mental and emotional instabilities that may impair the efficient performance of duties or endanger the lives of others or the individual employee.
- Possess and maintain a valid motor vehicle operator’s or chauffeur’s license and have an acceptable driving record.
The GCPD recognizes candidates with previous experience with a lateral transfer program that increases new hire pay.
If you are not certified and need to be sponsored in an academy, you must pass the MCOLES physical fitness, reading, and writing tests before receiving an interview.
Additional Benefits
- Additional benefits provided by the Garden City Police Department are as follows:
- Yearly longevity pay – based on the number of years of service – increases every year of employment.
- Substantial pension at 25 years of service with a 2.5 multiplier through M.E.R.S.
- 2% COLA (cost of living) increases yearly once in retirement for the retiree’s life.
- Recognition of ACT 88 Service Credit, with the ability to buy 5 years.
- Additional overtime assignments are available year-round.
- Full medical coverage for officer and dependents.
- Tuition reimbursement for course study applicable to the law enforcement profession up to a Juris Doctorate.
- 12-hour shift schedule for patrol officers – every other weekend is a three-day weekend (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday off).
- Vacation time up to 224 hours a year (based on the number of years of service).
- Financially stable community.
- 8 hours of volunteer time per year.
- 14 paid holidays (Paid in full).
Garden City provides a comprehensive benefits package to its employees. Read more about their Benefits.
Available Bureaus & Positions
Applicants may also have the opportunity to work within or alongside the following police department bureaus or divisions.
- Patrol division
- Detective Bureau
- Command division
- K9 officer
- Community Resource Officer (CRO)
- School Resource Officer (SRO)
- Undercover investigations assignments (DEA), (MNET), (WW Auto Theft)
- GCPD staffed Search Warrant Team (SOG)
- Multijurisdictional SWAT team assignment covering 150+ miles between various member agencies
- Multijurisdictional Mobile Field Force team assignment covering 150+ miles between various member agencies
- Drone Pilot Officer
- And more
How to Apply
All applicants are required to complete an electronic application located online. Non-certified applicants are required to provide proof of successful completion of both the MCOLES Reading and Writing Assessment and the MCOLES Physical Fitness Test at the time of application. Applicants being considered for employment will be required to pass a criminal background check, psychological test, physical examination, including a drug screen, and will be required to complete a Personal History Questionnaire.
Applications are being accepted through September 30, 2025. The department is at 6000 Middlebelt Road, Garden City, Michigan, 48135. If you have any questions, please contact Lieutenant Smith, who can be reached via telephone or email.