Lateral Officer

ABOUT THE ROLE The Winnetka Police Department is recruiting for both entry-level patrol officers and lateral appointments. The department consists of 31 sworn officers and eight civilian employees serving a primarily residential community in north suburban Chicago. Patrol officers support the department's mission by patrolling assigned beats, initiating criminal investigations, enforcing traffic laws, responding to calls for service, and testifying in court. Officers work 12-hour shifts on a rotating schedule that routinely includes every other weekend off. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Patrol an assigned beat - Initiate criminal investigations - Prepare detailed reports - Provide traffic and parking enforcement - Arrest and process offenders - Prepare for and testify in court - Respond to calls for service (mostly non-emergency) - Participate in scheduled training and professional development - Undergo mandatory physical fitness tests twice a year MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - At least 21 years of age and under 35 years of age at the time of application deadline (exceptions for veterans per Fire and Police Commissioner’s Act; 20-year-olds may apply if they will turn 21 by academy completion) - U.S. Citizen or legally authorized to work in the U.S. - Valid driver’s license - High school diploma or equivalent - Vision correctable to 20/40, normal peripheral vision, and free from color blindness - POWER test card dated no earlier than six months before the application deadline - Ability to pass all selection and training requirements Lateral Specific Requirements: - Current ILETSB Law Enforcement Officer certification - Cover letter and resume SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - New officers must sign a repayment agreement for expenses if they voluntarily leave employment within three years - Must attend a mandatory 16-week training program at either: - Police Training Institute at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign - Suburban Law Enforcement Academy at the College of DuPage - Illinois State Police Academy - Must pass mandatory physical fitness tests twice a year (financial incentives available based on performance) - Two-year probationary period post-hire SELECTION PROCESS Entry-Level Candidates: 1. Physical agility test (P.O.W.E.R. Test) 2. Orientation and written exam (via Public Safety Testing) 3. Police Department oral interview 4. Board of Fire and Police Commissioners (BFPC) oral interview 5. Background investigation 6. Polygraph 7. Psychological Evaluation 8. Pre-employment physical examination Lateral Candidates: - Follow the same process as entry-level candidates except the written exam is waived. - Applications are regularly reviewed. HOW TO APPLY Entry-Level: - Complete testing and application requirements through Public Safety Testing by August 17, 2026. - After the deadline, candidates on the Initial Eligibility List will be contacted to submit claims for education/military preference points. Lateral: - Apply via the Village’s employment opportunities page. - Submit: Cover letter, resume, copy of current ILETSB certification, copy of POWER test card (within last 6 months), and copy of high school diploma or transcripts. General: - Contact the PD Recruitment Team via email to learn more or schedule a ride-along. EMPLOYMENT DETAILS Employer: Village of Winnetka Location: Winnetka, IL (North Suburban Chicago) Job Type: Full-Time Department: Police Department Shifts: 12-hour shifts, rotating day/night, every other weekend off Benefits: - Village-provided equipment and uniforms plus annual uniform allowance - Excellent health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits - Paid vacation, personal, holiday, comp time, and sick leave - Police pension plan - Fitness and firearms incentives - Representation by Metropolitan Alliance of Police (MAP) collective bargaining agreement Development Opportunities: - Investigations Unit - Evidence Technician - School Resource Officer (New Trier High School) - NORTAF and NIPAS Specialty Teams - Motorcycle Officer - Bicycle Patrol Unit - Training Instructor - Crime Prevention Officer - Business Liaison Officer