Police Officer (Entry Level)

City of Highland Park • Full-time • Highland Park, IL, US • $82.71k - $114.23k / year • 2w ago

Salary: $82,713.15 - $114,226.22 Annually

Location : Police Department; 1677 Old Deerfield Rd.; Highland Park, IL

Job Type: Full-time

Job Number: 2025-01

Department: Police Department

Division: Patrol Services

Opening Date: 12/26/2024

Closing Date: 1/16/2025 11:59 PM Central

Max Number of Applicants: 120

Description Of Primary Purpose

Ready to Make a Difference? Join Our Team!

The City is seeking driven individuals ready to excel in a professional, highly respected police department. If you're passionate about serving your community, fostering meaningful relationships, and working alongside a team that values integrity and collaboration, we want to hear from you! Take the first step toward a rewarding career-apply now!

Important To view the detailed application information document PDF, click here: Downloadable Application Packet

Application Requirements And Important Information

Before applying, please ensure you meet all requirements outlined below. Upcoming POWER test dates in the area are listed for your convenience. Candidates must independently register for and complete the POWER test. Proof of completion must be submitted no later than January 16, 2025, at 11:59 PM.

Upcoming POWER Test Dates

NIPSTA (Glenview): January 8, 2025
Joliet Junior College (Joliet, IL): January 2, 2025 | January 14, 2025 | January 16, 2025

Compensation Details:

Starting Salary: $82,713.15 (entry-level)
Step Increase: After 6 months
Current 2024 Maximum: $114,226.22
Please Note: The 2025 contract is under negotiation, with anticipated salary adjustments likely.

Required Application Attachments:

High School Diploma or Equivalent: A copy is required, even if a college transcript is submitted.
Valid Driver's License: A photocopy must be included.
Certified Birth Record: Proof of U.S. citizenship is required.
DD-214 Long Form (showing four years of continuous service) OR Official College/University Transcripts (demonstrating 60 semester credit hours).
POWER Card: Proof of successful completion of the POWER test.

Deadline: Applications and all required documents must be submitted by January 16, 2025, at 11:59 PM.

About This Opportunity: We are actively preparing a hiring list in anticipation of the Spring 2025 Police Academy. If you're ready to make a difference and serve your community, now is the time to take the next step in your career.

Our officers are on 12-hour shifts. This position is pension eligible.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Criminal Investigation & Apprehension: Handles complaints filed by citizens. Observes, detects and investigates violations of laws and ordinances. Documents details of violations. Conducts interviews and interrogations of victims, witnesses, suspects, offenders and other related persons. Conducts both preliminary and follow-up investigations. Identifies, protects, collects, processes, preserves and documents physical evidence. Searches persons, vehicles and other locations or items within the scope of law. Transports, books, cares for and escorts prisoners.
Prepares clear, accurate and complete reports detailing any and all activities. Prepares and serves criminal complaints, arrest warrants, search warrants and other court documents. Prepares cases and self for court. Appears and provides sworn testimony for a variety of legal proceedings.
Crime Prevention: Patrols assigned area, watches for criminal activity and safety hazards. Becomes and remains familiar with patrol area, geographic locations, known offenders, neighborhood routines and potential problem areas. Conducts security inspections of buildings and other locations and takes action to correct identified security issues. Investigates suspicious activities and performs field interviews when appropriate. Shares information with other officers, law enforcement agencies and city departments as needed. Educates public in tactics to reduce victimization.
Traffic: Actively engages in proactive self-initiated traffic and parking enforcement including DUI apprehension. Controls, regulates and directs traffic - both vehicular and pedestrian. Investigates traffic accidents which include protecting scenes, aiding injured persons, controlling traffic, clearing scenes, determining causes, taking enforcement action when required and preparing complete reports/diagrams. Participates in efforts to reduce accidents/injuries in the community.
Miscellaneous Order Maintenance: Deals with domestic disputes and other interpersonal or business conflicts. Watches for, recognizes and takes corrective actions with regard to public hazards or quality of life issues such as; gas leaks, water main breaks, defective traffic signals, traffic obstructions and other safety hazards. Provides assistance to other emergency service providers as needed or requested. Is trained in and administers basic first aid to injured persons, including CPR. Investigates and documents lost and found property. Investigates and documents missing and found persons.
Investigates and enforces animal related ordinance violations and complaints including handling of stray and vicious animals. Directs and/or supervises others (civilian and public employees) at crime scenes, accidents, disasters and public gatherings. Provides assistance for persons in distress, victims of crimes and witnesses. Responds to and thoroughly handles all basic calls for service.
Community Policing: Becomes and stays familiar with community issues and concerns. Interacts with community members in a manner that upholds public trust and facilitates positive two-way interaction between the police and the community. Promotes and supports the Department's mission and value statements.
Peripheral Duties: Attend training and maintain required skills, licenses, permits and certifications associated with areas of special instruction of expertise. Train other personnel in areas of expertise and skill. Conduct background investigations. May perform desk duties including Telecommunications and/or research.
Performs other related duties as requested.

