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General Police Officer Information

General Police Officer Information

The City of Big Rapids Department of Public Safety Police Division does not engage in open employment applications. When we have a vacancy, we advertise on multiple media sources including MCOLES website, other hiring websites, the City of Big Rapids website and local publications. Please check those regularly for new postings. Below you will find the basic qualifications and application process that the Big Rapids Department of Public Safety Police Division follows. (These are general guidelines  and helpful tips and are subject to change)

Basic Qualifications and Application Process

Basic Qualifications for applying are:

  • At least 21 years old by date of hire
  • High-school graduate or recipient of a GED
  • Two years of credits from an accredited college or university
  • U.S. citizen
  • Valid driver’s license with excellent record
  • Able to work 12-hour rotating shifts
  • Drug-free background
  • Excellent physical condition
  • MCOLES certified or certifiable upon full time hiring

The application for hiring is located on the Human Resource section for the City of Big Rapids website. Applicants must submit a resume and cover letter along with the City of Big Rapids employment application to the Human Resources Office. Once the application is received it will be reviewed for completeness and basic qualifications. 

Hiring Process

The City of Big Rapids Human Resources Department facilitates a multi-phase hiring process including but not limited to the following:

  • Application review
  • Written exam
  • Oral panel interview
  • Ride-a-long with officers
  • Medical/physical exam
  • Psychological exam
  • Extensive background investigation
  • Final interview with the Chief of Police and City Manager

Applicants will be required to pass all phases of the process.

Salary and Benefits

Full information for Police Officer salary and benefits can be found on the City of Big Rapids Human Resource website.

The Police Officers Union negotiates common items for the police officer and represents the Police Officers in some other items as the entire city representation is needed.

Common negotiated items are:

  • Salary
  • Holidays
  • Vacation and Sick Leave
  • Compensatory and Holiday Pay
  • Duty Shifts
  • Education Reimbursement

Represented items are:

  • Health Care
  • Dental and Vision Care
  • Retirement

Field Training Process

The Big Rapids Department of Public Safety Police Division field training process is a 12-week process consisting of multiple phases. The trainee will be guided throughout the process by multiple Field Training Officers. The trainee will first complete two weeks of administrative functions. The trainee will then continue to progress through multiple phases of training. Within each new phase will come increased responsibility and on the job learning. The culmination of field training is a two-week shadow phase where the trainee will be observed in solo patrol function. After successful completion of the field training program the officer will graduate to solo patrol but will continue to be monitored by their supervisor as the employee progress towards their probation end date.

MCOLES Recognition of Prior Training and Experience

If you are a law enforcement officer without MCOLES certification please see MCOLES website for their Recognition of Prior Training and Experience (RPTE) process. This process is outlined by MCOLES and upon successful completion of program you will be certifiable in the State of Michigan to work as a law enforcement officer.

The Big Rapids Department of Public Safety encourages you to apply as police officer vacancies are available. Please be aware our hiring process and the MCOLES- RPTE program are separate and distinct processes and hold their own standards for completion.

http://www.michigan.gov/mcoles/0,4607,7-229-41624---,00.html