Police Careers FAQ

• Successful completion of two (2) years of college level coursework;
• Be at least 18 years of age;
• Be a United States citizen at the time of testing for the position;
• Must not have any felony convictions;
• Possess a valid Michigan driver's license prior to hire date;
• Must have attended a police academy; and
• Be MCOLES certified or certifiable

The MCOLES physical fitness test consists of four separate events: vertical jump, sit-ups, push-ups, and a 1/2 mile shuttle run. Candidates are required to pass all four events of the test. The official results notification may be presented to employing agencies or to recruit academies.

The minimum performance standards for the MCOLES physical fitness test are displayed below. The numbers in the tables represent the "cut score", or pass/fail point for each event. In order to pass the test, candidates must score at least the minimums listed in the tables on each of the four events.

Note how the tables are divided according to age and sex. When looking at the tables, be careful to select your individual performance category.

• MCOLES Pre-Enrollment Physical Fitness Test Video
• Preparing for the Test
• Event #1 - Vertical Jump
• Event #2 - Sit-Ups
• Event #3 - Push-Ups
• Event #4 - 1/2 Mile Shuttle Run

• Complete Online Application
• Oral Board interviews
• Complete and Submit Background Questionnaire
• Complete MCOLES Physical Agility, Reading and Writing Test
• Pass Background Investigation
• Complete EMPCO Exam
• Second Round Interview
• Conditional Offer
• Physical and Psychological Exam
• Attend Police Academy Orientation
• Successfully attend and complete and MCOLES approved police academy
• Sworn in as a full-time Police Officer with the Kentwood Police Department

• Overtime:
  • Paid at 1.5x or option to convert to compensatory time off
• Insurance:
  • Employee pays only 2% of medical coverage premiums
  • Health, Vision, Dental & Life Insurance
  • Retirement Heath Savings Plan
• Vacation:
  • 80 hours of vacation after six months of employment
  • Up to 160 hours of vacation accrued annually based on years of service
  • 11 paid holidays
  • 24 hours of personal time annually
• Paid Sick Leave:
  • 96 hours accrued annually
  • 1,840 hours maximum accrual
• Retirement:
  • 401K with 22% total contribution (12% employer, 10% employee)
  • ICMA 457 plan
• Paid Parental Leave:
  • Four (4) weeks paid leave following birth or adoption
  • Additional two weeks for employees giving birth
• Continuing education and training

• Criminal Investigations Division (10-hour investigation division shifts)
• Combined Auto Theft Team 
• Metropolitan Pattern Crime Task Force
• Special Investigations Unit 
• Patrol Division (10-hour patrol division shifts)
• Crisis Negotiation Team
• Training Officer Instructor
• Recruitment Officer
• Field Training Officer
• Community Services Officer
• School Resource Officer 
• Traffic Services Bureau
• Traffic Crash Reconstruction
• Drone Unit
• Honor Guard
• Bicycle Team 
• Drone Committee 
• Special Response Team
• K9 Unit

• Visible tattoos that fit within our tattoo policy are allowed. 

• Facial hair not exceeding a half inch and within policy guidelines is allowed. 

There are certain events or elements of your past that could serve as automatic disqualifiers. Any felony conviction, including deferred adjudication, less-than-honorable discharge from the military, criminal activity, drug abuse and history of drug addiction and gang membership (in most cases) fall into this category. If you have history of drunk driving, excessive traffic citations or misdemeanor, you may also not qualify for becoming a police officer.

Police Academy admissions requirements

Students who do not have an associate degree or higher from an accredited college or university must complete (or transfer to GRCC) the designated general education courses before being able to take any of the Police Academy courses. Exceptions or waiver of these requirements are considered by the Police Academy Director and/or the Criminal Justice Department Head.

Admissions for this program includes a full criminal background check. Students must provide a social security number in order for this process to be completed.

Criminal History

You cannot have any felonies on your record, including adult expungements. Misdemeanor crimes will be discussed on a case-by-case situation. Law Enforcement demands people with a strong moral character.

Fitness

You must be at a physical fitness level sufficiently high enough to pass the pre-enrollment physical agility test. Do not take your fitness level for granted. You must prepare for this test. To check out the test details, go to MCOLES, Physical fitness test. Testing dates will be available with the application packet in May.

Off-Campus Requirement

The classes for Firearms and Emergency Vehicle Operations are both within 10 miles of GRCC's campus. Both classes are required for the Police Academy program. Students are responsible for their own transportation and any cost associated with it.

How to apply for the program

After applying to grcc.edu at www.grcc.edu/apply, student recruits should submit this interest form for the Police Academy. 

Visit our Police Academy Information and Application page, and michigan.gov/mcoles/ Michigan Law Enforcement Standards.

History of convictions may affect employment
Employment within the Criminal Justice field may be delayed or denied depending on a history of convictions involving felonies, misdemeanors and/or involving controlled substances.

https://www.michigan.gov/mcoles/standard-training/law-enforcement-training-academies-and-programs