Police Officer (Entry Level)

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. 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 (ENTRY LEVEL). This is an opportunity to begin a rewarding career with a highly respected and progressive agency that values proactive policing, officer development, collaboration, and community engagement. We are seeking individuals who demonstrate strong judgment, professionalism, communication skills, and a genuine desire to serve others. Ideal candidates are motivated to learn, grow, and make a meaningful impact while becoming part of a department where officers are supported by both leadership and the community they serve. Recruitment Timeline Application Deadline: December 4, 2026 at 8:00 AM Written Examination: December 17–18, 2026 Screening Interviews: January 6–9, 2027* Polygraph: January 11–29, 2027* Board Interviews: February 4–5, 2027* *Dates are tentative and subject to change 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... 2027 Salary Schedule: Step 1 Starting Salary $93,892.91 Step 2 After 6 Months $97,179.07 Step 3 After 1 Year $101,852.00 Step 4 After 2 Years $106,757.53 Step 5 After 3 Years $112,008.83 Step 6 After 4 Years $117,609.68 Step 7 After 5 Years $123,490.40 Step 8 After 6 Years $129,665.38 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 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. Prepare clear, accurate, and complete reports detailing activities. Prepare and serve criminal complaints, arrest warrants, search warrants, and other court documents. Prepare cases and self for court. Appear and provide sworn testimony in various legal proceedings. 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 #J-18808-Ljbffr Highland Park Police Department