Police Officer

Salary: $79,770.60 - $96,205.20 Annually
Location : Royal Oak Police Department
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 202400003
Department: Police
Opening Date: 01/01/2026

Job Description

A Police Officer is responsible for the protection of life and property through the enforcement of laws and ordinances. Work will usually consist of routine patrol tasks performed in accordance with departmental rules and regulations. A superiorofficer regularly checks the work of a Police Officer and gives specific instructions and assistance when special problems arise, although the Police Officer is required to exercise independent discretion when faced with emergency conditions. Work may involve an element of personal danger. Communications are maintained with headquarters through a two-way radio system.
Essential Job Functions
A Police Officer may be called upon to do any or all of the following.(These examples do not include all of the duties which the employee may be expected to perform.)

1. Affect an arrest, forcibly if necessary, using handcuffs and other restraints.
2. Climb over obstacles; climb through openings; jump down from elevated surfaces; jump over obstacles, ditches and streams; and crawl in confined areas to pursue, search, investigate and/or rescue.
3. Communicate effectively over law enforcement radio channels while initiating and responding to radio communications, often under adverse conditions.
4. Communicate verbally and effectively by listening to people and by giving information, directions, and commands.
5. Conduct searches of buildings and large outdoor areas which may involve walking and/or standing for long periods of time and which requires the ability to distinguish color and perceive shapes.
6. Conduct visual and audio surveillance for extended periods of time.
7. Enter and exit vehicles quickly to perform rescue operations, pursue a suspect or answer an emergency call.
8. Exercise independent judgment within legal guidelines, to determine when there is reasonable suspicion to detain, when probable cause exists to search and arrest and when force may be used and to what degree.
9. Gather information in criminal investigations by interviewing and obtaining the statements of victims, witnesses, suspects and confidential informants.
10. Load, unload, aim and fire handguns, shotguns, and other agency firearms from a variety of body positions in situations that justify the use of deadly force while maintaining emotional control under extreme stress.
11. Manage interpersonal conflicts to maintain order.
12. Operate an emergency vehicle during both the day and night; in emergency and pursuit situations involving speeds in excess of posted limits while exercising due care and caution and in exception to traffic control devices and in congested traffic and in unsafe road conditions and environmental conditions such as fog, smoke, rain, ice and snow; within the parameter of departmental policies, rules and regulations.
13. Perform law enforcement patrol functions while working rotating shifts and unanticipated overtime.
14. Perform tasks which require lifting, carrying, or dragging people or heavy objects while performing arrest, rescue or general patrol functions.
15. Perform searches of persons which involve touching and feeling to detect potential weapons and contraband.
16. Prepare investigative and other reports, including sketches, using appropriate grammar, symbols and mathematical computations.

KSA

A Police Officer upon application, shall meet the following requirements:

1. A minimum of two years of college education*, at least 60 semester hours, from an accredited a recognized college or university(Applicants must meet this requirement by the end of this semester.)

(YOU MUST ATTACH OR SEND US PROOF OF EDUCATION (TRANSCRIPTS OR DIPLOMA COPY) PRIOR TO THE APPLICATION DEADLINE)

* If applicant does not have 60 college credit hours, then the following experience may be considered at the department's discretion:

• Four years of full-time active duty military service
• Two years as a sworn full time police officer

2. Must be a citizen of the United States of America.

3. Must have passed the Pre-Certification Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards written and physical agility tests as required by state law, and as evidenced by a valid official notification.

(YOU MUST ATTACH OR SEND US PROOF PRIOR TO THE APPLICATION DEADLINE)

4. Have a valid motor vehicle operator's permit with good driving record.

Qualifications for Employment:

• Some knowledge of modern law enforcement principles, procedures, techniques and equipment.
• Ability to read, interpret and obey laws, regulations and departmental rules.
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions, and to communicate effectively.
• Ability to analyze situations and to adopt a quick, effective and reasonable course of action.
• Ability to develop skill and discretion in the use of firearms.
• Ability to deal courteously but firmly with the general public.
• Ability to learn the geography of, and surrounding, the City of Royal Oak and the location of important buildings.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to function effectively under stress and in emergency situations.
• Ability to remember names, faces, pertinent facts and details of incidents; a keen sense of observation.
• Ability to successfully complete all job related training during the probationary period.
• Skill in the operation of various tools and equipment such as police car, police radio, radar gun, handgun and other weapons as required, as well as pager and first aid equipment.
• Willingness to work outdoors and occasionally be exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, extreme cold and extreme heat.

