Police Officer

Position Overview

The Highland Park Police Department is accepting applications for the position of Police Officer (Lateral Entry). This role offers a progressive agency that values proactive policing, officer development, collaboration, and community engagement.

Specialized Assignments and Career Development

• Bicycle Team
• Defensive Tactics Instructor
• Drone Operator
• Evidence Technician
• Honor Guard
• Juvenile Officer
• Mobile Field Force
• Peer Support Team
• Police Beat Coordinator
• Range Officer
• School Resource Officer
• Task Force Assignments
• And more

Salary

• Step 1 – Starting Salary $91,158.16 (less than 12 months of service)
• Step 2 – After 6 months $94,348.61 (12–23 full months of service)
• Step 3 – After 1 year $98,885.44 (24–35 full months of service)
• Step 4 – After 2 years $103,648.09 (36–47 full months of service)
• Step 5 – After 3 years $108,746.43 (48–59 full months of service)
• Step 6 – After 4 years $114,184.15 (60 months of service or more)
• Step 7 – After 5 years $119,893.59
• Step 8 – After 6 years $125,888.72

Benefits

• Vacation
• Sick Leave
• Paid holidays, personal days
• Blue Cross Blue Shield IL Health Insurance
• Dental Coverage
• Life Insurance
• Pension Program
• Wellness Program / Employee Fitness Center
• Education / Tuition Reimbursement

Required Minimum Qualifications

• Age – Must be at least 21 years and less than 65 years at the time of examination. Applicants aged 20 with 60 semester credit hours or more in law‑enforcement studies may be considered for entry‑level positions but cannot exercise arrest powers or carry firearms until age 21.
• Education – High School Diploma or equivalent, or 60 semester credit hours of accredited law‑enforcement study, or four years of active duty in the United States Armed Forces.
• Certification – Must be a United States citizen at the time of filing an application. Must be certified or eligible for certification by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB).
• Physical and psychological suitability for active duty policing.
• Strong customer‑service, multitasking, and confidentiality skills.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local criminal laws and FOIA regulations.
• Ability to follow instructions and maintain effective working relationships.
• Familiarity with or ability to learn the city’s geography, major roads, and landmarks.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including spelling and grammar.
• Must be able to read and write the English language.

Responsibilities

Criminal Investigation & Apprehension

Handle complaints, investigate violations, conduct interviews and interrogations, process evidence, and prepare reports and court documents. Present sworn testimony as required.

Crime Prevention

Patrol assigned areas, monitor for criminal activity, conduct security inspections, investigate suspicious activities, share information with agencies, and educate the public on crime‑prevention strategies.

Traffic Enforcement

Engage in proactive traffic and parking enforcement; investigate traffic accidents, protect scenes, control traffic, clear scenes, determine causes, and prepare reports and diagrams.

Order Maintenance

Respond to domestic disputes and public hazards, administer first aid, investigate lost and found property, enforce animal ordinances, and manage calls for service.

Community Policing

Build familiarity with community issues, engage with community members, foster positive interactions, and promote the department’s mission and values.

Peripheral Duties

Attend training, maintain required skills and certifications, conduct background investigations, perform desk duties, and support other staff as needed.

Tools and Equipment Used

• Motor vehicles in routine and emergency conditions
• Firearms (care and use proficiency)
• Less‑than‑lethal weapons (batons, pepper spray, Tasers)
• Computer equipment (Windows, Microsoft Office, copier, printer, scanner, fax, phone)
• Personal protective equipment (gas masks, face masks, rubber gloves)
• Specialized systems (booking, mobile report, property management)
• Field gear (radios, mobile data computers, in‑car cameras, first‑aid equipment, breath‑testing instruments, fire extinguishers, handcuffs, flashlights, helmets, uniforms)
• General tools (speed detection devices, pry bars, hydrant wrenches, tape measures)

Physical Demands

• Stand, sit, walk, talk, use hands for grasping and operating controls
• Climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, lift and move objects >100 pounds occasionally
• Operate vehicles, fire extinguisher, first‑aid, and other equipment
• Maintain vision (close, distant, color, peripheral, depth) and hearing
• Perform life‑saving procedures (CPR, first aid)
• Endure exposure to extreme weather, chemicals, and disease
• Operate required equipment and perform job tasks efficiently

Safety Functions

• Follow safety policies and procedures
• Rep…