Join our team! The City of Kentwood is seeking applicants for a Police Recruit in the Kentwood Police Department.
Pay and Benefits
The hourly pay rate for this position is $25.89. Upon successful completion of the academy, the starting salary is $71,273. Top of scale for this position is $90,966, as of 7/1/2025. The City of Kentwood offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a 22% retirement plan contribution (12% employer, 10% employee), competitive medical insurance with a 2% employee premium share, ranging from $8.64-$20 biweekly, as well as free telehealth visits. Employees enjoy no-cost dental insurance, vision coverage, a health savings account with an annual employer contribution ranging from $825 - $1650, flexible spending account options and a generous retirement health savings plan. Additionally, we provide employer-paid life insurance, long-term disability coverage at no cost to employees and free access to an employee assistance program.
We're proud to be among the first municipal employers in West Michigan to offer a fully paid parental leave benefit. Our policy provides employees with four weeks of fully paid leave following birth, adoption or placement for adoption. Employees who give birth are eligible for an additional two weeks of leave for a total of six weeks fully paid.
We cover the cost of job-related training, certifications and licenses to help our team members excel in their positions. All employees also receive a discount on city recreation programs and rentals.
Position Summary
A Police Recruit is a Kentwood Police Department employee that is sponsored to attend an MCOLES approved academy. The intended result is reclassification to Police Officer with the Kentwood Police Department upon successful completion of the police academy and licensing by MCOLES. City of Kentwood will cover police academy tuition and other directly related costs.
Our ideal candidate has a high school diploma or GED and seeking a career as a Police Officer. Please view the full job description and requirements for more details.
About the Police Department
The Kentwood Police Department serves the city with excellence by reducing crime, increasing traffic safety and engaging with the community. The department includes a dedicated team of sworn officers and professional staff who work around the clock to ensure the safety and wellbeing of residents and visitors. Satisfaction surveys show that on average, 94% of residents rate the overall performance of the Kentwood Police Department as good or excellent. The Kentwood Police Department strives to deliver professional police services and address community concerns as they develop.
About the City of Kentwood
A community of more than 54,000 residents and growing, Kentwood is a safe, prosperous and welcoming city with vibrant neighborhoods and flourishing businesses that make it a wonderful place to live and work. The City offers easy access to a variety of amenities including many of West Michigan’s destination shopping, dining, entertainment and outdoor recreation options. This, along with Kentwood’s outstanding public-school systems, wide variety of businesses and career and education advancement opportunities attract a diverse population.
With a mission of providing high quality services to foster a thriving community for all, Kentwood maintains a culture of excellent customer service, actively providing a responsive and responsible local government with a focus on continual improvement.
The City of Kentwood is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Apply today to join our supportive, dynamic team!
