Police Officer - Military Experience - Full Police Academy Scholarship

Canton Township • Canton Township, MI

3d

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 focused on protecting life and property, preventing crime, apprehending criminals, and enforcing criminal and traffic laws and local ordinances in an assigned area and shift. Officers may also be assigned to special details or training duties. They must exercise sound independent judgment in emergencies; work is supervised by a superior officer through inspections, report reviews, and general appraisal of police service. The stated 2026 starting pay is $62,128. Scholarship cadets attending the 17-week January 2027 academy receive medical benefits as Canton Township employees and are paid $20.00 per hour.

In-service candidates seeking the full scholarship must have completed at least a three-year active-duty contract or a six-year reserve contract, be available for the January 2027 academy, and complete the required MCOLES examinations and tests by November 16, 2026. Applicants must meet the position's minimum qualifications, including Michigan police officer certification at the time of hire and an associate degree in law enforcement or a related field.

The posting is open to all applicants. Applications are accepted from October 20 through November 3, 2026. Candidates selected for interviews are scheduled on or after November 9, 2026. Employment offers are contingent on further interviews, reference checks, background and work-history verification, driving-history verification, psychological and physical examinations, drug screening, and satisfactory completion of a one-year probationary period.

Requirements

• Complete at least a three-year active-duty contract or a minimum six-year reserve contract to qualify for the in-service candidate full scholarship.
• Be available to attend the 17-week Police Academy beginning in January 2027.
• Complete the MCOLES Reading and Writing Examination and MCOLES Physical Agility/Fitness Test by November 16, 2026, as applicable to the hiring 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.
• Have at least an 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 convictions.
• Successfully complete the MCOLES Reading and Writing Skills Examination.
• Have successfully completed the MCOLES Physical Fitness Test within the required period stated for the relevant hiring stage.
• Be able to learn the streets and physical layout of the Township and adjoining areas.
• Have some knowledge of first aid methods and modern approved principles, practices, and procedures of police work.
• Have some skill in using 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 emergencies.
• Have the ability and strength to perform prolonged, arduous work under adverse conditions.
• Be able to cooperate with supervisors and other employees 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.
• Meet the conditions of a contingent offer, including further interviews, reference checks, background investigation, work-history and driving-history verification, psychological and physical examinations, drug screening, and satisfactory completion of a one-year probationary period.

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 matters.
• At accident, crime, or fire scenes, administer first aid, conduct preliminary investigations, gather evidence, obtain witness information, and when appropriate make arrests and transport prisoners to jail.
• Respond to calls at commercial, residential, and adjoining-area addresses.
• Interview people with complaints or inquiries at the central police desk and make an appropriate disposition or direct them to the proper authority.
• Provide escorts when required.
• Prepare evidence for complaints, testify in court, and report activities and case dispositions.
• Maintain order in court, escort prisoners to court from detention quarters, and serve criminal process, including warrants and departmental subpoenas.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• MERS defined benefit pension with a 2.5% of base wage multiplier.
• Retirement eligibility at age 53 with 25 years of service.
• Sick leave, paid time off, and holiday pay.
• Medical insurance (BCN), dental insurance, prescription coverage, and life insurance.
• Vision reimbursement.
• Short- and long-term disability coverage.
• Medical benefits for cadets during the academy.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree