Police Officer – Entry Level

Gurnee, Village of (IL); Gurnee (IL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The Gurnee Police Department is seeking qualified candidates to join its team. The role combines law enforcement, public service, and community engagement to protect residents and visitors.

Duties include patrolling, responding to emergencies, investigating incidents, and collaborating with community partners. Applicants must meet age, education, and citizenship requirements and may need prior sworn experience or military service.

Qualifications

• United States citizen or eligible to work in the United States.
• Minimum 20 years of age (21 by academy) and <35 at deadline unless exempt.
• Graduation from high school or equivalent.
• Valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Patrolling assigned areas to deter and detect criminal activity and ensure public safety.
• Responding to emergencies such as accidents, disturbances, or crimes in progress.
• Investigating crimes and accidents, collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, and preparing reports.
• Arresting and processing suspects in accordance with legal procedures.
• Issuing citations and enforcing traffic laws on roads and public spaces.
• Participating in community programs to prevent crime and build trust.
• Collaborating with schools, social services, and local businesses to address safety concerns.

Skills

Patrolling

Emergency response

Investigation

Community engagement

Civic duty

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

60 hours college credit

Military service (2+ years)

Prior sworn law enforcement experience

Job description

The mission of the Gurnee Police Department is to defend the lives, rights, and quality of life of all the residents and visitors we serve with honor and integrity. The men and women of the department are fully committed to accomplishing this mission by achieving four fundamental objectives:

• Crime Prevention - to provide a proactive and educational approach to reducing crime.
• Crime Control - to provide a rapid and professional response to confront crime as it occurs.
• Community Involvement - to create an excellent partnership with the community through exceptional communication and transparency.
• Team Building - to create an excellent work environment so we can recruit and develop an exceptional team.

Community Population: 30,700. Department Personnel: Sworn Officers: 71; 110 total members including sworn officers, sworn supervisory, management, and civilian personnel.

No residency or living radius requirement.

Core Duties and Responsibilities

The role of a Gurnee Police Officer is dynamic and multifaceted, combining law enforcement, public service, emergency response, and community engagement. Each day can present unique challenges, requiring adaptability, integrity, and a commitment to protecting the public and upholding the law.

• Patrolling assigned areasto deter and detect criminal activity and ensure public safety
• Responding to emergency callssuch as accidents, disturbances, or crimes in progress
• Investigating crimes and accidents, collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses and suspects, and preparing detailed reports
• Arresting and processing suspectsin accordance with legal procedures
• Issuing citations and enforcing traffic lawsto maintain order on roads and public spaces
• Participating in community programsto prevent crime and build trust between law enforcement and the public
• Collaborating with other agencies such as schools, social services, and local businesses to address safety concerns and reduce crime.

• United States citizen or Naturalized citizen; verification of eligibility to work in the United States
• Minimum 20 years of age (21 years of age by police academy graduation date) and less than 35 years of age as of application deadline unless otherwise exempt. Military Veterans may exceed the maximum age by the number of years served on active military duty but by no more than 10 years of active military duty.
• Graduation from high school or equivalent thereof.
• Valid driver’s license.

AND at least one of the following

• 60 hours of college credit at time of application [must provide transcript(s) showing 60 hours complete with application]; OR
• At least two (2) years United States military service; OR
• Experience as a full time sworn law enforcement officer; must be able to be certified in accordance with 50 ILCS 705/8.1 [submit certificate with application]

Written Examination Requirement

FrontLine National Exam and PSSA through National Testing Network - complete by September 21, 2026.

Cost of examination is the responsibility of the candidate unless eligible for hardship fee waiver, no refunds. Candidates may take the test virtually or in-person at an NTN testing center. For assistance with virtual examinations, click here for more details. For other problems or questions or hardship fee waiver form, email NTN Customer Support: [e-mail].

Submit required documents by September 21, 2026.

*Note: Candidate PHQ completed through NTN website doe s not meet the application requirement.

Selection Process - each phase of the process is pass / fail and required to proceed to the next

Application Screening / Oral Interview with Gurnee Police Department Command Staff

Post-offer examinations / screenings include but are not limited to: verification of all qualifications; polygraph examination; psychological evaluation; background investigation; ability to pass the Illinois Peace Officer Wellness Evaluation Report (POWER test) upon department request; medical / vision examinations and drug screen.

Completion of the FrontLine National Examination and / or Gurnee Police Officer Employment Application is not a guarantee of eligibility to continue in the process. Candidates may be disqualified after completion of the test or submission of application for reasons including but not limited to not meeting minimum position qualifications; incomplete application or examination requirements; not meeting passing standards for the NTN examination; or other disqualifying factors related to Police Officer candidacy or employment.