Police Officer (Lateral)

Community Focused • Team Driven • Community Supported 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. We proudly embrace community‑oriented policing and support the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police and NAACP Ten Shared Principles. Police Officer (Lateral Entry) 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. 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... Advanced step and vacation placement are possible up to Step6 for transferable credit with current department. Salary Schedule 2026 Step1 – Starting Salary: $91,158.16 (less than 12months of service) Step2 – After 6months: $94,348.61 (12–23 full months of service) Step3 – After 1year: $98,885.44 (24–35 full months of service) Step4 – After 2years: $103,648.09 (36–47 full months of service) Step5 – After 3years: $108,746.43 (48–59 full months of service) Step6 – After4years: $114,184.15 (60months of service or more) Step7 – After 5years: $119,893.59 Step8 – After 6years: $125,888.72 Longevity Pay: Additional 2.5% to 9% of salary depending 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 Required Application Documents 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). Responsibilities 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 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. Prepare clear, accurate, and complete reports detailing activities. Prepare and serve criminal complaints, arrest warrants, search warrants, and other court documents. Prepare cases and submit them for court. Appear and provide sworn testimony in various legal proceedings. Crime Prevention Patrol assigned areas, monitor for criminal activity and safety hazards. Become 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 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 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 in English. 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 job functions. Follow proper lifting/material handling procedures at all times. Take proper body substance isolation precautions when dealing with biological fluids. Work Environment The position requires both regular and irregular shift work, including shift rotations to ensure 24/7 police services throughout the year, including weekends and holidays. Standard shifts are eight hours but may be extended due to emergencies, disasters, manpower shortages, or ongoing incidents. The role involves exposure to extreme weather and lighting conditions, both indoors and outdoors, with or without artificial light. Employees may encounter fire, smoke, and chemical leaks or spills when providing emergency services. The position also involves personal risk, including interactions with armed or dangerous individuals and animals, exposure to contagious diseases, and encounters with individuals under the influence of drugs or alcohol or experiencing mental health crises. Additional hazards include emergency driving, traffic control, working near traffic, and responding to natural or man‑made disasters. Bloodborne Pathogens The duties of Police Officer include the handling of evidence which may contain a risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens, contact with persons who may have contagious/communicable diseases and providing initial emergency responder first aid care to injured persons. Tools and Equipment Used Motor vehicles, reasonably and safely under routine and emergency conditions. Firearms, with demonstrated proficiency in the care and use of assigned/authorized weapons. Less‑than‑lethal weapons such as batons, Oleoresin Capsicum spray and Tasers, with demonstrated proficiency in the care and use. Basic office equipment including a computer with Windows and Microsoft Office Suite, copier, printer, scanner, fax machine and phone. Personal protective equipment including gas masks, face masks and rubber gloves. Writing implements and basic drawing templates, including the ability to write legible documents and produce simple diagrams. Specialized computer systems including prisoner booking systems, mobile field report writing systems and property management systems. Basic tools and equipment necessary to perform job tasks and functions including speed detection devices, two‑way radios, mobile data computers, in‑car camera systems, first‑aid equipment, digital cameras, breath testing instruments, fire extinguishers, handcuffs and other personal restraint devices, flashlights, helmets, standard police uniforms, and simple tools such as pry bars, hydrant wrenches, tape measures, etc. Physical Demands Effect arrests. Subdue resisting individuals. Chase fleeing suspects. Run to persons requiring emergency assistance. Lift and carry equipment and injured/deceased persons. Force entry into buildings. Climb flights of stairs/ladders. Walk, stand, or sit for long periods of time (including driving). Endure exposure to extreme weather and disease. Perform life‑saving procedures (CPR, first aid, etc.). Communicate effectively, verbally and non‑verbally. Operate required equipment. Perform required job tasks and functions. Provide assistance to citizens and co‑workers in distress. Effective Audio/Visual Discrimination and Perception Make observations. Read and write. Drive and operate equipment safely. Multi‑task. Ability Observe analytically and objectively, analyze situations quickly, determine and take prompt, effective action. Understand, interpret, and apply applicable federal and state statutes, local ordinances, court decisions, and Department and City rules and policies. Understand and respond quickly and accurately to written and oral directions, instructions, inquiries, and requests. Work independently and effectively. Initiate appropriate interpersonal and intra‑ and inter‑agency communications. Act quickly, calmly, and decisively in emergencies and under stress. Handle situations firmly, courteously, tactfully and impartially. Express oneself clearly and completely. Record information clearly and completely. Facilitate effective conflict arbitration/resolution. Maintain confidentiality in the performance of duties. Assimilate, retain and effectively use geographic knowledge concerning the City and the surrounding vicinity. Emotional and Psychological Stability Accept constructive criticism in a mature fashion. Effectively communicate and interact positively with fellow employees and citizens. Tolerate stress. Function effectively under stress. Deal effectively with unpleasant or unusual facets or results of human behavior. #J-18808-Ljbffr