Lateral Police Officer

Annual Starting Salary Rate for Laterals (2026 Rates): $96,044.33 – $103,432.45 ($46.175– $49.727 per Hour) based on experience and will move to the next pay scale at the end of the probationary period of eighteen (18) months. Full Salary Range for Police Officer: $88,656.22 – $132,984.88. NATURE OF WORK A Police Officer is under general direct supervision of the Police Sergeant and Police Commander. The officer is sworn to enforce all laws and ordinances for which the Department is responsible, to protect the lives and property of all persons, and to maintain peace and order within the City of Evanston. When properly required to do so, the officer will provide any service necessary for the furtherance of the Department's mission and objectives. The officer will take appropriate police actions within legal limits, maintain professional decorum and a proper attitude in all dealings, and comply with orders, directives, policies, procedures, rules and regulations for the Evanston Police Department. Community involvement, networking and teamwork in problem identification and solutions are integral parts of all patrol duties. Analyzing criminal, traffic and nuisance activity, initiating appropriate action, and emphasizing a problem‑solving approach to resolve these issues are primary functions of the patrol officer in Evanston. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Maintains all working relationships and activities according to the philosophy of the Evanston Police Department. Proactively identifies potential police hazards and problems and uses problem‑solving techniques to correct them. Focuses upon citizen satisfaction in all dealings with the public as far as possible in the performance of official duties. Maintains regular contact with all business and citizen groups within the assigned NBP beat to enhance positive communication. Participates in activities under the direction and coordination of the Police Sergeant or designee. Targets proactive enforcement of traffic law violations to increase citizen satisfaction and solve traffic violations and related problems. Obeys all lawful orders of superiors, regardless of assignment. Reports for duty at the time and place specified by superior officers and remains on duty until relieved. Attends and testifies at court as applicable. Develops and maintains a working knowledge of applicable federal, state and local laws, statutes and ordinances. Develops and maintains knowledge of relevant judicial case law and evidence preservation. Maintains knowledge of department policies and procedures, rules and regulations, and reference materials. Maintains physical fitness and appropriate appearance in accordance with department rules. Prepares and submits required reports promptly. Reviews department daily bulletin, crime analysis data and traffic data to ensure timely awareness. Attends training courses as assigned by the Chief of Police. Uses proper radio procedures, maintains radio discipline, and responds promptly to Communications Center calls. Observes safety standards and practices when using department vehicles and equipment. Operates police vehicles within the assigned geographic area as directed. Investigates suspicious persons, using standard techniques and legal requirements. Remains alert to emergency needs of citizens and takes appropriate action. Fosters positive relationships with residents and merchants to enhance community relations. Issues citations for violations of the Illinois Vehicle Code and local ordinances. Issues parking citations as required. Directs vehicular traffic to ensure safe, orderly flow. Assists disabled motorists to facilitate traffic flow and reduce hazards. Identifies and arrests motorists driving under the influence. Conducts premises examinations of buildings. Interviews and interrogates suspects. Searches individuals and property before custody. Incarcerates arrested persons as required. Intervenes in domestic disturbances. Disperses unruly gatherings. Counsels juveniles and adults and refers to appropriate agencies. Performs other duties as assigned. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS Must possess a high school diploma or GED and sixty (60) college credit hours. Must possess a valid driver’s license and a safe driving record. Must not possess any felony or misdemeanor convictions in accordance with 50 ILCS 705/6.1. Must possess a valid Illinois Firearm Owner Identification card. Must be currently or recently employed as a full‑time sworn law‑enforcement officer in Illinois and duly certified by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board. Must have successfully passed a Law Enforcement agency's probationary period for full‑time sworn officer. Must be able to carry an Evanston Police Department approved firearm and complete the Field Training Program. Preferred: residency in Evanston, Illinois at the time of application and/or one year of active duty and honorable discharge from the military. Knowledge, skills, and abilities including: Reading and interpreting manuals, journals, and department SOPs. Preparing work assignments, summaries and reports with correct grammar and style. Giving verbal direction to subordinates and speaking extemporaneously on various subjects. Listening, anticipating and satisfying resident needs. Taking action to achieve goals without constant supervision. Maintaining high activity or productivity levels during sustained work hours. Maintaining effectiveness under pressure and managing stress. Presenting ideas effectively to individuals or groups. Following city and department rules, reporting unsafe conditions and accidents promptly. Presenting information publicly with or without materials and analyzing problems. Expressing ideas clearly in memos and letters with correct grammar. Gathering topical information, identifying issues, comparing data, and making timely decisions. Demonstrating consideration for others and managing consequences. Working collaboratively across formal authority lines to achieve organizational goals. Using interpersonal style to inspire support and achieve outcomes. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Heavy work; exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50 pounds frequently, and over 20 pounds constantly to move objects. Requires kneeling, crouching, reaching, crawling, fingering, handling, feeling, climbing, balancing, stooping, talking, hearing, seeing with corrective vision, far vision, near vision, depth perception, field of vision, accommodation, and color‑vision. Proper use of body mechanics and adherence to safety guidelines are required. SUPERVISION A Police Officer is under general direct supervision of the Police Sergeant and Police Commander. PUBLIC CONTACT The employee has regular contact with citizens, elected officials, outside agency representatives, and City employees in many departments throughout the City. #J-18808-Ljbffr