Lateral Police Officer

Buffalo Grove Police Department

The Buffalo Grove Police Department, a progressive northwest suburban Chicago department, is looking for the best candidates available. Future growth, advancement potential, salary, and benefits are excellent.

The Village of Buffalo Grove is located thirty-three miles northwest of downtown Chicago and twenty miles north of O'Hare International Airport. Neighboring communities include Arlington Heights, Lincolnshire, Long Grove, Riverwoods, Vernon Hills, and Wheeling. Since its incorporation in 1958, Buffalo Grove has grown and developed into a tightly knit, award-winning community. The Village's current population is 43,212. Buffalo Grove has been recognized as one of the safest communities in the United States, the most family-friendly community in Illinois, one of the best Chicago suburbs for young professionals and one of the Best Places to Live.

The Buffalo Grove Police Department accepts for employment and promotes its employees without regard to perceived or actual race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, military status, order of protection status, physical or mental handicap unrelated to ability to perform the essential job functions or any other status or class protected by federal, state, or local law.

The Buffalo Grove Police Department bases its hiring practices and promotions on merit, experience, education and other qualifications applied to all applicants and in accordance with the principles of equal employment opportunity and as required by any other applicable federal, state, or local law. The Buffalo Grove Police Department complies with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA). Persons needing accommodations in the recruitment process should notify the Village of Buffalo Grove Human Resources Director in advance.

Job Responsibilities

Patrols a designated area of the Village; checks doors and windows and examines premises of unoccupied buildings or residences in order to detect any suspicious conditions; observes violations of laws and ordinances and responds to incidents involving traffic crashes, misdemeanors, felonies, and miscellaneous citizen service requests; makes police presence known in a manner that contributes toward deterrence of crime; gives information and provides assistance to motorists and the public.

Conducts preliminary investigations at the scenes of crimes, traffic crashes and other incidents; administers emergency medical aid to persons; gathers and preserves evidence; locates and questions witnesses; writes citations and makes arrests as required by circumstances; testifies as a witness in court. Processes prisoners upon admission; takes fingerprints, photographs, and receipts their personal property; may transport prisoners.

May be assigned to traffic education and enforcement; enforces traffic and motor vehicle regulations through visual observation and radar/lidar patrol, issues warnings or citations to offenders; investigates and prepares reports of traffic crashes involving property damage, injuries and fatalities; maintains traffic-related statistics.

May be assigned to criminal/youth investigation; investigates crimes and criminal activities involving adults and/or juveniles; conducts crime scene investigations; obtains statements of victims, witnesses, and suspects; investigates assigned cases until cleared or declared inactive; maintains records of investigations and assists in the preparation of cases for court and court diversion programs; testifies in court as necessary.

May be assigned to crime prevention/community relations duties; conducts security surveys; coordinates crime opportunity prevention plans; presents public information programs; analyzes community concerns.

May be assigned to local school duties; acts as a teaching resource for school community; assists with school security; conducts classes; investigates youth related problems; maintains appropriate records.

May be assigned to other specialized duties or temporary assignments with other law enforcement agencies as required. Performs related work as required

Typical Qualifications

• Knowledge of modern police practices and methods
• Knowledge of departmental procedures, rules and regulations
• Knowledge of applicable federal, state and local laws and ordinances, including laws of arrest
• Knowledge of the street layout and geography of the Village
• Ability to deal firmly and courteously with the public
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing
• Ability to maintain required records and to prepare reports
• Ability to analyze situations quickly and objectively and to determine proper course of action
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others
• Ability to meet such physical requirements as may be established by competent authority
• Skill in the use of firearms, communications/data devices, and such other regular and special police equipment as may be assigned
• Follows safety policies and procedures
• Reports all unsafe conditions and acts to supervisor
• Reports all accidents to supervisor immediately
• Follows recognized safe work practices
• Receive specialized training in crisis intervention and the handling of persons with mental illness

Supplemental Information

The following documents and certificates are required to be submitted at the time of application:

• Resume
• Birth Certificate
• High School Diploma or GED Certificate
• State of Illinois Law Enforcement Officer Certification
• Military Service Records - DD Form (if applicable)
• Certified copy of transcript for:
  • Associate's Degree in Criminal Justice or Law Enforcement; or
  • Certified copy of Bachelor's Degree from an Accredited College or University (if applicable)

Required Requirements

Must be 21 and less than 35 years of age at time of application, unless exempted from this requirement by statute, or be 20 years of age and have successfully completed two years of law enforcement studies at an accredited college or university.

• State of Illinois certification by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board. (Part-time certification as a law enforcement officer does not meet this requirement.)
• United States citizen
• Individuals must be at least 21 years old
• Education: High School education or equivalent thereof
• Experience: At least one (1) year of experience as a full time sworn, certified law enforcement officer with an Illinois law enforcement agency, within the last two (2) years
• Valid Driver's License
• Valid FOID card
• Must agree to comply with all requirements of the position and have the ability to pass all examination and training requirements
• Ability to furnish upon request, a copy of the following: professional licenses; training certificates; documents confirming work experience; employee evaluations; and any other employment related material as requested or required.