Recruitment

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Professionalism. Dedication. Readiness. Innovation.

Setting the standard for modern policing through trust, innovation, and professionalism, creating a safer future for Shelby Township.

Why STPD?

The Shelby Township Police Department is looking for motivated individuals ready to begin a rewarding career in law enforcement.

Our Officers proudly serve a growing and vibrant community of more than 80,000 residents across 36 square miles. When you join the Shelby Township Police Department, you become part of a dedicated team committed to professionalism, service and protecting our community.

Officers have the opportunity to work in a variety of specialized assignments while building a career that offers growth, advancement and meaningful impact.

If you are ready to serve your community and make a difference, we invite you to join the team.

Meet the Units

The Shelby Township Police Department offers a variety of specialized units, assignments and teams that allow officers to grow and expand their careers.

Opportunities may include working with K-9, Special Operations, Community Policing and investigative or analytical roles. As our department continues to grow, Officers have the ability to explore different assignments and develop new skills throughout their careers.

Click below to learn more about the specialized units within our department.

Bureaus & Assignments

About the Shelby Township Police Department

Organization

The Shelby Township Police Department is a full-service, community-focused law enforcement agency serving one of Macomb County’s largest and fastest-growing communities.

The department emphasizes proactive policing, strong community partnerships and a commitment to public safety through specialized units, modern training and innovative programs.

Core Purpose / Core Values

Setting the standard for law enforcement excellence.

Shelby Township Police Department is committed to delivering professional, responsive and community-oriented policing services to residents, businesses and visitors.

Core values center around service, integrity, professionalism and a strong connection to the community.

Facilities & Training

The Shelby Township Police Department operates out of a modern public safety facility equipped to support patrol operations, investigations and specialized units.

Officers have access to advanced training opportunities, including tactical response, investigations, crisis negotiation and community policing initiatives, ensuring they are prepared to meet the evolving needs of the community.

Hiring Requirements & Opportunities

Must pass EMPCO testing with a score of 70 or higher
Must select Shelby Township Police Department as preferred employer
For those looking for a career in Law Enforcement, we have a Cadet Program

Financial Benefits

Shelby Township Police Officers receive a comprehensive benefits package designed to support long-term career growth and well-being.

Additional benefits include:

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Short- and Long-Term Disability - Employer Paid
Retiree Medical Savings Account
401(a) and 457(b) retirement plans
Tuition reimbursement and ongoing educational opportunities
Vacation time, sick time and personal time
12-hour shifts with Patrol Officers guaranteed every other weekend off
Additional 2 hours of pay each week for 12-hour shift schedule
$2,000 bonus after completion of probation
Expedited field training program for lateral transfers

Specialized Units & Career Opportunities

The Shelby Township Police Department offers a wide range of specialized assignments, allowing officers to grow and diversify their careers.

Specialized Units:

Detective Bureau
Special Investigations Unit
Tactical Response Team
K-9 Unit
Drone Team
Crisis Negotiation Team
DEA Task Force Officer
County of Macomb Enforcement Team (COMET)

Core Units:

Patrol Division
Traffic Division
School Resource Officers
Community Services Unit
Evidence Technician
Fatal Accident Investigation Team
Mobile Field Force
Motor Carrier Unit
Mountain Bike Patrol
Peer Support Team

Shelby Township Community Profile

Situated in west Macomb County, 20 miles north of Detroit and 8 miles west of Anchor Bay, Shelby Township is home to nearly 85,000 people. The Township is governed by an elected 7-member Board including 3 full-time officials (Supervisor, Clerk & Treasurer) and 4 part-time Trustees:

Rick Stathakis, Supervisor
Stanley T. Grot, Clerk
James Carabelli, Treasurer
Lisa Casali, Trustee
Lucia Di Cicco, Trustee
John Vermeulen, Trustee
Vince Viviano, Trustee

To learn more about how the Township functions, please visit our “How Shelby Operates” webpage, and for more information about individual departments, please view our “Departments” page.

