Police Career Opportunities

The Battle Creek Police Department is currently accepting applications for the position of Police Officer. Police Officer duties include providing police service to the general public and patrolling the city limits, enforcement of city ordinances and state laws. responding to calls for service, investigating crimes, testify in court when needed, and special assignments. 

Police Officer base salary starts at $63,648 and progresses to $79,684 after four years. Starting wage/vacation consideration given to experienced MCOLES or MCOLES-eligible (out of state) Police Officers.

We anticipate a continuous hiring process over the next 18 months. An active hiring eligibility list is being established. Women, Minorities, and Military Veterans are encouraged to apply.

Minimum Requirements

  • Must be at least 21 years old
  • Must be a United States Citizen
  • Must have an associate degree or higher from a recognized accredited college or university or any combination of education, training, and experience which provides the essential knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the functions of the job at the time of application
  • Must not have any felony convictions
  • Passed MCOLES approved academy and be licensable in Michigan
  • Must have a valid State of Michigan motor vehicle or chauffeur's license
  • Must submit to a full background investigation, including fingerprinting and financial investigation
  • Must successfully pass a medical examination, including drug screen
  • Must successfully pass a psychological examination
  • Must successfully pass a physical fitness examination

Motto

City of Battle Creek Police Department: Serving with Pride for Over 100 Years.

About the Department

The Battle Creek Police Department serves one of the largest incorporated areas in the State of Michigan. Service is provided to the City of Battle Creek and Bedford Township.

The department is professionally staffed by sworn officers and assisted by civilian employees. This team responds to over 60,000 calls for service annually and provides a variety of services.

Chat with the Battle Creek Police Department

Fill out this form with your information to chat directly with members of the Battle Creek Police Department. Start the conversation and get your questions answered about a career in law enforcement!

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  1. New Officer Training
  2. Employment Process
  3. Benefits

Police Training Officer

Course Description

In 2007 the Battle Creek Police Department transitioned to the Police Training Officer program. This is a 16-week training program that will evaluate 15 core competencies that the trainee will focus on. This program addresses the changing philosophies required for effective policing in America today. It is specifically mentioned in the President's Task Force on 21st Century Policing as a model to teach new officers how to think proactively with their community through the use of adult based learning strategies.

During their 16 week-long program, the trainee will also research and present two problem-based learning exercises (PBLE) and one neighborhood portfolio exercise (NPE). The PBLEs are ill-structured in nature, and the trainee will look at multiple responses when responding to these calls. The NPE is an assessment of a geographically known area of the city that will assist the officer in building a foundation of problem solving and identifying resources within the city and the community.

Participants will learn how to use and teach community policing strategies, emotional intelligence, and problem-based learning. Each of the program components are thoroughly taught and practiced. This challenging course teaches program mechanics, training foundations, organizational leadership, and personal accountability through community learning.

The 15 Core Competencies that are EvaluatedOn Duty - Journey to Becoming an Officer

  • Police Vehicle Operations 
  • Conflict Resolution 
  • Use of Force 
  • Local Procedures, Policies, Laws and Organizational Philosophies 
  • Report Writing
  • Leadership 
  • Problem-Solving Skills 
  • Community Specific Problems
  • Cultural Diversity & Special Needs Groups 
  • Legal Authority 
  • Individual Rights 
  • Officer Safety 
  • Communication Skills 
  • Ethics 
  • Lifestyle Stressors/Self Awareness/Self-Regulation

Upon successful completion of the PTO program, the trainee is then placed on the road as a patrol officer to answer calls for service, investigate accidents, provide traffic enforcement, conduct foot patrols, residential and commercial building checks, and interact within the citizens of our community.