Education and Experience

Requirements

Proof of meeting these requirements must be submitted during the application process described below.

U.S. Citizen
Valid driver's license
Between the ages of 21 and 34 by examination date.
- Applications will be accepted from candidates who are 20 years old and have successfully completed 60 semester hours (90 quarter hours) at an accredited college or university
Successful completion of POWER test within one year of the close of applications. Test cards will be accepted from any authorized POWER test administrator.
High school graduate or possess a GED
Completed 60 semester hours (90 quarter hours) of college at an accredited college or university OR have completed 4 years of continuous military service
Proof of military service to qualify for military preference points (if applicable)
Must be physically able to perform the essential job function of the position of police officer.
The applicant must speak and understand English language sufficiently to successfully undertake and discharge all duties of Police Officer.
File a completed application, and required documentation, no later than January 16, 2025 11:59 PM. Any applications received after the deadline will be reviewed by the department as needed.

Supplemental Information

Step 1: File an Application

Applications are accepted by the City of Highland Park online.

Applicants must complete a detailed online application and attach the required documents as detailed on the website. Prior applications will not be considered when evaluating applications filed during this recruitment period, however prior applicants are welcome to apply!

Applications must be completed, and all required documents submitted, by: January 16, 2024 11:59 PM.

All portions of the testing process are mandatory. Failure to attend and complete any portion of the process will result in elimination from the employment process.

The entire selection process for establishing an eligibility list is expected to be approximately 90 days. Applicants are responsible for notifying Human Resources of any changes in address, phone number or email address. All such notices of changes in contact information should be submitted in writing to the City of Highland Park, Human Resources Division, 1707 St. Johns Ave, Highland Park, IL 60035.

If you have any questions, please visit the website, call 847.926.1013 or email

Step 2: Written Exam

Candidates who file a completed application, complete documentation and meet the minimum qualification will advance to the written exam.

The written exam will be given virtually January 27 - 30, 2025 Candidates who file a completed application and required documentation by the deadline will be provided with the testing information.

Candidates must score a 70% or higher on the written exam to proceed further. Candidates will be notified in writing via email of their status following the written exam. The written exam is worth 20% of the total score for a candidate.

Military preference points (3 points) will be awarded to candidates who pass the written exam, who have served at least one year in the US Armed Forces during a time of hostilities with a foreign country, who have been honorably discharged or currently on active duty, and who have submitted proof of same during the application process. Candidates should be aware that military preference points may only be used for one appointment, and those using military preference points on this Police Officer exam process will not be eligible for military preference points on any future promotional process with the City of Highland Park.

Examination Bands

Following the written examination, examination bands of applicants for further testing will be established. Applicants will be grouped in bands of 24 applicants each in order of his or her score on the written examination.

Only the first examination band will proceed through the testing process at this time. Additional examination bands remain eligible for further testing in the future as other groups are processed

Step 3: Screening Interview & Fingerprinting

Candidates in the first examination band will proceed as follows:

Screening Interview

The screening interview is conducted by a panel of staff members chosen by the Board. This is a preliminary interview to determine an applicant's suitability for the position of Police Officer and is a pass/fail examination element.

Candidates will be notified in writing via email of their scheduled interview.

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Fingerprinting And Preliminary Background Investigation

Candidates will be notified of a schedule to be fingerprinted by the Highland Park Police Department. The City will conduct a character and background investigation of candidates including a criminal history check. Results will be submitted to the Board for its evaluation. Fingerprinting will be conducted in conjunction with the screening interview.

Step 4: Polygraph & Oral Interview

Candidates who pass the screening interview and complete the fingerprinting/preliminary background investigation will proceed as follows:

Polygraph Test

Candidates are required to submit to a polygraph test administered by a licensed polygraph examiner in order to be eligible to continue in the selection process. Results of the polygraph test will be submitted to the Board for its evaluation.

Candidates will be notified of their schedule for the polygraph test in writing.

Board Review And Oral Interview

The results of the polygraph examination and preliminary background investigation will be reported to the Board of Fire and Police Commission for review and approval, and candidates will be interviewed by the Board.

