Police Officer

  $15,000 Sign-on Bonus for New Lateral Transfers!  5% Attendance Bonus!  Make the move to Portage!

The Portage Department of Public Safety (PDPS) Lateral Entry Program affords certified, experienced Police Officers the opportunity to join the Portage Department of Public Safety – Police Division. Opportunities for officers who have excelled in their law enforcement careers and are up to the task of meeting the high standards of the PDPS are HERE!

Current police officers with full-time experience will be hired at an advanced pay step based on prior years of experience, up to Step F.  Step F of the current Portage Police Officers’ Association collective bargaining agreement is $91,014.69 annually ($43.76/hour). Step A for entry-level officers is $61,611.14 annually ($29.63/hour). *ALL police officers are now eligible to receive a 5% ANNUAL ATTENDANCE BONUS*.  This bonus is unique to Portage Public Safety and is not available anywhere else in the area!  

All candidates must be certifiable officers and meet the following requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen and 21 years old.
• Possess an associate's degree in any field, at a minimum. 
• Possess a valid driver's license with a good record.
• Comply with the residency requirement of 30 miles from the Portage city limits within one year, paralleling the end of probation. 
• Must have no felony convictions, excluding expunged convictions.

Out-of-state officers or those separated from a police department for more than a year are subject to re-licensure requirements defined by MCOLES and the Recognition of Prior Training & Education program. Successful out-of-state candidates must also obtain a valid Michigan driver's license upon hire.  Successful candidates must complete all required tests and evaluations.

Are you ready to make the move to Portage? APPLY NOW!

Additional Information

Police Recruitment Procedure

• Applications will be reviewed upon receipt.  Selected candidates will be invited to participate in Oral Board Interviews.
• Upon completion of Oral Boards Interviews, recommendations will be made for applicants to the final interview.
• If an offer is made, post-offer conditions include a psychological evaluation, background investigation, and a physical/drug screen.
• Once all the results are back, start dates will be determined with each of our new officers as appropriate.

Application Special Instructions

All questions during the application/hiring process should be directed to Human Resources at (269)329-4533 or by texting (269)998-1385.

Equal Employment Opportunity

It is the policy of the city to afford equal employment opportunity regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, marital status, height, weight, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity; Positive action shall be taken to ensure the fulfillment of this policy.