Police Training

Since 1993 the department has been part of the Central West Michigan Law Enforcement Training Consortium. The Consortium is the cooperative effort of seven area departments that provides training in a wide variety of areas. These areas include HazMat, Legal Updates, Firearms Tactics, Death Investigations, Juvenile Interviewing Techniques, Ethics, Traffic Stops, and Handling Civil Disturbances. The Consortium sessions are open to other police agencies in the local area and Statewide.

The Big Rapids DPS-Police Division also provides additional training internally. This training includes CPR, Defensive Tactics, First Aid, and Firearms.

Officer Participating in Shoot/Don't Shoot Training

Officer Completing an Evasive Driving Manuever

Almost since the Consortium’s inception the Department has provided trainers to supplement those brought in from outside the area. We train officers from all over the state of Michigan in Simunitions, Field Force, Police Bicycle Patrol and more. We served as the coordinating agency for the first Police Motorcycle Operator training in the region.

Additionally, the Department provides trainers to the Ferris State University Criminal Justice Program and the Michigan Police Corps. The Department members have also provided training independently in areas such as Police Bicycle Patrol and Accident Investigation For the Road Officer.

Big Rapids Department of Public Safety-Police Division is proud of its contribution to Law Enforcement skills and service throughout the state of Michigan.