Police Officers in Grand Rapids

The Grand Rapids Police Department is hiring certified/lateral officers or officers who will be certified/graduate from a police academy by August 2025. These officers must be available to work nights, weekends, and holidays. The annual salary for this position ranges from $58,830 to $88,731.

Grand Rapids Police Officers Position Opening

The purpose of this job is to patrol, community police, and provide tactical skills, which include the following:

• Provide police services to the general public and patrol city streets to protect its citizens.
• Enforce city ordinances and state laws.
• Offer professional police presence where needed and requested.
• Interview complaints, suspects, and witnesses to criminal activity.
• Testify in criminal, civil, or administrative court cases when required.
• Serve and protect the life and property of those within the city limits of Grand Rapids.
• Enforce laws and ordinances.
• Work with citizens to address problems and improve police and community relations.
• Perform tactical operations throughout the city.
• Responsible for Patrol Officer duties in any capacity needed or requested throughout the City, which includes special events, foot, bike, uniformed or plainclothes, and Segway patrols.

Minimum Requirements and Experience

Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:

• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Have a valid driver’s license or obtain a Michigan Driver’s license by the hire date.
• Have a high school diploma or GED.
• Be a U.S. citizen.
• Some experience with communicating with people under varying circumstances.
• 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.
  • Study guides are available at GR Public Libraries or for purchase.
• Possess good moral character.
• Possess good reading and writing skills.
• Have a clear record of any felonies and certain misdemeanors.
• Meet all State of Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards.
  • For out-of-state certified officers, please get in touch with the Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) at (517) 322-1417 to determine eligibility and available dates for the Recognition of Prior Training and Experience Program.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance starting on the first day.
• Defined Benefit Pension Plan.
• Employee & employer contributions to Retiree Health Savings Account.
• Thirteen (13) Paid Holidays.
• Paid vacation and sick time.
• Paid parking (if applicable).
• Employee homeownership incentive.
• Tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities.
• Paid parental leave.
• Employee Assistance Program with free mental health counseling sessions.
• Comprehensive Wellness Program with a health and wellness incentive.
• Employee discounts and perks.
• Voluntary benefits include term life insurance, flexible spending account, accidental insurance, disability insurance, and deferred compensation plan options.

Hiring Steps

Qualified candidates will be invited to a date on which the below sequential steps will be offered. Each step must be successfully passed to move on to the next.

1. Apply online.
2. Civil Service examinations will be held on the following dates:

   1. April 2
   2. May 7
   3. June 4
3. Entrance Exam (8 AM):
   1. National Criminal Justice Officer Selection Inventory (cognitive/integrity).
   2. Study guides are available at GR Public Libraries or for purchase (New Study Guide Link)
4. Oral Exam (10 AM-12 PM): This is a structured interview proctored by a panel of Human Resources and Police personnel.
5. Interview (1-5 PM): Facilitated by the Police Chief.
6. Personal History Statement: The document will be emailed with written and video instructions.

Significant Dates

• Must be Eligible for MCOLES by the Date of Hire
• Recruit Class Orientation Begins August 11, 2025
• Recruit Class Oath of Office on October 16, 2025

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 August 2025. This position is not covered by Social Security — learn more about pension benefit options for non-covered state or local government employees.

For More Information

Please visit the Join GRPD website for additional information about the position, department, and the City of Grand Rapids.

If an applicant needs any disability-related accommodation or other consideration in the application or selection process, please notify the human resources department upon submission of the application.

The City of Grand Rapids does not discriminate in employment based on 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 factors.