Police Officer

Rockford Park District; Rockford (IL); On-site; USD 37,971 - 54,080; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

IMRF pension

Paid time off

Job summary

Rockford Park District Police Department seeks a full-time Police Officer to protect patrons and assets across district parks and events. You will enforce laws, investigate incidents, respond to emergencies, and coordinate with 911 and other agencies.

The role requires U.S. citizenship or residency, a valid driver’s license, a high school diploma or equivalent, and the ability to pass the POWER test and medical exam. Starting wage is $33.41 per hour.

Qualifications

• Must be a United States citizen and live within 50 miles of Rockford Park District PD.
• Must be at least 21 years old and under 35 unless prior Illinois LE experience.
• Must have a valid Driver's License.
• Must have a high school diploma or its equivalent.
• Must not have felony convictions or certain misdemeanors.

Responsibilities

• Follows procedures to ensure park safety and law enforcement presence.
• Responds to emergencies, conducts investigations, and provides information to citizens.
• Completes reports, citations, and maintains records.
• Coordinates with 911, state attorney, and other agencies as needed.
• Protects patrons and transports currency from facilities when required.

Skills

Laws knowledge

Defensive tactics

Firearms

Computers

Policy familiarity

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

In-car computers

Job description

Position Overview

Title: Police Officer
Department: Police
Status: Full Time
Office Location: Webbs Norman Center
Reports To: Sergeants
Starting Wage: $33.41
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Position Description

To ensure that all patrons feel safe to utilize and enjoy any and all parks and park district related activities.

Leadership by Values

• Represent the District professionally by developing long lasting positive relationships with internal team members and external vendors.
• Demonstrates the principles of One Team, One Goal in daily interactions with staff and guest.
• Support and ensure a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging exists in all areas of the Rockford Park District.
• Establish and maintain a high level of citizen confidence.

Operational Excellence

• Follows standard operating procedures, looks for law /ordinance violations in parks while maintaining park safety.
• Ensures appropriate communications with victims, offenders, citizens, community groups, 911 center, states attorney, and other law enforcement officers.
• Responds to internal and external calls that do not require law enforcement response.
• Responds to emergency calls while operating emergency lights and siren in a controlled manner.
• Responds to emergency and non-emergency requests from other law enforcement agencies / officers.
• Responds to intrusion, hold-up, and fire alarms and performs building checks, then resets non valid alarms.
• Picks up and secures, transports, and deposits United States Currency from park district facilities to the bank.
• Provides police presence for safety and security at park district events and functions.
• Performs criminal and non-criminal investigations against persons and property.
• Performs undercover activities as directed.
• Provides general and pertinent information to citizens request and district employees.

Compliance

• Enforces all local traffic ordinances and traffic laws from the Illinois Vehicle Code.
• Enforces all local, state, and federal laws and ordinances as necessary.
• Oversees the safe passage of vehicles and pedestrian traffic when required.
• Attends court proceedings and represents the Rockford Park District Police Department as required.

Inspection / Maintenance

• Performs daily inspection of all assigned equipment and vehicles.
• Visually inspects park district property to ensure that it is safe and secure.
• Checks the interior and exterior of buildings to ensure that they are secure.

Document / Reports

• Completes Police Reports, traffic citations, and other paperwork as required.

Requirements

• Must be at least 21 years old
• Must be under the age of 35, unless they have prior Illinois Law Enforcement Experience per Illinois Statutes
• Must be a United States citizen and live within 50 miles of Rockford Park District PD (401 S. Main St.)
• Must have a valid Drivers License
• Must have a high school diploma or its equivalent
• Must not have been convicted of any felonies or certain misdemeanors

Critical Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Professional knowledge of state, federal, and ordinance laws
• Practical knowledge of computers and in-car computers
• Professional knowledge from Police Training Institute
• Practical knowledge of defensive tactics and firearms
• Routine knowledge or park district policies

Physical Requirements

Applicants will be required to successfully pass the P.O.W.E.R. test as mandated by the State of Illinois. Candidates will also be required to undergo an extensive physical/medical examination.

Benefits

Health & Wellness

• Health Insurance: Choose from three PPO Plans administered by BlueCross/BlueShield of Illinois, including a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with an option for a Health Savings Account (HSA).
• Dental Insurance: Coverage through BlueCross/BlueShield, with a $2,000 individual annual maximum.
• Vision Insurance: Provided by EyeMed, offering discounts on frames, lenses, and other vision services.
• Wellness Program: Empower Health Services offers a variety of programs and resources to support employee well-being, including wellness challenges and health resources.
• Employee Assistance Program: Confidential counseling and support for personal and work-related challenges through Supportlinc.

Financial Security

• Retirement Plans: Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) pension with voluntary additional contributions & optional 457(b) deferred compensation.
• Life Insurance: Employer-paid life & AD&DD (2x salary, up to $300K) plus optional voluntary coverage
• Critical Illness & Accident Insurances: Provides financial support by covering out-of-pocket costs for covered critical illnesses and offering optional accident insurance for additional protection.
• Tax-Free Accounts: HSA (with HDHP) & FSA for medical and dependent care expenses
• Employee Crisis Fund: Provides financial assistance of up to $2,500 for unforeseen emergencies such as medical crises, loss of a primary residence, or a family tragedy. Repayments are made through bi-weekly payroll deductions with flexible terms.

Paid Time Off

Vacation, Sick Leave, Holidays, Personal Days, Bereavement, and various leave programs.

Additional Perks

• Employee Participation Program: Use for District programs or passes including: Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, Golf Membership, or up to $400 on a card to use throughout Park District facilities.
• Exclusive Discounts: Local partners, safety shoe reimbursement, and more
• Unique Benefits: Legal, identity theft, and pet insurance options

Summary

To ensure that all patrons feel safe to utilize and enjoy any and all parks and park district related activities.