Police officers are often considered the preservers of law and order in civilized societies. As law enforcement officials, these officers have an important responsibility to uphold law and ensure that the community is abiding by the laws that govern it. This results in an orderly and safe society for everyone.Police officers carry out a large variety of tasks in the carrying out of their job. Furthermore, this occupation is often difficult, demanding, and sometimes very dangerous. The training process can also be quite challenging.

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Should I Become a Police Officer in Michigan?

Educational Requirements High school diploma or equivalent
Experience/Training Training from Police Academy, Moderate on-the-job training
Key Skills Courage, Agility, Active Listening, Courage, Teamwork, Physical and Mental Strength, Empathy, Emotional Intelligence, Community Awareness, Written and Oral Communication, Public Relations, Problem-Solving Skills, Ability to Gauge Situations, Critical Thinking, Observation.
Annual Mean Wage – US (2021) $70,750 (Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officers)
Annual Mean Salary – Michigan, MI (2021)  $64,380 (Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officers)
Job Outlook – Michigan, MI (2020-2030) 8%

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2021) and O*Net Online

Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics

If you are considering a career in law enforcement or wish to find out more about a police officer’s job,  read on.

What Do Police Officers Do?

Police officers are entrusted with a variety of responsibilities and duties in order to ensure that law and order are preserved in society.

Typically, tasks and responsibilities include some or all of the following:

  • Patrol and supervise the community
  • Investigate crimes and crime scenes, accidents, etc
  • Act as the first response team in the event of a crises
  • Apprehend and detain criminals and offenders
  • Provide emergency assistance to those injured in accidents or crimes
  • Obtain evidence and secure interviews from witnesses from a crime scene
  • Provide education and information to the community on crime prevention and awareness
  • Testify in court for cases they were involved in
What Are the Minimum Requirements to Become a Police Officer in Michigan?
How to Become a Police Officer in Michigan

What Are the Minimum Requirements to Become a Police Officer in Michigan?

In Michigan, the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards or MCOLES is the authority which sets the professional standards for law enforcement and criminal justice. Candidates aspiring to become licensed law enforcement officials must meet the minimum selection criteria set by MCOLES and gain its approval.

The precise selection criteria are listed in the Employment Standards for Michigan Law Enforcement Officers.

Candidates must:

  • Be at least 18 years old at the time of application, although there is no upper age limit
  • Be citizens of the United States
  • Be a resident of the state of Michigan
  • Have a valid Michigan driver’s license
  • With respect to educational background, have at least a high school diploma or GED
  • Not be convicted of any felony or misdemeanor. In other words, have a clean criminal record
  • Have an irreproachable moral character
  • Not suffer from any disability, chronic disabilities, physical defects, or emotional/mental instabilities
  • Have good vision including proper perception of color as well 20/20 corrected vision in each eye
  • Have good hearing

In addition to the requirements, a candidate is required to:

  • Clear a drug test
  • Submit their fingerprints
  • Pass a physical fitness test, the MCOLES physical fitness pre-enrollment examination
  • Complete basic training in the MCOLES mandatory basic training curriculum
  • Pass a reading and writing exam (either the MCOLES reading and writing examination or an exam approved by the specific agency you’re applying to as an equivalent)
  • After completing basic training, pass the MCOLES licensing examination
  • Participate in an oral interview

How Long Does It Take To Become a Police Officer in Michigan?

The time that it takes to become a police officer will vary according to each individual candidate. For instance, some individuals may have prior experience and so their training time may be less than those who have no training.

With respect to basic training, all approved training academies are required to teach about 594 hours’ worth of curriculum. Then you must also factor in all the other tests you must take.

If you wish to get a general idea of how long it will take you, it is advisable that you get in touch with the police agency you intend to apply to and work with. Explain your background, and they may be able to give you an idea of the time-frame you will be looking at to become a police officer.

What Are the Steps to Becoming a Police Officer in Michigan?

  • Meet all the selection criteria identified by MCOLES
  • Take two pre-enrollment tests (reading and writing and a physical fitness test)
  • Complete basic training at an approved training academy
  • Pass a licensing exam
  • Get license activated through MCOLES by being sworn in as a law enforcement officer

Prospective Salary and Job Outlook

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) compiled data which indicates that the rate of employment growth for police and sheriff’s patrol officers is projected to rise 3% between 2021 and 2031. In Michigan, the demand for police officers sees a significant rise, as O*Net Online has projected it to be 8% between 2020 and 2030. The Michigan State Police Department offers variety of job opportunities for both enlisted and civilian positions. The projected employment for police officers in Michigan is 19,620 employees by the year 2030. Troopers can follow a career path as

  • Digital Forensic Analyst
  • Emergency Dispatcher
  • Administration
  • Departmental Analysts Hazard Mitigation Unit
  • Trooper Explorer
  • State Police Motor Carrier Officer
  • State Police Trooper

The national annual mean salary for police officers was $70,750 in 2021. According to BLS, the annual mean salary of police officers in Michigan was $64,380 in 2021. In addition to competitive salary package, police officers also get to enjoy insurance, health and wellness benefits, pension, overtime and compensation, as well as longevity pay.

Below is the list of the top five paying states for police and sheriff’s patrol officers.

State Annual Mean Wage 
California $ 102,920
Washington $ 92,390
New Jersey $ 91,690
Alaska $ 87,510
Illinois $ 82,800

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2021)

What Is the Maximum Age to Become a Police Officer in Michigan

The minimum age limit for all aspiring police offers to take the Entry Level Law Enforcement Exam is 18 years. The passing result will remain good for 5 years. The candidate should be 21 years old at the time of graduation from recruit school.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: How are the minimum requirements for becoming a police officer in Michigan determined?

Ans: In Michigan, the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards or MCOLES is the body which sets the professional standards for criminal justice and law enforcement. In order to become licensed law enforcement official, all candidates must meet all of the minimum selection criteria which is set by MCOLES and gain the approval of this body. For the selection criteria on how to become a police officer in Michigan, please refer to the Employment Standards for Michigan Law Enforcement Officers.

Q: What are my job prospects if I become a police officer in Michigan?

Ans: According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment growth for the field of law enforcement is expected to rise 5% between 2012 and 2022. In 2013, O*NET OnLine reported that the annual salary for Police and Sherriff’s Patrol Officers was $55,000 and for Detectives and Criminal Investigators it was $81,200. Keep checking these two websites for the latest figures related to job prospects in the field.

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