Downriver Today

The Taylor Police Department is looking for men and women to join their team.

For various reasons, the department’s number of sworn officers has declined. Earlier this week, a “Letter of Agreement” was signed between the City and Taylor Police Officers Labor Association. After that agreement, the letter was approved unanimously by City Council on Tuesday night. The letter enhances many salary and benefit options available to new hires and those seeking lateral moves.

“This proposal (will) provide retention and recruitment into the police department,” Chief John Blair told the council. “We are sorely in need of police officers. Our most recent hiring list had four total people on it. We’re hoping with this new agreement, our applicant pool will increase and will allow people currently here to stay. We’re hoping this is a big step in improving the department and providing a safe environment for all of our citizens in the City of Taylor.”

The improvements are using federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding. Taylor was awarded approximately $11.5M in those restricted funds. This program will allocate about $1.3M of those locally targeted funds over a three-year period for police recruitment and retention.

“We do have a national crisis with law enforcement,” Chief of Staff Dan Bzura told the council. “Other communities are doing similar things to attract and retain officers.”

The agreement enhances police salaries and benefits in many ways:

• Starting salary increases to $51,000 annually by August 1, and offers a five-year lateral for prior law enforcement experience up to $70,013 annually.
• Top pay for corporals increases to $76,000 by 2024
• Police pensions take on a 2.25 percent multiplier.
• Paid holidays, vacations, sick time, sick leave bonus and compensation time offered.
• Medical, prescription, life, dental and vision insurance offered.
• Residency and education bonuses included.
• 12-hour shifts with every other weekend off.
• Paid shift differential.
• Selective traffic enforcement details.

Opportunities include:

• Bonus pay for field training officer and K9 officer.
• Investigations bureau.
• Accident investigator.
• Drone pilot unit.
• Firearms/Taser instructor.
• Downriver SWAT.
• Crisis Negotiations Team.
• Special Operations.
• DEA, HIS and MNET task force officer.

Requirements include applicants must by 21 years of age, have a minimum 60 college credits (unless they are a certified police officer), be a U.S. citizen, have a valid driver’s license, no felony convictions, MCOLES certified and there is no EMPCO written test required for incoming certified police officers.

For more information, call (734) 374-1390. Apply online at www.cityoftaylor.com/jobs.

(Scan the images on the flyer to apply or receive more contractual information.)

Original source can be found here.