Application Special Instructions
1. Upon hire, applicants must visit to register for the EMPCO Police Officer exam, complete the exam, and have a passing score on file with EMPCO. NOTE: not needed to apply, but needed before being hired.

There is a fee to take the examination, but results of this one test will be accepted by all participating police departments in Michigan. The City of Royal Oak requires a minimum passing score of 70.

2. Applicants must submit a City of Royal Oak employment application packet and a completed PHQ, found here

Only if you are unable to complete an online application, please contact Human Resources at 248-246-3070, or stop by our office to pick up a paper application. Please be sure to provide proof of education, MCOLES pre-certification written and physical agility test results, and DD-214 if you are claiming veteran status.
The City of Royal Oak provides full-time employees with a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, prescription, vision, and dental coverage, flexible spending accounts, long and short-term disability, life insurance for employees and dependents, an Employee Assistance Program, access to a health and wellness center, and a robust retirement plan with both employee and employer contributions.
01

I have at least 2 years of college education (at least 60 credit hours) from an accredited college or university, and attached proof thereof (transcripts or diploma):

• Yes
• No

02

I passed the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) written and physical agility tests as required, and attached valid official notification as proof thereof:

• Yes
• No

03

I understand that I must have completed the EMPCO law enforcement exam upon being hired & have selected the City of Royal Oak as a municipality to receive the scores. (Not needed to apply)

• Yes
• No

04

Have you enrolled in or completed the Police Academy?

• Yes
• No

05

Have you attached documentation of being enrolled in or a certificate of completion of the Police Academy?

• Yes
• No

06

Do you have any prior Law Enforcement experience, if so how many years?
Required Question

Salary: $79,770.60 - $96,205.20 Annually
Location : Royal Oak Police Department
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 202400003
Department: Police
Opening Date: 01/01/2026

Job Description

A Police Officer is responsible for the protection of life and property through the enforcement of laws and ordinances. Work will usually consist of routine patrol tasks performed in accordance with departmental rules and regulations. A superiorofficer regularly checks the work of a Police Officer and gives specific instructions and assistance when special problems arise, although the Police Officer is required to exercise independent discretion when faced with emergency conditions. Work may involve an element of personal danger. Communications are maintained with headquarters through a two-way radio system.
Essential Job Functions
A Police Officer may be called upon to do any or all of the following.(These examples do not include all of the duties which the employee may be expected to perform.)

1. Affect an arrest, forcibly if necessary, using handcuffs and other restraints.
2. Climb over obstacles; climb through openings; jump down from elevated surfaces; jump over obstacles, ditches and streams; and crawl in confined areas to pursue, search, investigate and/or rescue.
3. Communicate effectively over law enforcement radio channels while initiating and responding to radio communications, often under adverse conditions.
4. Communicate verbally and effectively by listening to people and by giving information, directions, and commands.
5. Conduct searches of buildings and large outdoor areas which may involve walking and/or standing for long periods of time and which requires the ability to distinguish color and perceive shapes.
6. Conduct visual and audio surveillance for extended periods of time.
7. Enter and exit vehicles quickly to perform rescue operations, pursue a suspect or answer an emergency call.
8. Exercise independent judgment within legal guidelines, to determine when there is reasonable suspicion to detain, when probable cause exists to search and arrest and when force may be used and to what degree.
9. Gather information in criminal investigations by interviewing and obtaining the statements of victims, witnesses, suspects and confidential informants.
10. Load, unload, aim and fire handguns, shotguns, and other agency firearms from a variety of body positions in situations that justify the use of deadly force while maintaining emotional control under extreme stress.
11. Manage interpersonal conflicts to maintain order.
12. Operate an emergency vehicle during both the day and night; in emergency and pursuit situations involving speeds in excess of posted limits while exercising due care and caution and in exception to traffic control devices and in congested traffic and in unsafe road conditions and environmental conditions such as fog, smoke, rain, ice and snow; within the parameter of departmental policies, rules and regulations.
13. Perform law enforcement patrol functions while working rotating shifts and unanticipated overtime.
14. Perform tasks which require lifting, carrying, or dragging people or heavy objects while performing arrest, rescue or general patrol functions.
15. Perform searches of persons which involve touching and feeling to detect potential weapons and contraband.
16. Prepare investigative and other reports, including sketches, using appropriate grammar, symbols and mathematical computations.

