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.

As a prospective member of The Eaton County Sheriff’s Office, honesty and integrity are essential to being a member of our team. If you are found to omit important information or are found to be deceptive at any point during the hiring process, you will be disqualified. All applicants must successfully complete a background investigation in order to be hired.

No.  There is not a residency requirement.

Yes. Prospective applicants are encouraged to participate in a ride along.  Please utilize our “contact us” area to receive further information.

Licensing and employment standards/requirements for police officers in the State of Michigan are set forth by the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards.  Please see the below links for further information.

Employment Standards (michigan.gov)      Licensing Standards for Michigan Law Enforcement Officers

Licensing as a law enforcement officer in Michigan must be approved through the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES). This happens when the following two requirements are met by the candidate:

1. Compliance with MCOLES minimum selection standards which includes satisfactory completion of a basic police academy or recognition of prior training and experience, and

1. Employment with a law enforcement agency as a law enforcement officer.

If I am a license police officer in another state, am I eligible to be a police officer in Michigan?

Previously licensed police officers in Michigan, or from another state, who are seeking re-licensure are directed to the MCOLES Recognition of Prior Training and Experience (RPTE) Program.

Yes. 

Am I eligible to be a police officer if I have been convicted of a felony offense, or an offense which carries a possible penalty of more than 1 year of incarceration?

No.

In addition to any felon offense, disqualifying offenses also include adjudications of guilt for violations or attempted violations of any of the following misdemeanors under Michigan law or substantially corresponding laws of another jurisdiction: 

Operating While Intoxicated, 2nd Offense (MCL 257.625(1),(8), (9)(b), (25)); 

Possession of Controlled Substances (MCL 333.7403(2)(c)) (does not include marijuana); 

Use of Controlled Substances (MCL 333.7404(2)(a), (b), or(c)); 

Domestic Violence, 2nd Offense (MCL 750.81(4)); 

Aggravated Assault (MCL 750.81a(1)), 

Aggravated Domestic Violence (MCL 750.81a(2)); and, 

Stalking (MCL 750.411h).

Tattoos can be visible, except for on the hands, neck, face, and scalp.  They also cannot be unprofessional or offensive in nature.

Our Road Patrol operates on a 2 week schedule, where you are scheduled to work 7 out of 14 days, which allows for every other weekend (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) off.  Our dayshifts consist of 5am-5pm and 6am-6pm, and our night shifts are 5pm-5am and 6pm-6am. We also have a shift assignment of 12pm-12am, and various special assignments which consist of a Monday thru Friday schedule.