Police Officer (Military Experience)

Canton Township•Canton, MI

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Canton Township is hiring Police Officers, including candidates with military experience and in-service recruits eligible for a full police academy scholarship. This is general police work involving the protection of life and property, crime prevention, apprehension of criminals, and enforcement of criminal and traffic laws and local ordinances in an assigned area and shift. Officers may be assigned special details or training duties and must exercise sound judgment in emergency situations. Work is supervised by a superior officer through inspections, report reviews, and general appraisal of police service effectiveness. The 2026 starting pay scale is $62,128. Eligible academy cadets receive $20.00 per hour and medical benefits as Canton Township employees during the academy. The full-scholarship in-service candidate route requires a minimum three-year active-duty contract or completion of a minimum six-year reserve contract, availability to attend the 17-week academy beginning in January 2027, and successful completion of the required MCOLES examinations and tests by the stated deadline. Applicants must be certified or certifiable as a Michigan Police Officer or enrolled in a recognized police academy, and must hold Michigan Police Officer Certification at the time of hire. A minimum associate degree in law enforcement or a related field is required. Applicants also need a valid Michigan driver's license with an acceptable driving history, and must meet the stated MCOLES testing requirements. Employment offers are contingent on further interviews, reference and background checks, verification of work and driving history, psychological and physical examinations, drug screening, and satisfactory completion of a one-year probationary period.

Requirements

Complete a minimum three-year active-duty contract or a minimum six-year reserve contract to qualify for the in-service candidate full-scholarship route.
Be available to attend the 17-week Police Academy beginning in January 2027 for the in-service candidate scholarship route.
Successfully complete the MCOLES Reading and Writing Examination and MCOLES Physical Agility Test by November 16, 2026, where applicable to the scholarship selection process.
Be certified or certifiable as a Michigan Police Officer, or currently enrolled in a recognized Police Academy; Michigan Police Officer Certification is required at the time of hire.
Possess a minimum associate degree in law enforcement or a related field.
Possess a current, valid Michigan driver's license with a driving history that does not create liability concerns, including specified serious driving violations.
Successfully complete the MCOLES Reading and Writing Skills Examination.
Have successfully completed the MCOLES Physical Fitness Test within the applicable period specified for the interview and selection process.
Be able to learn the streets and physical layout of the Township and adjoining areas.
Have some knowledge of first aid methods and approved principles, practices, and procedures of police work.
Have some skill in the use of firearms.
Be able to learn and uphold relevant state laws and Township ordinances and satisfactorily complete required training.
Be able to react competently, quickly, and calmly in emergency conditions.
Have the ability and strength to perform prolonged and arduous work under adverse conditions.
Be able to cooperate with supervisors and coworkers and accept lines of authority.
Be able to deal with the public tactfully and courteously.
Be willing and able to comply with the Department's Standards of Appearance policy.

Responsibilities

Patrol an assigned Township area to preserve law and order, prevent and discover crime, and enforce motor vehicle operation and parking regulations.
Respond to calls and complaints involving accidents, robberies, misdemeanors, felonies, and other incidents.
At accident, crime, or fire scenes, administer first aid, conduct preliminary investigations, gather evidence, obtain witness information, make arrests when appropriate, and transport prisoners to jail.
Respond to calls at commercial, residential, and adjoining locations.
Interview people with complaints or inquiries at the central police desk, resolve matters where possible, or direct people to the appropriate authorities.
Provide escorts when required.
Prepare evidence for issuance of complaints, testify in court, and report activities and case dispositions.
Maintain order in court, escort prisoners from detention quarters to court, and serve criminal process, including warrants and departmental subpoenas.
Perform other duties as assigned.