Sterling Heights Police Department – Police Officer
Application Period: June 16, 2025 – August 3, 2025
Department Size: 161 Sworn (124 Officers | 37 Command Staff)
The Sterling Heights Police Department is currently seeking qualified candidates for the position of Police Officer. SHPD is a highly respected, well-resourced agency that values professionalism, integrity, and service. Whether you’re an entry-level candidate or a certified lateral officer, SHPD offers excellent pay, benefits, and long-term career growth.
Visit our website to apply: https://www.sterlingheights.gov/
Contact: Sgt. Michael Zawojsky at mzawojsky@sterlingheights.gov
Key Benefits & Compensation
- Salary Start: $66,000
- Salary Top: $104,000 (After 5 years or years combined w/ experience totaling 5 years).
- Schedule: 12-hour shifts with fixed days off (6-month rotations)
- Shift Bidding: Conducted twice annually (April & October) by seniority
- Shift Premium: 6% for night shift assignments
- Holiday Pay: 100 hours annually, paid out
- Uniforms & Equipment:
- $1,500 New Hire Uniform Allowance + Body Armor
- $1,500 Annual Uniform Allowance
- Longevity Pay: $1,000 – $3,663 annually
- Pension: Traditional defined benefit pension (2.5 multiplier); eligible to retire after 25 years of service (no age minimum)
- Healthcare: Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
- Retiree Health Savings Plan: $3,500 annual employer contribution (no post-retirement healthcare)
- Deferred Compensation: 457 plan available
- Vacation: 120 hours accrued in first year
- Lateral Transfer Pay Incentives
- Tuition Reimbursement: 75% reimbursement, up to $4,000 per year
- Police Academy Sponsorship: Available for qualified applicants
Career Development & Specialized Opportunities
SHPD supports professional development through extensive training and diverse assignments, including:
- Directed Patrol Unit (DPU)
- Traffic Safety Bureau (TSB)
- Narcotics / CSU
- Fugitive Apprehension (FAST)
- K-9 Unit
- SRO (School Resource Officer)
- Investigative Bureaus (Youth & Adult)
- Field Training Officer (FTO)
- Crisis Negotiations & Special Response Teams
- Peer Support, Honor Guard, and Drone Units
- Federal Task Force Officer Assignments (FBI, DEA, HSI, U.S. Marshals)
Minimum Qualifications
- Must be a U.S. Citizen
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- Must possess a valid Michigan driver’s license.
- Must have sixty (60) credit hours toward a degree from an accredited college, or two (2) years’ experience as a full-time police officer or two (2) years of full-time United States military service by time of hire.
- Must have a minimum valid test score of 80% on Empco’s Law Enforcement written exam (https://www.empco.net/) and have Sterling Heights Police Department selected in Empco profile.
- Must be MCOLES certified or MCOLES certifiable at time of hire.
- Must be cleared by a comprehensive background investigation covering school and employment records, financial history, home environment, personal traits, and integrity.
- No felony convictions.