Eligibility to Become a Police Officer
- Candidates must be at least 20 years of age and under 35 years of age at the time of online written exam but must be at least 21 years of age and under 36 years of age at time of appointment, pursuant to the Illinois Municipal Code as amended (65 ILCS 5/10-1-1 et seq.).
- Must be an U.S. citizen at the time of appointment.
- Must possess a valid Class “D” Illinois driver’s license or a valid out-of-state driver’s license of similar classification.
- The applicant must have achieved a high school diploma with a grade point average of 2.0 out of 4.0 (or an equivalent on a scale with a maximum grade point average other than 4.0), or a G.E.D. with a passing score equivalent to 2.0 grade point average, or at least sixteen (16) hours of college credit with a grade point average of 2.0 out of 4.0 (or an equivalent on a scale with a maximum grade point average other than 4.0) regardless of high school grade point average or G.E.D. composite score.
- Must be able to meet vision standard at time of appointment. Must be correctable to 20/20 with both eyes open including field of vision/depth perception/color vision within normal ranges.
- Must possess a valid Peace Officer Wellness Evaluation Report (POWER)(PDF, 144KB) Test card. Certifications will be considered valid within one (1) year of the issuance date. Due to POWER test scheduling availability, POWER test cards may be submitted to human resources after the close of the application but before the background investigation begins.
- Must be of excellent moral character and personal integrity.
- Must able be to pass a subsequent polygraph and psychological examination will be required, in addition to a thorough background investigation, drug screen and pre-employment physical.
- Must be able to obtain a FOID Card
For full consideration, candidate must submit their application, required documents, as well as register and complete the Law Enforcement exam through the National Testing Network by the indicated deadlines.
Note: There is a non-refundable base fee of $65 for testing and an additional cost for each department where you indicate you want to apply. Payments are made electronically using a credit card. If you are interested in testing for this opportunity but, are unable to pay the fee, please complete the Financial Hardship Request Form and return it with the required documentation, as soon as possible during the open application and testing period.
Tattoo Policy
Tattoos to the head, neck, and facial area are prohibited. Hand tattoos are not allowed, however, there are very limited exceptions with approval from the Chief of Police.
Officers are permitted to have tattoos elsewhere, visible to the public, if the tattoo is not objectionable or demeaning to the image of the Department. The nature, number, size, and location of the tattoos are all factors in determining whether such tattoos are objectionable or demeaning. Examples include but are not limited to; tattoos that contain nudity, profanity, or to be perceived as gang related, criminal, obscene, sexual, racial, or detracts from the professional image of a law enforcement officer.
The covering of objectionable tattoos with make-up, sleeves, Band-Aids, etc., shall not constitute conforming to this policy. All tattoos shall be covered for court appearances.