Seeking Applications – Full-Time Police Officer, Part-Time Police Officer or Academy Cadet

Join the Tawas City Police Department and a patrol coverage area of 24 square miles of vibrant northern Michigan charm with a modern approach to policing! Experience a balance of relaxed professionalism, streamlined processes, and impactful service. We’ve cut the red tape of redundancy to focus on what truly matters—protecting and serving with efficiency. Ready to make a difference? Apply now!

Contact:  Chief Matthew Klosowski-Lorenz
Opening Date:  September 10, 2024
Applications are accepted until position(s) are filled.
Application: Application for Employment  

Position Summary:

Under the supervision of the Chief of Police, performs responsible law enforcement and patrol work.  Works to maintain order, regulate traffic, protect life and property, and prevent crime and disorder.  Assists at the scene of accidents, fires and other emergency situations.  Performs related work as required.

Full-Time position consists of 12hr shifts on a rotating schedule, having every-other weekend off.

Part-Time position consists of scheduled part-time shifts.  Must be available to work rotating nights and weekends.

Academy/Cadet position consists of 17 weeks of paid, on-the-job training (Police Academy) at Delta College in January 2025.  Pay will be a salaried position while in the academy.  Post academy and upon passing the MCOLES exam, position will follow the Union Agreement for pay and benefits. (More information about the academy can be found here.)

Essential Job Functions:

An employee in this position may be called upon to do any or all of the following essential functions.  These examples do not include all of the duties which the employee may be expected to perform.  To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily.

1. Patrols on foot, in a radio-equipped vehicle or by other approved means to prevent crime and disorder, protect life and property, direct traffic, investigate accidents and enforce motor vehicle operation and parking regulations.
2. Answers calls for assistance and restores order.  Investigates reports of criminal activity.
3. Issues citations for parking and traffic infractions, code, ordinance and other violations.
4. Assists in the apprehension of wanted persons.  Transports prisoners and assumes responsibility for their safety and personal property while in custody.
5. Searches for, collects and preserves evidence at crime scenes.  Conducts criminal investigations. Identifies suspects and exercises powers of arrest.
6. Investigates narcotic violations, organized crime suspects and juvenile situations and takes appropriate action when necessary.
7. Inspects liquor sales establishments and places of entertainment to enforce standards required by law.
8. Prepares and maintains reports of accidents, complaints, offenses and other incidents.  Assists in the prosecution of suspects.  Attends court proceedings as necessary to testify regarding criminal investigations or traffic enforcement activities.
9. Serves civil and criminal processes, including warrants and subpoenas.
10. Assists at accidents and fires and other emergencies by controlling crowds, directing traffic and assisting in rescue operations.  Directs traffic at parades, ceremonies and other events.  Performs police escort work as required.
11. Assists with fingerprinting and photographing suspects, training police auxiliaries and servicing departmental equipment.
12. Operates police vehicles, surveillance and communications equipment, breathalyzers, firearms and other implements approved for use in the line of duty.
13. Assists in coordinating activities and informational exchanges with other law enforcement agencies.
14. Assists and presents safety education and crime prevention programs, such as the Active Crime Prevention Program or the Passive Crime Prevention Program.
15. Attends trainings, meetings, workshops and conferences as directed to maintain proficiency in law enforcement.
16. Performs other duties as required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Minimum Qualifications:

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities and minimum qualifications necessary to perform the essential functions of the position.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the job.

Requirements include the following:

• Certification as a Police Officer by the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards or certifiable.
• State of Michigan Vehicle Operator’s License.
• Knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of modern law enforcement.
• Knowledge of the laws and regulations applicable in criminal investigative work and municipal police work and skill in following these procedures in routine and emergency situations.
• Ability to learn City ordinances and processes for achieving code compliance.
• Knowledge of the basic rules of evidence and other legal procedures applicable in the prosecution of crimes.
• Knowledge of federal and state laws and local ordinances and the limitations on police authority.
• Skill in the operation of police vehicles, surveillance and communication equipment, firearms, breathalyzers, chemical sprays, and other implements used in the line of duty.
• Ability to work effectively under stress in emergency and confrontational situations according to an established command structure and observe established procedures.
• Ability to make sound, independent decisions when no assistance is available.
• Ability to exercise good judgment, initiative and resourcefulness and maintain effective working relationships with the public, elected officials, community leaders, victims, detainees and other professionals.
• Ability to use basic office equipment such as telephone, calculator, photocopier, fax and computer with applicable software applications such as word processing and specialized department software, as well as email/internet/world wide web.
• Ability to work shifts of varying lengths and different times of the day, including weekends and holidays, as necessary.
• City employees are expected to possess and maintain a record of orderly, law-abiding citizenship, sobriety, integrity and loyalty as it pertains to and reflects upon their employment with the City.
• City employees must be physically and mentally able to perform the essential duties of their position without excessive absences.
• In addition to the above requirements, all City positions require the ability to read, write, speak and understand the English language as necessary for the position, including the ability to follow written and oral instructions.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee’s environment can range from an office setting to highly dangerous law enforcement situations.  Physical demands, therefore, range from sitting in an office or vehicle to exercising the strength, mobility, dexterity and stamina associated with apprehending criminals.  The employee is regularly required to communicate with others in person and on the telephone or radio, use sight to review documents and assess public safety scenes, and must regularly travel to other locations.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to adverse weather conditions, extreme heat, high, precarious places, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, explosives and other dangerous situations. The noise level in the work environment can range from quiet to very loud.

Benefits and Compensation (Full-Time)

Benefits are negotiated via POLC Union Contract, which include:

• 100% employer paid healthcare
• 8.5% employer paid retirement contributions
• Paid incentives for holidays
• Sick, vacation and personal time
• Longevity pay after 5 years
• All uniforms and gear provided

Full Time Wages:
2024-2025         $22.89 – $27.85/hour
2025-2026         $23.35 – $28.40/hour

Part Time Wages:
$22.89 – $26.35/hour

Academy Wages:
TBD