Lateral Police Patrol Officer

City of Decatur; Decatur (IL); On-site; USD 74,000 - 96,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dedicated police department committed to community service and safety in Decatur, Illinois. This role offers a unique opportunity to engage in diverse policing activities, from patrols to emergency responses, while fostering relationships within the community. With a competitive salary and a supportive work environment, you will receive specialized training and development opportunities. Enjoy a balanced work-life with a 12-hour patrol schedule and every other weekend off. If you are passionate about law enforcement and making a difference, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Benefits

Sign-On Bonus

Balanced Work-Life

Advanced Training & Development

State-of-the-Art Facilities

Competitive Benefits

Dedicated Health Center

Employee Wellness Programs

Tuition Reimbursement

Qualifications

• Must be aged 21 to 35; U.S. citizenship required.
• No felony convictions; valid Illinois driver's license needed.

Responsibilities

• Engage in patrols, investigations, and emergency response.
• Monitor city areas to maintain law and order and enforce traffic laws.

Skills

Critical decision-making

Physical agility

Conflict resolution

Community engagement

Investigation skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Further education in law enforcement

Job description

Starting Pay: $74,430 - $95,380 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.
Key Benefits & Opportunities

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

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.

Minimum Requirements:

1. 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.
2. Legal & Professional Standing: No felony convictions; certain misdemeanor convictions may disqualify applicants. Must meet Illinois FOID card requirements.
3. Driver's License: Must possess a valid Illinois driver's license.
4. Educational Background: High school diploma or equivalent required. Further education and police-related training are advantageous.
5. Physical & Mental Fitness: Good health, moral character, and emotional resilience are essential. Physical agility and quick decision-making skills are required.

Qualifications for Experienced (Lateral) Officer:

Illinois Certified Police Officers: Persons may apply as a lateral police officer if certified as a full-time police officer in the State of Illinois. There is no requirement for prior service length. Proof of certification as a full-time officer must be submitted at time of application.

Out-of-State Certified Police Officers: Persons may apply as a lateral police officer if certified as a full-time police officer in another state and have successfully completed a probationary period of at least six months while employed full time with a law enforcement agency in the state where they were training. Proof of certification as a full-time police officer must be submitted at time of application.

Pre-Employment Assessment Process:

1. Written Examination: Comprehensive National Testing Network (NTN) test covering language ability, writing, reading, and video scenarios, if required.
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. 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.

To Apply: Ready to make a difference? Apply online at deccaturil.gov. We embrace diversity and encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply. Learn more at Join Decatur PD.

Candidates will be subject to a pre-employment drug screen, physical exam, and psychological evaluation post offer. The City of Decatur is a drug-free workplace. This includes marijuana.