Lateral-Entry Police Officer

ABOUT THE ROLE The Woodridge Police Department is a professional, progressive, and community-oriented law enforcement agency consisting of 51 sworn officers. The department focuses on proactive problem-solving and building relationships within the community. This lateral-entry position offers opportunities for experienced officers to join a team that values quality of life improvements and professional growth. Officers work in a state-of-the-art facility opened in late 2023, which includes training dojos, exercise facilities, and ample meeting space. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Perform general duty police work in a community policing environment - Identify and resolve issues to improve community quality of life - Build relationships with the community served - Participate in specialty positions as qualified (e.g., Investigations, Tactical Unit, Traffic Unit, SWAT, Hostage Negotiator, Crash Reconstruction, Major Crimes, Computer Forensics) - Maintain proficiency in law enforcement tactics and procedures MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - State of Illinois certification by ILETSB with no more than 40 hours of training required for recertification, OR successful completion of an out-of-state Basic Police Officer Training program accepted by ILETSB - Must be employed as a full-time non-probationary certified law officer, or have been a certified law officer in good standing not more than 180 days prior to application - Part-time certification, corrections officer certification, and/or military enforcement training do NOT meet this requirement - High school degree or G.E.D. - Authorized to work in the United States and authorized to possess firearms under State and Federal Law - Valid Driver’s License - Vision correctable to 20/30 - Possess skills and abilities comparable to a non-probationary Village of Woodridge Police Officer SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Out-of-state lateral-entry officers must meet ILETSB waiver conditions within six months of hire to become certified in Illinois - Newly-hired lateral-entry officers are subject to an 18-month probationary period - Must pass all phases of the hiring process including oral interview, polygraph test, psychological exam, medical exam, drug screen, and background investigation - Residency requirement: Must reside within thirty miles of Woodridge within six months of hire SELECTION PROCESS - Application review based on relative experience and department needs - Oral interview by Police Department command staff, Human Resources, and a representative of the Woodridge Board of Police Commissioners - Conditional offer of employment for qualified candidates - Post-offer screenings including: - Polygraph examination - Psychological assessment - In-depth background investigation and credit check - Medical examinations - Drug screening - Failure to achieve a satisfactory evaluation on any screening results in immediate disqualification HOW TO APPLY - Submit application via the Village of Woodridge employment portal - Reference Job Number 2026-0001 - Note: There is no guarantee of an interview or further consideration for all applicants EMPLOYMENT DETAILS Employer: Village of Woodridge Location: 7215 Janes Ave, Woodridge, IL Job Type: Full-Time Job Number: 2026-0001 Department: Police Department Opening Date: 01/20/2026 Benefits: - Health, dental, life, and accidental death and dismemberment insurance - Police pension - Deferred compensation plans - Flexible spending accounts - Interest-free computer loan program - Tuition reimbursement - Professional development and training - Retiree health savings plan - Uniform allowance (100% for new officers) Time Off: - Vacation: 80 hours after one year of employment (accruals begin on date of hire) - Village holidays: 64 hours annually - Personal days: 32 hours annually - Sick time: 8 hours per month - Comp time bank accrual: Up to 140 hours Schedule: - Twelve-hour shifts - Every other three-day weekend off - Permanent and rotating options based on bid-system Union Representation: - Metropolitan Alliance of Police (MAP)