KSA

A Police Officer upon application, shall meet the following requirements:

1. A minimum of two years of college education*, at least 60 semester hours, from an accredited a recognized college or university(Applicants must meet this requirement by the end of this semester.)

(YOU MUST ATTACH OR SEND US PROOF OF EDUCATION (TRANSCRIPTS OR DIPLOMA COPY) PRIOR TO THE APPLICATION DEADLINE)

* If applicant does not have 60 college credit hours, then the following experience may be considered at the department's discretion:

• Four years of full-time active duty military service
• Two years as a sworn full time police officer

2. Must be a citizen of the United States of America.

3. Must have passed the Pre-Certification Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards written and physical agility tests as required by state law, and as evidenced by a valid official notification.

(YOU MUST ATTACH OR SEND US PROOF PRIOR TO THE APPLICATION DEADLINE)

4. Have a valid motor vehicle operator's permit with good driving record.

Qualifications for Employment:

• Some knowledge of modern law enforcement principles, procedures, techniques and equipment.
• Ability to read, interpret and obey laws, regulations and departmental rules.
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions, and to communicate effectively.
• Ability to analyze situations and to adopt a quick, effective and reasonable course of action.
• Ability to develop skill and discretion in the use of firearms.
• Ability to deal courteously but firmly with the general public.
• Ability to learn the geography of, and surrounding, the City of Royal Oak and the location of important buildings.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to function effectively under stress and in emergency situations.
• Ability to remember names, faces, pertinent facts and details of incidents; a keen sense of observation.
• Ability to successfully complete all job related training during the probationary period.
• Skill in the operation of various tools and equipment such as police car, police radio, radar gun, handgun and other weapons as required, as well as pager and first aid equipment.
• Willingness to work outdoors and occasionally be exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, extreme cold and extreme heat.

Application Special Instructions
1. Upon hire, applicants must visit to register for the EMPCO Police Officer exam, complete the exam, and have a passing score on file with EMPCO. NOTE: not needed to apply, but needed before being hired.

There is a fee to take the examination, but results of this one test will be accepted by all participating police departments in Michigan. The City of Royal Oak requires a minimum passing score of 70.

2. Applicants must submit a City of Royal Oak employment application packet and a completed PHQ, found here

Only if you are unable to complete an online application, please contact Human Resources at 248-246-3070, or stop by our office to pick up a paper application. Please be sure to provide proof of education, MCOLES pre-certification written and physical agility test results, and DD-214 if you are claiming veteran status.
The City of Royal Oak provides full-time employees with a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, prescription, vision, and dental coverage, flexible spending accounts, long and short-term disability, life insurance for employees and dependents, an Employee Assistance Program, access to a health and wellness center, and a robust retirement plan with both employee and employer contributions.
01

I have at least 2 years of college education (at least 60 credit hours) from an accredited college or university, and attached proof thereof (transcripts or diploma):

• Yes
• No

02

I passed the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) written and physical agility tests as required, and attached valid official notification as proof thereof:

• Yes
• No

03

I understand that I must have completed the EMPCO law enforcement exam upon being hired & have selected the City of Royal Oak as a municipality to receive the scores. (Not needed to apply)

• Yes
• No

04

Have you enrolled in or completed the Police Academy?

• Yes
• No

05

Have you attached documentation of being enrolled in or a certificate of completion of the Police Academy?

• Yes
• No

06

Do you have any prior Law Enforcement experience, if so how many years?
Required Question

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