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Become a State Properties Security Officer

Three state properties security officers in front of the State Capitol.

Become a State Properties Security Officer

On Duty:

The State Properties Security Officer (SPSO) is a specialized position which provides general law enforcement and security services at state owned and leased facilities in the Lansing area. These positions are not MCOLES certified; however SPSOs are empowered to make arrests on duty, when in uniform on state properties.

All SPSO positions are based in the Lansing area. SPSOs perform a number of law enforcement functions while on duty including patrol of the Capitol Grounds and state office buildings, security at special events, dignitary protection, and the investigation of criminal complaints which emanate from state agencies or occur on state owned or leased property. Patrols are deployed on foot, bicycle or in a patrol car.

SPSOs work under the direction of a Lieutenant and Detective Sergeant providing 24 hour 365 days a year coverage within their patrol area. Officers must exercise good judgment while responding effectively to critical situations which occur in an extremely high profile environment.

Salary:

Recruits are employees of the MSP on the first day of recruit school and do not pay for their training. Recruits also receive full insurance and other benefits while attending recruit school.

$2100 Biweekly

Recruits receive approximately $1,750 - $2,400 biweekly during academy training.

$46K Starting Salary

Starting salary for a State Property Security Officer 7 is approximately $45,500.

$62K Current Max

Currently, the maximum salary for a State Property Security Officer position is approximately $62,000.

Great Benefits:

  • Defined benefit/defined contribution and health savings plans.
  • Paid holiday, vacation and sick leave, as well as 12 weeks of paid parental leave. 
  • Health, dental, vision, and life insurances. 
  • Uniforms and equipment are provided. 
  • Tuition reimbursement, career guidance, specialized training, employee resource groups, and access to wellness and resiliency resources. 
  • Continuing education partnerships for reduced/discounted tuition and recognition of training for college credits at numerous colleges and universities.
State Properties Security Officer standing in front of Michigan State Capitol building.

Minimum Requirements:

Hiring Process:

Step 1: Entry-Level Law Enforcement Examination

You will be provided with a voucher to take the Entry Level Law Enforcement Exam through the National Testing Network. The test is valid for 5 years. The exam evaluates the skills, knowledge and abilities related to elements of law enforcement positions.

Study Materials: A practice test is available for purchase at frontlinetest.com. Users must create an account to access the practice test. The practice test is not mandatory.

If you have taken and passed the Entry-Level Law Enforcement Exam within the last five years, you are eligible to move onto Step 2.

Step 2: NEOGOV Application

Next, the applicant must complete the NEOGOV State Properties Security Officer application. Applicants will be required to upload the following documents into NEOGOV when filling out the online application, if applicable:

  • Resume and cover letter indicating interest in the SPSO position
  • Valid driver's license (Michigan license required by graduation from recruit school)
  • Birth certificate
  • Social security card
  • Official high school transcript or G.E.D. certificate
  • Official college transcripts from all schools attended (if applicable)
  • Military Certificate of Release from Active Duty (if applicable)
  • Authorization for Release of Information PD-044

Marijuana use is prohibited under federal law for any purpose. Any marijuana use after submitting an application is prohibited and will result in a 1-year deferment from the selection process.

Step 3: Background Investigation
Considered the most important step in the selection process, a trained department employee conducts a thorough and comprehensive background investigation, including the applicant's past actions and experiences, to help determine the applicant's suitability for employment. The department places significant emphasis on the results of an applicant's background investigation. Members of the MSP Recruiting and Selection Section thoroughly review the completed investigations to determine if applicants will continue with the selection process.
Step 4: Hiring Interview
Designed to assess specific competencies necessary to perform the duties of the SPSO, the hiring interview will be based on a validated job assessment for the position. An excellent resource on the Targeted Selection approach to interviewing is Preparing for Behavior Based Interviews, which is provided by the Michigan Civil Service Commission.
Step 5: Conditional Offer of Employment

Pursuant to applicable state and federal law, candidates who achieve a rating high enough to merit appointment to the Academy are given a conditional offer of employment. This offer states that, if the candidate passes the remaining pre-employment steps, the candidate will be appointed to the Academy. Candidates must continue to meet the minimum requirements. Negative information that comes to the attention of the department after a conditional offer of employment is made is open to review, and may subject the candidate to revocation of the offer. Applicants will be asked for their top 3 post assignment selections at the time of the conditional offer.

  • Psychological Screening and Medical Examination: All candidates shall undergo a psychological screening administered at the direction of the department's Behavioral Sciences Section prior appointment to an Academy. All candidates must pass this examination and a medical examination within 180 days prior to appointment.
  • Drug Screening: All candidates must pass this examination and a medical examination within 180 days prior to appointment. All candidates shall be drug screened at least once prior to appointment to the Academy.
  • MCOLES Physical Fitness Test: All applicants will be required to update the MCOLES Physical Fitness Test with the Michigan State Police before the start of recruit school.
Step 6: Appointment
Applicants who successfully complete all selection process steps are invited to the next scheduled recruit school. Applicants will receive an appointment letter describing details of the recruit school orientation and specific equipment necessary to begin the training.
Step 7: Academy Training
Recruits are required to live at the academy during the week and are released on Friday evenings. They are required to return on Sunday evenings. This is a great sacrifice that takes commitment and a strong desire to succeed. Learn more about a recruit's life.

SPSO Recruit School:

The State Properties Security Officer (SPSO) is a specialized position which provides general law enforcement and security services at state owned and leased facilities in the Lansing area.

Learn more about SPSO recruit school

After Graduation:

All recruits are assigned to the Capitol Security Section. Recruits participate in an 8 week Field Training Officer (FTO) Program under the direction of a senior officer. After successful completion of the FTO program new officers are assigned to various shifts and patrols in the Lansing area.
Michigan Capitol building in Lansing.
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