Among our greatest assets are our 1,200 acres of township parks, equipped with sports fields, playscapes, and trails. The Parks and Recreation department is responsible for our vast array of facilities and plans and coordinates various adult and youth recreation programs.

Nature lovers rejoice, as our parks provide an escape from the day-to-day hustle and bustle. Home to more than 100 species of native birds and animals, including nesting American bald eagles, and more than 80 species of trees, shrubs and wildflowers, it’s hard not to fall for the beauty and serenity of Shelby.

Located just east of our municipal offices is Cherry Creek Golf Club, one of the finest public golf and banquet destinations in Michigan and the venue for many of our special events. Also located in Shelby Township is the 4,000-acre Stony Creek Metropark, home to the 500-acre Stony Creek Lake, and the Macomb Orchard Trail, a 24-mile hike and bike path that connects to 180 miles of trails across southeast Michigan.

Hiring Process

Applications

Applications are accepted throughout the year based on department hiring needs.

To be considered, applicants must complete the required EMPCO testing and select Shelby Township Police Department as their preferred employer.

Minimum Qualifications

Must be at least 21 years of age
Must be a United States citizen
Must possess a valid Driver’s License with an acceptable driving record
Must be MCOLES certified, certifiable or currently enrolled in an MCOLES approved police academy
Must have successfully passed the EMPCO Law Enforcement written exam with a score of 70 or higher
Must meet MCOLES standards for physical fitness and licensing

Selection & Hiring Process Includes

Employment Application

Candidates must ensure all required materials are submitted by the posted deadline

EMPCO Testing

Candidates must complete EMPCO Law Enforcement testing
Applicants must designate Shelby Township Police Department as their preferred agency
Minimum qualifying score of 70 required

Oral Board Interview

Qualified candidates will be invited to participate in an interview process
Evaluates communication skills, judgment and overall fit with the department

Eligibility List

Candidates who successfully complete the interview process are placed on an eligibility list
The list is used to fill current and future vacancies

Conditional Offer of Employment
Candidates receiving a conditional offer must successfully complete:

Comprehensive background investigation
Psychological evaluation
Medical examination and drug screening in accordance with MCOLES standards

Onboarding & Training

Human Resources onboarding process
Department orientation and training
Field Training Officer (FTO) Program
Probationary period

Resources

Cadet Program

The Shelby Township Police Department Cadet Program was established in 2018 with the goal of identifying and hiring qualified candidates while providing valuable experience for individuals pursuing a career in law enforcement.

The Cadet Program is a recruitment function designed to identify individuals who are not only seeking a career in law enforcement, but who also want Shelby Township to be their department of choice. Once hired, Cadets are continually evaluated with the goal of being hired as police officers. This period allows the department to better assess a Cadet’s work ethic, level of responsibility and commitment before offering the opportunity to become a Police Officer.

The program also gives cadets the opportunity to gain meaningful experience and insight into the Shelby Township Police Department’s role within the field of law enforcement and our community. Cadets assist Police Officers and civilian personnel with a wide range of tasks throughout the department.

Responsibilities:

Customer service at the department’s front desk
Report writing
Assistance with departmental training
Special events and assignments
Fleet operations
Booking and fingerprinting
Ride-alongs with Officers

Requirements:

Must be a U.S. citizen and at least eighteen years of age at the time of application
Possessing or actively working toward a minimum of an associate degree in criminal justice or a related field as determined by the department
Possession of a valid Michigan driver’s license and a good driving record
Must not have been convicted of a violation of criminal law
Must be able to pass an extensive background investigation
Must be willing to work a variety of schedules that best meet the needs of the department

Additional Information:

Job Assignment: Part-time, maximum of 29 hours per week
Hourly Rate of Pay: $20

Please contact the Human Resources Department for the current hiring status.