Public Safety
General Fund & Special Revenue Fund
Department Description
The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety (KDPS) proposed FY2022 budget supports the core functions of police, fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) response. It accounts for anticipated population growth and infrastructure development in the City of Kalamazoo which has necessitated an increased emphasis on investing in recruitment, retention, technology, resource deployment, employee wellness and equipment. The budget will allow KDPS to continue building partnerships in our community while addressing crimes and issues which afflict Kalamazoo.
In partnership with the community, the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for all by providing professional police, fire and EMS. As leaders in public safety, KDPS strives to be a dedicated and diverse team of professionals who are committed to partnering with the community to ensure the City of Kalamazoo will be a safe and desirable place to live, work, and visit.
Through its three (3) year Strategic Plan (2019-2021) KDPS is aligned with Imagine Kalamazoo 2025 with the majority of programs and initiatives tied to Safe Community and Good Governance. The Strategic Plan serves to guide the organization in seven key areas:
- Response
- Crime Prevention
- Support Services
- Fire Prevention
- Training
- Community Outreach
- High Performance Organization
KDPS deploys resources from six (6) facilities and is comprised of 6 Divisions: Administration, Community Oriented Problem Solving (COPS), Operations, Criminal Investigations, Service and Training. In 2021, KDPS responded to more than 120,000 police, fire and EMS calls for service. In 2022, KDPS will continue to promote crime and fire prevention programs, the investigation of crimes leading to the apprehension of perpetrators, the recovery of property and providing emergency medical services.
Public Safety will continue to explore ideas and concepts leading to improved service to our community. The promotion of goodwill, community respect and confidence in Public Safety will continue to be of the highest priority for all employees. KDPS will also strive to recruit and retain a diverse and local workforce.
Learn more about KDPS by visiting their website at https://kalamazoopublicsafety.org/
Core Services
KDPS provides the following services for the residents and visitors of Kalamazoo:
- Police, Fire, and Emergency Medical Services
- Community Policing, and School Resource Officer
- Community Outreach
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
- Hazardous Materials
- Technical Rescue
- Internal/External Training
- Crowd Management
- Special Weapons and Tactics
- Crisis Negotiations and Bomb Squad
- Crime Lab Services
- Drug Investigations
- Crime Reduction Team
- Crime and Data Analysis
- Emergency Management
- K9 Unit
- Criminal Investigations
- Traffic Enforcement
- Community Risk Reduction and Group Violence Intervention
Department Goals
Goal: Create Houseless Outreach Team
Action Plan: Cross-Functional Staffing with Community Resources
Objectives: Proactively and Reactively Provide Response, Services, and Resources to Houseless Population in Non-Traditional Ways
Metrics: Number of Successfully Served Members of the Identified Group
Alignment with Strategic Vision: Safe Community
Goal: Gun Violence Reduction
Action Plan: Cross-Functional Staffing with Community Resources
Objectives: Proactively and Reactively Address the at-risk Group(s)
Metrics: Reduced Victimization and Number of Weapon Related Incidents
Alignment with Strategic Vision: Safe Community
Department Positions
Department Positions by Year
Department Expenditures - General Fund
Expenditures by Type - General Fund
Department Expenditures - All Funds
Public Safety - All Funds
In addition to the General Fund, the Public Safety department manages several programs that have resources from grants, donations, or other dedicated funding sources. Below is the department total by fund.