2026 Entry Level Police Officer (Winter)

ABOUT THE ROLE This position involves general duty police work focused on the protection of life and property and the enforcement of laws and ordinances within the City of Bloomington. As part of the uniform force, which serves as the backbone of the Police Department, officers engage in preventive patrol, preliminary investigations, traffic enforcement, and the preservation of social order and public peace. The role requires exercising significant discretion in interpreting and enforcing laws while balancing individual citizen rights with community safety. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Handle a wide range of calls for service - Generate self-initiated activity such as traffic and pedestrian stops - Provide enforcement activity including arrests and citations - Maintain public order when appropriate - Write detailed reports - Collect, preserve, and store evidence - Provide courtroom testimony - Operate motor vehicles under emergency conditions - Communicate effectively via radio with telecommunicators and other officers - Assess threats and request additional resources as needed - Develop response strategies while considering officer safety - Master local geography, street names, and address numbering patterns MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - Be at least 20 years of age and not more than 34 years of age at the time of application (must be at least 21 to accept appointment) - Veterans may exceed the maximum age provision by the number of years served on active military duty, up to a maximum of 10 years - High school diploma or its equivalent - Citizen of the United States - Ability to possess a firearm SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Must pass a three-part examination through National Testing Network (NTN) with a cutoff average score of 80%: - Video portion: 65 or above - Reading portion: 70 or above - Writing portion: 70 or above - Must pass a physical agility test (Pass/Fail) - Must pass an in-person interview - Must pass a comprehensive background check and polygraph exam - Must provide birth certificate, high school diploma, college transcripts, and photo during background process - DD-214 required for military points SELECTION PROCESS Step One: Online Application and Exam - Apply via the City of Bloomington website - Sign up for and complete the National Testing Network (NTN) exam by the application deadline - Virtual testing options are available Step Two: Physical Test - Human Resources will contact successful candidates to schedule the physical agility test - Test is conducted indoors and lasts approximately one hour Step Three: Interview - In-person interview at the Bloomington Police Department (305 S. East St., Bloomington, IL) - Meeting with background investigators immediately following the interview - Estimated time for interview and initial background steps is 2-3 hours Step Four: Background Investigation - Comprehensive background check and polygraph exam - Process takes approximately 3-4 weeks to complete - Candidates may be removed from the selection process during this phase HOW TO APPLY - Apply online via the City of Bloomington careers website - Complete the National Testing Network (NTN) exam by the closing date - Reference Job Number 01034 EMPLOYMENT DETAILS Employer: City of Bloomington Illinois Location: Police Department - 305 S. East St., Bloomington, IL Job Type: Full-Time Job Number: 01034 Department: Police Division: Police Opening Date: 06/02/2026 Closing Date: 8/21/2026 at 11:59 PM Central Time (US & Canada) FLSA Status: Non-Exempt