Police Officer (Lateral)

Police Officer (Lateral Entry)

The Highland Park Police Department is committed to protecting life and property through professional policing, strong community partnerships, and a culture built on teamwork, integrity, and service. The Department proudly embraces community-oriented policing and supports the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police and NAACP Ten Shared Principles.

The City of Highland Park is now accepting applications for the position of Police Officer (Lateral Entry). This is an opportunity to join a highly respected and progressive agency that values proactive policing, officer development, collaboration, and community engagement. We are seeking experienced officers who are motivated to grow professionally, make a meaningful impact, and become part of a department where officers are supported by both leadership and the community they serve.

Highland Park officers have access to a wide range of specialized assignments and career development opportunities, including:

• 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...

Whether you are looking to continue building your career, expand your skill set, or join a department that invests in its people, Highland Park offers the opportunity to serve in a professional environment where your work matters and your contributions are valued.

Advanced step and vacation placement possible up to Step 6 for "transferable credit" with current department.

2026 Salary Schedule:

1. Step 1: Starting Salary: $91,158.16, Less than 12 months of service
2. Step 2: After 6 Months: $94,348.61, 12-23 full months of service
3. Step 3: After 1 Year: $98,885.44, 24-35 full months of service
4. Step 4: After 2 Years: $103,648.09, 36-47 full months of service
5. Step 5: After 3 Years: $108,746.43, 48-59 full months of service
6. Step 6: After 4 Years: $114,184.15, 60 full months of service or more
7. Step 7: After 5 Years: $119,893.59
8. Step 8: After 6 Years: $125,888.72

Longevity Pay of an additional 2.5% to 9% of salary dependent on total years of service.

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

Submit the following as attachments to your application:

• Copy of High School Diploma or equivalent (required even with college transcript)
• Copy of Valid Driver's License (required)
• Copy of Birth Record as Proof of Citizenship (required and must be certified)
• Copy of DD-214 Long Form showing 4 years continuous service OR copy of Official College / University Transcripts (required).

Criminal Investigation & Apprehension

Handle complaints filed by citizens. Observe, detect, and investigate violations of laws and ordinances. Document details of violations. Conduct interviews and interrogations of victims, witnesses, suspects, offenders, and other involved parties. Conduct both preliminary and follow-up investigations. Identify, protect, collect, process, preserve, and document physical evidence. Search persons, vehicles, and other locations or items within the scope of the law. Transport, book, care for, and escort prisoners.

Crime Prevention

Patrol assigned areas, monitor for criminal activity and safety hazards. Become and remain familiar with patrol areas, geographic locations, known offenders, neighborhood routines, and potential problem areas. Conduct security inspections of buildings and other locations, taking corrective action as needed. Investigate suspicious activities and conduct field interviews when appropriate. Share information with other officers, law enforcement agencies, and city departments as needed. Educate the public on crime prevention strategies and tactics to reduce victimization.

Traffic Enforcement

Engage in proactive, self-initiated traffic and parking enforcement, including DUI apprehension. Control, regulate, and direct vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Investigate traffic accidents by protecting scenes, aiding injured persons, controlling traffic, clearing scenes, determining causes, taking enforcement action when required, and preparing complete reports and diagrams. Participate in efforts to reduce traffic accidents and injuries within the community.

Order Maintenance

Respond to domestic disputes and other interpersonal or business conflicts. Recognize and address public hazards or quality-of-life issues, including gas leaks, water main breaks, defective traffic signals, traffic obstructions, and other safety hazards. Assist other emergency service providers as needed. Administer basic first aid, including CPR, to injured persons. Investigate and document lost and found property as well as missing and recovered persons. Enforce animal-related ordinances and respond to complaints, including handling stray and vicious animals. Direct and supervise civilians and public employees at crime scenes, accidents, disasters, and public gatherings. Provide assistance to individuals in distress, crime victims, and witnesses. Respond to and thoroughly handle all calls for service.

Community Policing

Develop and maintain familiarity with community issues and concerns. Engage with community members to build and uphold public trust. Foster positive interactions between law enforcement and the public. Support and promote the Department's mission and values.

Peripheral Duties

Attend training and maintain required skills, licenses, permits, and certifications. Train personnel in areas of expertise. Conduct background investigations. Perform desk duties, including telecommunications and research, as assigned.

Required Minimum Qualifications:

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Age: At the time of the first element of examination, applicants must be at least 21 years of age and less than 65 years of age. Applicants who are 20 years of age who have successfully completed 60 semester credit hours or more (or 90 quarter credits or more) in the study of law enforcement at a college or university accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting organization may be considered for an entry level position. Such applicant shall not have power of arrest, nor shall they be permitted to carry firearms until they reach 21 years of age.

Education: Must possess a High School Diploma or equivalent, and have successfully completed 60 semester hours credit or more (or 90 quarter credits or more) from a college or university accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting organization; or have proof of completion of four years of continuous active duty in the United States Armed Forces.

Certification or License: Must be a United States citizen at the time of filing an application. The applicant must be certified or have the ability to be qualified to be certified (by full-academy waiver) by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB).

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Proficiencies:

Must be physically and psychologically suited for the duties of a police officer. Strong customer service, multitasking, and confidentiality skills. Knowledge of, or ability to learn, 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.

Safety Functions:

Follow all applicable safety policies and procedures. Report unsafe conditions immediately. Report personal accidents to supervisor. Maintain a clean, organized, and hazard-free work environment. Adhere to established safety rules and procedures. Maintain appropriate physical fitness to perform essential