Entry-Level Police Patrol Officer

Decatur Police Department; Decatur (IL); On-site; USD 69,000 - 84,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

12-hour shifts

Promotional opportunities

Health benefits

Retirement plan

Vacation & sick leave

Tuition reimbursement

Wellness program

Job summary

Decatur Police Department is seeking police officers to patrol and respond to emergencies in Decatur, IL. The role involves making quick, informed decisions, enforcing laws, and working with the community to ensure public safety.

The starting pay is $76,663 with a $5,000 sign-on bonus; after one year the salary rises to $78,520 and with four years of experience to $94,463. Higher ranks offer six-figure compensation and longevity pay.

Qualifications

• Must be a U.S. citizen and aged 21–35.
• No felony convictions; FOID card required.
• Illinois driver’s license required.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Good health, moral character, and emotional resilience.

Responsibilities

• Patrol city areas to maintain law and order and enforce traffic laws.
• Respond to calls, investigate complaints, and conduct follow-up investigations.
• Gather evidence, interview witnesses, make arrests, and testify in court.
• Direct traffic and handle a wide variety of incidents.
• Prepare detailed reports and support the DPD mission.

Skills

Physical fitness

Calm under pressure

Decision making

Community policing

Education

High school diploma

Job description

Starting Pay: $76,663 Sign-On Bonus: $5,000

Engage in a variety of policing activities, including patrols, investigations, traffic control, and emergency response. Exercise autonomy and make critical decisions during emergencies, working collaboratively with fellow officers and community partners.

Why Join?

The Decatur Police Department (DPD) is dedicated to maintaining a team of diverse, highly-qualified officers to serve and protect the City of Decatur, Illinois. DPD offers specialized training, promotional opportunities, and diverse career paths within law enforcement.

After one year, an officer's salary increases to $78,520.

With four years of experience, an officer earns $94,463.

Maximum Salary, Including Longevity Pay

• Patrol Officer $106,827
• Master Patrol Officer $111,595
• Detective $116,364
• Sergeant $131,104

Key Benefits & Opportunities

• Balanced Work-Life: Enjoy a 12-hour patrol schedule with every other weekend off (Friday/Saturday/Sunday), totaling approximately 182 working days per year.
• Community-Centric Policing: Foster relationships with diverse communities through neighborhood policing and community partnerships.
• Advanced Training & Development: Access to specialized training and promotional opportunities across various law enforcement fields.
• State-of-the-Art Facilities: Work in modern, technology-equipped environments.
• Competitive Benefits: Competitive salary, excellent retirement plan, comprehensive health benefits, paid vacation, and sick leave.
• Dedicated Health Center: Free check-ups/physicals, chronic condition management, bloodwork, immunizations, and numerous free prescriptions for employees and dependents.
• Employee Wellness Programs: Comprehensive fitness, and wellness initiatives including mental health support..
• Tuition Reimbursement: Support for ongoing education and professional development.

Key Responsibilities

• Patrol & Enforcement: Monitor city areas to maintain law and order, enforce traffic laws, and uphold local ordinances.
• Emergency Response: Respond to calls, investigate complaints, and handle a wide variety of incidents. Conduct follow-up investigations as assigned.
• Crime & Accident Management: Gather evidence, interview witnesses, make arrests, and prepare case information for prosecution. Testify in court when required.
• Traffic Control: Conduct traffic duties, operate radar units, apprehend violators, issue tickets, and direct traffic.
• Conflict Resolution: Address disputes and disturbances, make arrests when necessary, and prepare detailed reports.
• Additional Responsibilities: Perform related duties as assigned, supporting the overall DPD mission.

Requirements

• Age & Citizenship: Must be aged 21 to 35 (possible exceptions up to four years for those over 35 with specialized police-related training or experience). Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Legal & Professional Standing: No felony convictions; certain misdemeanor convictions may disqualify applicants. Must meet Illinois FOID card requirements.
• Driver's License: Must possess a valid Illinois driver's license.
• Educational Background: High school diploma or equivalent required. Further education and police-related training are advantageous.
• Physical & Mental Requirements: Good health, moral character, and emotional resilience are essential. Physical agility and quick decision‑making skills are required. Tattoos and body art are prohibited on the face.

Pre-Employment Assessment Process

1. Written Examination Comprehensive National Testing Network (NTN) test covering language ability, writing, reading, and video scenarios.
2. Oral Interview Face-to-face interview. Veterans may receive preference points added to the final examination score.
3. Ride-Along Accompany an officer during shift patrol for a better understanding of the position.
4. Peace Officer Wellness Evaluation Report (POWER) Test Physical fitness assessment evaluating strength, agility, and endurance.
5. Background Investigations Review of police records, employment, educational, and credit history, personal references, and other sources of information.

Residency Requirement

Must reside within 50 miles of the corporate limits of the city of Decatur within 90 days after completing the 18-month probationary period.