Recruitment

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

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.

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

Documents

• Shelby Township Police Patrol Officers' Association CBA, expires 12/31/2026
• Shelby Township Police Command Organization CBA, expires 12/31/2028

Law Enforcement Links

• EMPCO Law Enforcement Testing System
• General Information on How to Become a Law Enforcement Officer
• Licensing Standards for Michigan Law Enforcement Officers

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.