Department Description

The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety (KDPS) proposed FY2023 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 quality of life, crime and safety concerns of the residents and visitors of 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 (2022-2025) 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

· Administration

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 123,000 police, fire and EMS calls for service. In 2022, KDPS will continue to promote crime and fire prevention programs, traffic safety, alternate service delivery for the unhoused population and those in mental crisis, the investigation of crimes leading to the apprehension of perpetrators, 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/

Department Goals

Objectives: Enhance services for the marginalized community

Action Plan: KDPS will utilize the Community Service Team to provide alternate services to those in need

Metrics: 2022 - not available; 2023 - 150

Alignment with Strategic Vision: Safe Community

Objectives: Reduce gun violence

Action Plan: Proactively and Reactively Address the at-risk Group(s)

Metrics: 2022 - group involved 29 non-fatal shootings, 4 homicides; 2023 projected - group involved 25 non-fatal shootings, 3 homicides

Alignment with Strategic Vision: Safe Community

Department Positions

Department Expenditures - General Fund

Department Expenditures - 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.