Eligible candidates will be notified in writing via email of the date, time and place of each oral interview. Applicants are to call and confirm the receipt of the interview schedule and to accept or decline the interview. Once set, the interview schedule cannot be changed.

Candidates must pass the Board review of polygraph and background investigation and score 70% or higher for the Oral Interview to proceed further. The score on the Oral Interview is worth 80% of the candidate's total score.

Step 5: Eligibility List

Initial Eligibility List

Candidates who pass all of the above portions of the selection process will be placed on the Initial Eligibility List, in rank order of score achieved on the written exam plus oral interview.Candidates will be notified in writing of their placement on the Initial Eligibility List.

Candidates who have served at least one year in the US Armed Forces during a time of hostilities with a foreign country, who have been honorably discharged or currently on active duty, may request the addition of Military preference points (3 points) to be added to their score on the Initial Eligibility List. Candidates should be aware that military preference points may only be used for one appointment, and those using military preference points on this Police Officer exam process will not be eligible for military preference points on any future promotional process with the City of Highland Park.

Register of Eligibles

Scores for candidates requesting and receiving military points will be adjusted and the Final Register of Eligibles created. Candidates will be notified in writing of their final score and ranking on the Register of Eligibles.

The Register of Eligibles will be valid for 12 months unless extended; eligibility lists may be extended for up to two additional 6-month periods.

Conditional offers of employment may be made to candidates on the Register of Eligibles. Hiring will be done consistent with the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners of the City of Highland Park.

Step 6: Post-Offer Examination Elements

Candidates who are given a conditional offer of employment will proceed with the post-offer examination elements:Detailed Character and Background Investigation:A detailed character and background investigation of each candidate who has accepted a conditional offer of appointment will be conducted. Such investigation may include further checking of the fingerprints obtained during the Preliminary Character and Background Investigation. Results of this investigation shall be submitted to the Board to determine whether the applicant has passed this examination element.Psychological/Psychiatric Test:A psychological examination administered by such psychologist or psychiatrist designated by the Board will be conducted of each candidate who has accepted a conditional offer of employment. The test shall be given solely to determine an applicant's suitability for the position of Police Officer with the City of Highland Park. The examiner shall prepare and submit a report of the examination to the Board who shall determine whether the applicant has passed this examination element. If the applicant fails this examination element, the applicant's name may be retained on the Register of Eligibles.Medical Exam:A comprehensive medical test administered by a licensed physician designated by the Board will be conducted of each candidate who has accepted a conditional offer of employment. The examiner shall prepare and submit a report of the examination to the Board who shall determine whether the applicant has passed this examination element. If the applicant fails this examination element, the applicant's name may be retained on the Register of Eligibles.

The medical exam will consist of a physical examination as prescribed by the Board and includes a vision test and a drug screening test. The medical examiner will submit a report to the Board including his/her opinion regarding the overall health and vision of the candidate. Failure to pass the drug screening portion shall eliminate the candidate from any further consideration.The Board of Fire and Police Commissioners will review the results of these post offer exams and determine whether the candidate has passed or failed.

Supplemental Exams:In the event the Board has determined that a candidate has failed either the Psychological/Psychiatric or the Medical Exam, but the candidate has been retained on the Register of Eligibles, and the candidate is offered a second conditional offer of appointment more than 60 days following the date of the first Medical Exam, or after the number of days designated by the psychologist/psychiatrist's report as being valid, the candidate will be scheduled for a second test to be made within 60 days prior to being appointed. If the candidate fails the second test, his/her name will be removed from the Register of Eligibles.

Police Recruit Opportunity

The Police Officer position requires State of Illinois Certification as a Police Officer. The City may, at its discretion, offer certain candidates who are not State of Illinois certified Police Officers temporary, short-term employment as a non-sworn Police Recruit and sponsor the Recruit at a Police Academy.

Should the candidate obtain certification as a State of Illinois certified Police Officer by virtue of successful completion of the Police Academy, and an authorized vacancy exists, the Recruit may be offered employment as a Police Officer subject to the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners. However, there is no guarantee that a Police Recruit will be offered a Police Officer position, even if he or she successfully completes the Academy.

Candidates who are offered and accepted employment as a Police Recruit must obtain a valid Illinois FOID card prior to hire.

Full-time employees are entitled to a host of wide-ranging benefits including:

Health and Dental Insurance
Wellness Program
Pension Programs
Tuition Reimbursement
Longevity Pay
Flexible Spending Accounts
Paid Vacation and other time off
Sick Leave

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Application Checklist: I have attached copies of the following required documents to my application prior to submission (check all that apply). Note: Applications missing required documentation may not be accepted.