Police Officer (Lateral)

ABOUT THE ROLE The City of Highland Park is accepting applications for Police Officer (Lateral Entry). This is a full-time position within a highly respected and progressive agency committed to professional policing, strong community partnerships, and a culture built on teamwork, integrity, and service. The department embraces community-oriented policing and supports the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police and NAACP Ten Shared Principles. Officers have access to a wide range of specialized assignments and career development opportunities. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Handle complaints filed by citizens; observe, detect, and investigate violations of laws and ordinances - Conduct interviews and interrogations of victims, witnesses, suspects, and offenders - Conduct preliminary and follow-up investigations; identify, protect, collect, and preserve physical evidence - Search persons, vehicles, and locations within the scope of the law - Transport, book, care for, and escort prisoners - Prepare clear, accurate, and complete reports; prepare and serve criminal complaints, arrest warrants, and search warrants - Appear and provide sworn testimony in legal proceedings - Patrol assigned areas to monitor for criminal activity and safety hazards - Conduct security inspections and field interviews - Educate the public on crime prevention strategies - Engage in proactive traffic and parking enforcement, including DUI apprehension - Investigate traffic accidents, protect scenes, aid injured persons, and determine causes - Respond to domestic disputes and interpersonal conflicts - Address public hazards such as gas leaks, water main breaks, and defective traffic signals - Administer basic first aid and CPR - Enforce animal-related ordinances and handle stray or vicious animals - Direct and supervise civilians at crime scenes, accidents, and public gatherings - Engage with community members to build public trust and foster positive interactions - Attend training and maintain required skills, licenses, permits, and certifications MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - At least 21 years of age and less than 65 years of age at the time of the first element of examination - United States citizen at the time of filing an application - High School Diploma or equivalent - Successfully completed 60 semester hours credit or more (or 90 quarter credits or more) from an accredited college or university; OR proof of completion of four years of continuous active duty in the United States Armed Forces - Certified or able to be qualified for certification (by full-academy waiver) by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB) - Physically and psychologically suited for the duties of a police officer - Strong customer service, multitasking, and confidentiality skills - Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including spelling and grammar; ability to read and write English - Valid Driver's License SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Must submit the following documents as attachments to the application: - Copy of High School Diploma or equivalent (required even with college transcript) - Copy of Valid Driver's License - Copy of Birth Record as Proof of Citizenship (must be certified) - Copy of DD-214 Long Form showing 4 years continuous service OR copy of Official College/University Transcripts - Ability to operate motor vehicles, firearms, less-than-lethal weapons, and specialized computer systems - Ability to lift and/or move objects weighing more than 100 pounds - Ability to work regular and irregular shifts, including weekends and holidays - Exposure to extreme weather, fire, smoke, chemical leaks, contagious diseases, and dangerous individuals SELECTION PROCESS - Application review with required document attachments - Examination process (details in the 2026-27 Police Officer Lateral Application Guide) - Evaluation of transferable credit for step placement HOW TO APPLY - Click the link provided in the original posting for the 2026-27 Police Officer Lateral Application Guide - Submit the online application with all required document attachments listed in Special Requirements EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Employer: City of Highland Park - Location: Police Department; 1677 Old Deerfield Rd.; Highland Park, IL - Job Type: Full-time - Job Number: 2026-12 - Department: Police Department - Opening Date: 05/08/2026 - Closing Date: Continuous - Benefits Package Includes: - Vacation and Sick Leave - Paid holidays and personal days - Blue Cross Blue Shield IL Health Insurance - Dental Coverage - Life Insurance - Pension Program - Wellness Program / Employee Fitness Center - Education / Tuition Reimbursement - Specialized Assignments Available: 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