Police Patrol Officer - Lateral Appointment

Police Patrol Officer

The Village of Winnetka is seeking applicants for entry-level Police Patrol Officer by lateral appointment. The Patrol Officer performs routine vehicular and foot patrols, investigates criminal activity, enforces traffic and parking regulations, and conducts a variety of crime prevention activities to protect life and property, prevent disorder, and enforce laws and ordinances. Starting Annual Rate 1/1/26: $88,386 (Note: Any newly hired employee who has previous law enforcement experience may be eligible for accelerated step placement upon hire)

2026 Position Range: $88,386 - $124,480 Retention Bonus: Actively employed patrol officers are eligible to receive the following:

• June 1, 2026: $5,000
• December 1, 2026: $5,000

Essential Functions:

• Be present for roll call; receive and record pertinent information and instructions.
• Patrol specified beat on foot and in patrol vehicle; make periodic interior and exterior premises checks of businesses, schools and residences to determine the existence of unusual or hazardous conditions. Investigate suspicious persons, vehicles, places or activity. Take appropriate action when condition is warranted, including making arrests and issuing citations.
• Promptly respond to radio calls investigating crimes, complaints, disturbances, traffic accidents, and stray animals. Administer first aid in emergencies. Investigate conditions hazardous to life and property. Conduct initial investigations of crime and crime scenes, and collect and preserve evidence.
• Identify, pursue, apprehend, and assist in the prosecution of persons who violate federal, state, and local laws, statutes and ordinances; subdue resisting individuals; search arrested persons; seize contraband; transport arrestees to the police facility/lock-up; make warrant inquiries; fingerprint suspects; attend and testify during court appearance.
• Conduct enforcement stops for motor vehicle violations; enforce parking laws/restrictions; direct traffic; assist motorists with disabled vehicles; request emergency assistance when needed; remove debris to eliminate traffic hazards; and assist with moving disabled vehicles from the roadway.
• Intervene in and temporarily mediate domestic disputes; advise parties of their legal rights under state law; explain domestic legal procedures to all parties; and make referrals to other agencies when appropriate.
• Analyze, organize, and present intelligence and other information relating to suspected criminal activity.
• Interview, question, and interrogate when necessary, victims and complainants, witnesses, informants, and suspects of possible criminal activity.
• Prepare accurate written reports, records and diagrams and complete other paperwork necessary for court proceedings; attend court proceedings when required.
• Maintain positive law enforcement presence in the community; meet with and make presentations to various citizen groups.
• Engage in regular fitness for duty, firearms training, and professional development training.
• Reconstruct incidents, including traffic accidents, using mathematical, computer and other techniques.
• Evacuate persons from dangerous areas, secure buildings and areas and assist other departments or agencies in disaster and emergency situations.
• Assume special duties including beach patrol, bike patrol, and longer term assignments including that of investigator, school resource officer, juvenile officer, fitness instructor, department training officer, field training officer, evidence technician, accident investigator, firearms instructor, crime prevention officer, motorcycle officer, Northern Illinois Police Alarm System (NIPAS) and North Regional Major Crimes Task Force (NORTAF) team member, and other assignments when required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Desired Minimum Qualifications

• Must meet all educational and eligibility requirements as outlined by the Village of Winnetka Board of Fire and Police Commissioners' Rules and Regulations.
• Currently certified as a full-time Law Enforcement Officer by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training & Standards Board.
• Corrected far vision to 20/20 or better and corrected near vision to 20/40, possess normal peripheral vision and the ability to distinguish colors.

Other Requirements

• Read, clearly speak, and legibly write the English language.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and sound decision making.
• General understanding of the various aspects of providing municipal police service.
• Ability to learn State of Illinois laws and apply Police Department rules, regulations, general orders, policies, practices, and procedures.
• Ability to become thoroughly knowledgeable of the geographic area and boundaries served by the Police Department.
• Ability to effectively deal with a variety of unpleasant circumstances and unusual human conduct associated with and/or arising from emergency situations including physical trauma, mental and/or physical stress, and panic.
• Ability to concentrate, problem solve, and perform multiple tasks under time critical circumstances.
• Ability to react quickly, calmly, and correctly per Department guidelines.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and Outlook as well as Adobe Acrobat, and ability to learn other software as needed.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, using complex sentences, and proper punctuation, spelling and grammar.
• Knowledge of modern, high technology office equipment including computers and software applications, printers, copiers, telecommunication devices, fax machines, and other technologies.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective and collaborative working relationships with coworkers, superiors, consultants, contractors, vendors, other law enforcement agencies, operating Departments, and the public.
• Successful completion of the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standard's Board police basic training course, field training course, and probationary period within 24 months of assuming Police Patrol Officer essential responsibilities and duties.
• Good organizational and record keeping skills, with excellent attention to detail.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Valid driver's license.

Work shifts are normally 12 hour in duration, 40 hours weekly, rotating and/or fixed shifts, both indoors and outdoors. Some work may occur during normal business hours in a typical office setting for limited lengths of time. The position involves being available for on-call emergency notifications and response when deemed necessary. Applicants should apply with a cover letter, resume, copy of Law Enforcement Officer certification, and copy of high school diploma or equivalent and college transcripts. For questions and/or assistance, please contact Lizzy Storkman at View phone number on click.appcast.io or View email address on click.appcast.io

The Village of Winnetka Police Department is comprised of 31 full-time sworn officers and 10 civilian employees. The Department's mission is to "protect life and property; preserve a peaceful community; prevent, detect, and investigate crimes; justly enforce laws; and protect the rights of all citizens." The patrol section consists of one Patrol Commander, six Patrol Sergeants, and sixteen Patrol Officers. The department also has an Administration Commander, a fully-staffed investigations unit comprised of an Investigations Unit Commander, three detectives, and a School Resources Officer. In addition to providing essential police services, the department provides continuing in-service training and opportunities for assignment to specialty functions, such as firearms instructor, physical fitness coordinator, evidence technician, field training officer, crime prevention officer, participation in specialty teams including the North Regional Major Crimes Task Force (NORTAF) and the Northern Illinois Police Alarm System Emergency Services Team (NIPAS), motorcycle officer, and bicycle patrol unit. The Village of Winnetka is an affluent north shore community located sixteen miles north of Chicago, with a population of 12,480 residents and is approximately 4-square miles.