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Communities across Michigan’s Thumb are actively recruiting police officers, offering competitive pay, benefits, and incentives to attract qualified candidates.
Thumb Area Communities Launch Hiring Drives for Law Enforcement Roles
CASEVILLE — Communities across Michigan’s Thumb are stepping up efforts to bolster their police forces, with several municipalities launching active recruitment campaigns for full-time and part-time officers.
From Dryden Township to Gagetown, local governments are seeking qualified candidates to fill key law enforcement positions, responding to growing needs for public safety and community policing.
Dryden Township, located in southern Lapeer County, is hiring a full-time police officer. Offering a starting salary of $60,798, Dryden emphasizes strong community support for its police department. The township covers 36 square miles and serves around 5,000 residents?.
Meanwhile, the Tuscola County Sheriff’s Office is looking to add road patrol deputies. New hires will start at $26.04 per hour, with the potential to earn over $30 per hour after five years of service. The Sheriff’s Office is offering academy cost reimbursement incentives and comprehensive health benefits?.
Croswell, a small city in Sanilac County, is also recruiting a full-time officer. The position starts at $22.59 per hour with full health, dental, and vision benefits through Blue Cross Blue Shield, and participation in the Municipal Employees’ Retirement System (MERS)?
Competitive Pay and Benefits Aimed at Drawing Candidates
Imlay City is seeking full-time officers, offering a starting wage of $28.14 per hour, with a defined-benefit retirement plan through MERS and health coverage through BCBSM. The city notes that it values experienced lateral transfers, offering up to three years’ pay credit depending on service?.
In Cass City, the police department is hiring part-time officers at a starting wage of $25.07 per hour, with an additional shift premium for nighttime hours. Officers are provided 60 hours of paid time off per calendar year?.
Gagetown, a small village of just over 300 residents, is seeking a part-time Chief of Police. The position pays between $23 and $25 per hour based on experience. Duties include patrolling village streets, coordinating law enforcement activities with other agencies, and engaging with the community through safety programs?.
Qualifications and Training Requirements for Thumb Region Officers
Most agencies require candidates to meet Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) certification or eligibility. Additional requirements include U.S. citizenship, valid driver’s licenses, and clean criminal records.
Several municipalities, such as Tuscola County and Imlay City, require passing the MCOLES written and physical agility exams before consideration??.
Preference is typically given to candidates with associate or bachelor’s degrees in criminal justice or related fields, although equivalent experience is also valued.
Addressing Challenges in Rural Public Safety Staffing
The push to hire new officers highlights ongoing challenges facing rural communities. Many small towns across Michigan struggle with staffing shortages, funding constraints, and growing service demands.
Chief Shawn Peters of Dryden Township emphasized the need for a proactive policing presence, noting that the community values regular patrols, engagement in schools, and rapid response to emergencies?.
Similarly, smaller agencies like Gagetown stress the importance of a Chief of Police who not only enforces the law but also works closely with other departments, citizens, and local officials?.
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