Police Officer - Entry Level

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, 55KB) 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 per-employment physical.
• Must be able to obtain a FOID Card

Salary

Starting salary is $85,280.00, plus a full benefit package. For full pay information and benefits, click here.

What Documents Do You Need?

• Birth Certificate 
• Valid driver’s license 
• Valid Police Officer Physical Ability Report (POWER) Test certification 
• Copy of High School Diploma or G.E.D. 
• Copy of your college transcript, high school transcript, or G.E.D composite score
• Completed Preference Points Request form(PDF, 69KB), with qualifying documents (if applicable).
  

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 hardship waiver form and return it with the required documentation, as soon as possible.

Link to Hardship Waiver(PDF, 138KB), with qualifying documents (if applicable).