Police Recruit

Non-union, temporary, at-will (contractual) position. Upon successful completion of the certified Police Academy, the Police Recruit will be promoted to Police Officer as a vacancy exists. This position is for enrollment at the 2026 Mid-Michigan Police Academy (WCC), beginning October 26, 2026.

About the role

The Police Recruit will attend a certified Police Academy in Michigan on behalf of and at the expense of the City of Jackson Police Department.

Eligibility Requirements

• Be 21 years of age
• Be a citizen of the United States
• Possess an Associate degree or the equivalent number of college credits (60 credit hours)
• Possess a valid driver’s license
• Ability to operate an automobile safely and in accordance with traffic laws
• Ability to understand and adhere to the laws and rules of the Department
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions
• Ability to prepare written reports
• Ability to deal courteously and firmly with the general public
• Ability to qualify on physical strength and agility test
• Ability to meet the mental standards of the job
• Ability and willingness to work in a manner that will not needlessly endanger the safety to oneself, other persons, and equipment
• Aptitude for, or skill in, the use of firearms
• 20/20 in each eye correctable to 20/50 in each eye (contact lenses may be used to meet the 20/50 requirement), full visual functions, normal color vision, and depth perception
• Normal hearing in each ear
• No prior felony convictions or high court misdemeanors
• Possess good moral character as determined by a background investigation
• Ability to successfully pass drug screening, physical, and psychological evaluations
• At the time of hire, possess a passing score on both the MCOLES Reading/Writing Test and the MCOLES Physical Agility Examination
• Possess and maintain a valid Michigan driver’s license and a good driving record at the time of appointment and throughout employment
• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand the English language as necessary for the position
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions
• Ability to get along with other employees and members of the public
• Possess and maintain a record of orderly law-abiding citizenship, sobriety, integrity, and loyalty
• Physically and mentally able to perform the essential duties of the position without excessive absences

Physical Demands

• Frequently required to sit and talk or hear
• Regularly required to stand and walk; occasionally required to run and jump
• Use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls
• Reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; taste or smell
• Occasionally lift and/or move more than 100 pounds
• Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus
• Withstand exposure to traffic hazards continuously
• Withstand exposure to weather, wet conditions, high noise levels, hazardous materials, and personal danger occasionally
• At risk of personal danger including intentional attack by people and/or animals, as well as environmental hazards
• Frequently works in outside weather conditions

Pay

$21.4467 hourly (non-union). Upon promotion to Patrol Officer, wage will increase.

Benefits

• Paid vacation leave, sick leave, and holidays
• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Deferred Compensation Program
• Healthcare Savings Plan