(616) 456-3301
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WILL I BE NOTIFIED IF I AM DISQUALIFIED FROM THE PROCESS?
Yes, at each step of the process you will be sent an e-mail which will tell you if you are going to move on to the next step or if you have been disqualified. If you don't see this e-mail in your inbox please check your spam and junk boxes. If you still have not been contacted please call our Human Resources at 616-456-3176.
WHAT PERCENTAGE DO YOU NEED TO PASS THE CIVIL SERVICE EXAM?
You need at least a 70% to pass the civil service exam.
WHAT ARE THE AGE REQUIREMENTS FOR POLICE OFFICER CANDIDATES?
Applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of the application.
CAN I MAKE COPIES OF MY BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION QUESTIONNAIRE AFTER I SUBMIT IT TO GRPD?
No, we will not make copies after it has been turned in. We encourage you to make copies prior to turning in the background investigation questionnaire.
AS AN OUT OF STATE APPLICANT, HOW MANY TRIPS WILL I NEED TO MAKE TO GRAND RAPIDS DURING THE HIRING PROCESS?
Out of state applicants will have to make 2-4 trips to Grand Rapids depending on circumstances. We may be able to make accommodations to lessen this with proper notice.
HOW LONG DOES THE HIRING PROCESS USUALLY TAKE?
The hiring process can take approximately 3-6 months depending on when you take the civil service exam and if you apply for the sponsorship or certified officer process.
IF I WAS DISQUALIFIED FROM THE HIRING PROCESS, HOW LONG MUST I WAIT BEFORE I CAN REAPPLY?
If you are disqualified you must wait until the next open process to reapply. You will then have to start again with the online application and possibly the civil service exam.
WHAT DO I WEAR FOR MY INITIAL ORAL BOARD INTERVIEW AND BACKGROUND INVESTIGATOR INTERVIEW?
You should dress appropriately in a suit or business attire, to all interviews or meetings with recruiting staff. The wearing of cut-off shirts, shorts, torn or faded clothing, gym attire, flip flops, or sandals does not display the professional appearance we look for in our applicants. Athletic attire should only be worn to MCOLES agility testing as this is when the physical fitness test is conducted.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF I OMIT IMPORTANT INFORMATION OR AM FOUND TO BE DECEPTIVE IN THE HIRING PROCESS REGARDING MY BACKGROUND HISTORY?
Honesty and integrity are important values found in Grand Rapids police officers. If you are found omitting important information or are found to be deceptive at any point throughout the hiring process, you will be disqualified. All applicants must successfully complete a background investigation in order to continue in the hiring process.
ARE THERE RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS TO WORK FOR THE GRAND RAPIDS POLICE DEPARTMENT?
No. Grand Rapids police officers do not have residency requirements. However, the City does offer incentives to reside in the city. The city will pay closing and/or prepaid costs up to the amount of $3,000 in specified CDBG target areas of the city and up to $2,000 in general CDBG areas of the city. The financial institution being used must be participating in the city program. The employee must use the property as their homestead residence for a period of not less than 3 years and provide a down payment. You will have to repay all or a portion of the incentive if you do not remain for the 3 years.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO DO A RIDE ALONG WITH A GRPD OFFICER?
Yes. The GRPD Ride Along Program is designed to give citizens a first-hand view of police work in Grand Rapids, MI. After completing an application, you will be paired with a patrol officer in a marked vehicle and will observe as he or she responds to calls for service. This is one of the best ways to learn if police work is right for you.
Prospective applicants are encouraged to participate in the program prior to applying, if possible. All police officer candidates must complete a ride along with an officer toward the end of the hiring process. Any citizen or applicant wishing to participate in the program can obtain information by contacting the Community Engagement Unit at 616-456-3301.
DOES THE GRPD HAVE A POLICY ON TATTOOS?
Yes, officers may have tattoos except for on the hands, neck, face, and scalp. The content of the tattoos cannot be unprofessional or offensive in nature. Some examples of unacceptable content are nudity, violence, sexually explicit, profane, or vulgar words, phrases, or art. Symbols likely to incite a strong negative reaction. Initials, symbols, numbers, or acronyms, that represent criminal or historically oppressive organizations.
HOW DO I NOTIFY THE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT UNIT IF I NEED TO WITHDRAW FROM THE HIRING PROCESS OR IF I CAN’T MAKE MY SCHEDULED TESTING DATES?
If withdrawing or you are going to miss a testing date, please contact Human Resources or the Community Engagement Unit with your name and reason.
Human Resources 616-456-3176 jobs@grcity.us
CEU 616-456-3301 grpdrecruiting@grcity.us
IF I AM HIRED FOR THE SPONSORED POLICE RECRUIT POSITION, DO I HAVE TO LIVE AT THE GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY POLICE ACADEMY?
No. Recruits do not have to live at the police academy campus in Allendale, MI. Work hours are typically Monday – Friday from 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. There are several training sessions throughout the academy, however, that will require evenings and/or weekends depending on the lesson plan or project being completed. You typically work an average of 40 hours in a given week while in the academy. However, they may be longer at times.
ARE THERE ANY WAIVERS FOR TESTING FOR ACTIVE-DUTY MILITARY?
No. Waivers are not allowed at any time.
I DON’T HAVE THE BEST DRIVING RECORD. WILL THAT DISQUALIFY ME?
An applicant’s entire driving record is reviewed, with the last five years being the most critical. However, the following are automatic disqualifiers: Operating while intoxicated 2nd and no license, license currently suspended or revoked.
IS DRUG USE AN AUTOMATIC DISQUALIFIER?
Drug use is not automatically a disqualifier. Disqualification timeframes depend on many factors including the substance used, age at time of use, and frequency of use. For specific questions, please contact the Community Engagement Unit. Below are a list of some of the disqualifiers for drugs:
Selling of marijuana
Possession of a controlled substance or dangerous drugs
Using a controlled substance or dangerous drug
Selling a controlled substance or dangerous drugs
WHAT ARE SOME ADDITIONAL REASONS I MIGHT BE DISQUALIFIED FROM THE HIRING PROCESS?
The following is a list of potential disqualifiers that do not fit in any particular category:
Failure to answer every question in the Background Questionnaire.
Failure to meet application process deadlines.
Failure to pass the Medical (including hearing and eyesight), Psychological screening, and Drug Test screening.
Making false statements, being deceptive by statement or omission in the hiring and selection process.
Failure to keep appointment(s) or provide documentation related to the hiring process.
Failure to meet MCOLES criminal history standards.
If you have questions or would like to see more about the hiring process, below you can find our video series from YouTube for JoinGRPD: The Sponsored Recruit Process. Both the sponsored recruit process and certified officer process are very similar.
QUESTIONS? TALK TO A RECRUITER!
