By Cris Greer
WKTV Managing Editor
Kentwood Police Captain Ryan VanderVeen said the Department’s October recruit open house was very successful and they hope to at least hire 10-15 officers per year through this program.
“We were able to meet with several dozen potential recruit officer candidates that night,” explained VanderVeen, of their Oct. 13 event. “Those selected will attend the 15-week Grand Valley State University Police Academy beginning in May of 2023. In addition, we will soon begin another hiring process in which those selected will attend the GVSU Police Academy beginning in August of 2023.
VanderVeen said they hope to continue this program in the future so they can “recruit great candidates of all backgrounds, who have a passion to serve the citizens of Kentwood as a police officer.”
“Our department officer staffing is down right now,” VanderVeen said. “Even if we were not down, we would still be pursuing the recruit officer position.”
VanderVeen said the recruitment events explain the hiring process and requirements of becoming a police recruit.
“We had many police staff on hand and were able to meet one-on-one with applicants to answer their questions. Those that attended were given the opportunity to tour the Kentwood Police Department and see what we have to offer.”
Applicant requirements
- High school diploma
- Michigan driver’s license
- No felony criminal convictions
- No prior law enforcement experience necessary
The recruit officer position is considered a “sponsored” position, meaning that once selected and hired, Kentwood pays all costs for the employee to attend the GVSU Police Academy, according to VanderVeen.
Recruits receive wages during academy
Also, because the recruit is an employee, they will be paid wages and receive benefits while attending the police academy. Upon successful completion of the academy and passing the State of Michigan licensing exam, the employee will be promoted to the position of police officer with the Kentwood Police Department.
“This is an excellent way for someone to enter the field of law enforcement in a non-traditional manner,” VanderVeen explained. “We’ve had engineers, accountants, military veterans and others in the business field join the Kentwood Police Department through this program.
“Previously, those that wished to become a police officer likely needed to quit their current employment, foregoing wages, to attend a police academy. This program removes that roadblock because the academy costs will be covered, and the recruit will receive a wage during the academy.”
To find current job openings at the Kentwood Police Department and apply, visit kentwood.us/employment.
