(Lateral) Police Officer

City of Aurora; Aurora (IL); On-site; USD 100,000 - 134,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Vision insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance

Paid time off

Uniform allowance

Tuition reimbursement

EAP

On-site gym

Retiree health care

Job summary

The City of Aurora seeks experienced Police Officers for lateral entry to join the Aurora Police Department. Candidates must meet rigorous eligibility criteria, including IL LE Certification, U.S. citizenship, and a valid FOID.

The process includes extensive background checks, interviews, and medical evaluations. Starting salary is published at $117,331.97 with a full benefits package. The department offers advancement opportunities, tuition reimbursement, and a comprehensive benefits program

Qualifications

• Must possess a State of Illinois Law Enforcement Certification from ILETSB in good standing.
• Must be at least 23 and under 40 at time of hire.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen at appointment.
• Must possess a valid Class D driver’s license and a valid FOID card.
• Must pass a POWER test card issued within the last 6 months.

Responsibilities

• Lateral entry eligibility list established for candidates with prior full-time sworn service.
• Participate in the multi-stage selection process including background, interviews, and medical exams.

Skills

Police experience

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

The City of Aurora Police Department is seeking experienced Police Officers for lateral entry.

An alternative eligibility list will be established for the position of Lateral Police Officer. These are for candidates who are currently employed for a minimum of two (2) years with their agency as a full-time Sworn Municipal Officer, Illinois State Trooper, or County Sheriff's Deputy (Patrol/Road Division). Candidate must also be off probationary status and be in good standing with their current agency.

Requirements:

• Must possess a State of Illinois Law Enforcement Certification from the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board as a law enforcement officer in good standing (Part-time certification as a law enforcement officer does not meet this requirement.)
• Must be at least 23 years old – AND – be under 40 years old at the time of hire.
• Must possess a High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen at the time of appointment.
• Must possess a valid Class "D" driver's license (upload at time of application).
• Must possess a valid Illinois FOID card.
• Must exhibit good moral character and have not been convicted of any felony. Persons with a record of misdemeanor convictions may be disqualified from taking examinations as set forth in 65 ILCS 5/ Article 10-1-7(c). Certain misdemeanor convictions may disqualify candidates for a position in the Police Department. This can be viewed at ilga.gov.
• Must possess a current P.O.W.E.R Test card from an ILETSB entity, issued within the last 6 months.
  • P.O.W.E.R Test card must be presented no later than 14 calendar days after receiving notice you have entered the official Background Phase.

Selection Process:

Advancement to any step in the recruitment process does not guarantee employment. Candidates must successfully meet all applicable qualifications and requirements at each stage to remain under consideration for the position.

The selection process will include the following components:

• Application Review
• Orientation
• Panel Interview
• Conditional Offer
• Psychological Assessment
• In-depth Background Investigation
• Pre-employment Medical Examination & Drug Screen

Aurora Police Dept. Tattoo Policy:

Tattoos to the head, neck and facial area are prohibited. Hand tattoos are not allowed, however, there are very limited exceptions with approval from the Chief of Police.

Officers are permitted to have tattoos elsewhere, visible to the public, if the tattoo is not objectionable or demeaning to the image of the Department. The nature, number, size, and location of the tattoos are all factors in determining whether such tattoos are objectionable or deeming. Examples include but are not limited to; tattoos that contain nudity, profanity, or to be perceived as gang related, criminal, obscene, sexual, racial, or detracts from the professional image of a law enforcement officer.

The covering of objectionable tattoos with make-up, sleeves, Band-Aids, etc., shall not constitute conforming to this policy. All tattoos shall be covered for court appearances.

Starting Salary: As of January 2027 – $117,331.97, plus a full benefit package.

Benefits:

• 8 hr. shifts
• Annual Pay Increases
• Medical, Vision, Dental and life insurances
• Retiree Health Care
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Paid Time Off, Paid Vacation Days, Designated Holidays, Floating Holidays, and Sick Leave
• On-site gym available and Health Club Membership Reimbursement
• Uniform Allowance (as determined by collective bargaining agreement)
• Reporting Pay Stipend (pensionable)
• Interpreter Stipend (if applicable)
• Tuition Reimbursement

Opportunities To Advance Your Career:

• Community Policing
• Real Time Intelligence Center
• Crisis Intervention Unit (full time police social work unit with embedded social workers)
• Full-Time Sworn Evidence Technicians
• Investigations – Domestic Violence, Major Crimes, Property Crimes, US Marshals Fugitive Apprehension Task Force
• Special Operations Group – Drugs, Gangs, Vice, Task Forces with ATF, DEA, FBI, HSI, and ISP Drug Task Force
• Traffic Unit
• Part-Time Special Response Team including Crisis Negotiators and Drone Team
• Honor Guard
• Pipes and Drums

Contact Information:

City of Aurora – Human Resources Department
44 E. Downer Place
Aurora, IL 60507
630-256-3430

To learn more about employment opportunities with the Aurora Police Department, visit: https://www.aurora-il.org/1457/Join-APD

To learn more about the City of Aurora, IL, visit: https://www.aurora-il.org/1111/About-Our-City