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Chicago Police Department Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lateral Police Officer

Buffalo Grove, IL ยท On-site

$86K - $127K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Buffalo Grove Police Department, a progressive northwest suburban Chicago department, is looking for the best candidates available. Future growth, advancement potential, salary, and benefits are ...

POLICE OFFICER

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$32.53/hr

Requires prior police experience in a recognized armed police department. * Requires good ... To learn more about Loyola University Chicago's mission, candidates should consult our website at ...

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How much do chicago police department jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for chicago police department in the United States is $25.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $28.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does the Chicago Police Department do?

The Chicago Police Department (CPD) is responsible for maintaining public safety and enforcing the law within the city of Chicago. Officers work to prevent and investigate crime, respond to emergencies, and foster community relations to build trust and cooperation. The department also works on specialized units such as detectives, traffic enforcement, and community policing to address specific needs of the city. Their ultimate goal is to ensure the safety and security of all Chicago residents.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Chicago Police Department officer?

To thrive as a Chicago Police Department officer, you need strong knowledge of law enforcement procedures, criminal law, and physical fitness, typically supported by a high school diploma or GED and completion of police academy training. Familiarity with law enforcement databases, body-worn cameras, and incident reporting systems is essential. Integrity, sound judgment, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for building community trust and handling high-stress situations. These skills are vital to ensure public safety, uphold the law, and foster positive relationships between the police and the community.

What are some common challenges faced by officers in the Chicago Police Department and how are they supported in overcoming them?

Officers in the Chicago Police Department often encounter high-pressure situations, including responding to emergencies, managing community relations, and working in diverse neighborhoods. These challenges require strong communication skills, resilience, and adaptability. The department offers support through ongoing training, peer support programs, and access to mental health resources to help officers manage stress and maintain their well-being. Additionally, mentorship from experienced colleagues and teamwork within units are emphasized to foster a supportive work environment.

What is the difference between Chicago Police Department vs Chicago Police Officer?

AspectChicago Police DepartmentChicago Police Officer
CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED, police academy certificationHigh school diploma or GED, police academy certification
Work EnvironmentLaw enforcement agency, citywide patrol and investigationsPatrol, respond to incidents, enforce laws within Chicago
Employer/IndustryCity of Chicago, law enforcementCity of Chicago, law enforcement

The Chicago Police Department is the overarching agency responsible for law enforcement in Chicago, while a Chicago Police Officer is an individual employed by the department performing patrols, investigations, and law enforcement duties. Both roles require similar credentials and work in the same environment, but the department refers to the organization, whereas the officer is the personnel executing daily law enforcement tasks.

How hard is it to get into the Chicago Police Department?

Getting into the Chicago Police Department typically requires meeting minimum eligibility criteria, passing written and physical exams, completing a background check, and successfully completing training at the police academy. Candidates often need to demonstrate good character, physical fitness, and problem-solving skills, with some positions requiring prior experience or education.

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Cities with the most Chicago Police Department job openings:

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The top searched job categories for Chicago Police Department jobs are:

Infographic showing various Chicago Police Department job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $52,809 per year, or $25.4 per hour.

Lateral Police Officer

Village of Buffalo Grove, IL

Buffalo Grove, IL โ€ข On-site

$86K - $127K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

Salary : $86,575.00 - $127,745.00 Annually
Location : 46 Raupp Blvd, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 00092
Department: Police
Opening Date: 06/12/2026
Closing Date: 1/8/2027 11:59 PM Central
DESCRIPTION:
The Buffalo Grove Police Department, a progressive northwest suburban Chicago department, is looking for the best candidates available. Future growth, advancement potential, salary, and benefits are excellent.
The Village of Buffalo Grove is located thirty-three miles northwest of downtown Chicago and twenty miles north of O'Hare International Airport. Neighboring communities include Arlington Heights, Lincolnshire, Long Grove, Riverwoods, Vernon Hills, and Wheeling. Since its incorporation in 1958, Buffalo Grove has grown and developed into a tightly knit, award-winning community. The Village's current population is 43,212. Buffalo Grove has been recognized as one of the safest communities in the United States, the most family-friendly community in Illinois, one of the best Chicago suburbs for young professionals and one of the Best Places to Live.
The Buffalo Grove Police Department accepts for employment and promotes its employees without regard to perceived or actual race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, military status, order of protection status, physical or mental handicap unrelated to ability to perform the essential job functions or any other status or class protected by federal, state, or local law.
The Buffalo Grove Police Department bases its hiring practices and promotions on merit, experience, education and other qualifications applied to all applicants and in accordance with the principles of equal employment opportunity and as required by any other applicable federal, state, or local law. The Buffalo Grove Police Department complies with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA). Persons needing accommodations in the recruitment process should notify the Village of Buffalo Grove Human Resources Director in advance.
Patrols a designated area of the Village; checks doors and windows and examines premises of unoccupied buildings or residences in order to detect any suspicious conditions; observes violations of laws and ordinances and responds to incidents involving traffic crashes, misdemeanors, felonies, and miscellaneous citizen service requests; makes police presence known in a manner that contributes toward deterrence of crime; gives information and provides assistance to motorists and the public.
Conducts preliminary investigations at the scenes of crimes, traffic crashes and other incidents; administers emergency medical aid to persons; gathers and preserves evidence; locates and questions witnesses; writes citations and makes arrests as required by circumstances; testifies as a witness in court. Processes prisoners upon admission; takes fingerprints, photographs, and receipts their personal property; may transport prisoners.
May be assigned to traffic education and enforcement; enforces traffic and motor vehicle regulations through visual observation and radar/lidar patrol, issues warnings or citations to offenders; investigates and prepares reports of traffic crashes involving property damage, injuries and fatalities; maintains traffic-related statistics.
May be assigned to criminal/youth investigation; investigates crimes and criminal activities involving adults and/or juveniles; conducts crime scene investigations; obtains statements of victims, witnesses, and suspects; investigates assigned cases until cleared or declared inactive; maintains records of investigations and assists in the preparation of cases for court and court diversion programs; testifies in court as necessary.
May be assigned to crime prevention/community relations duties; conducts security surveys; coordinates crime opportunity prevention plans; presents public information programs; analyzes community concerns.
May be assigned to local school duties; acts as a teaching resource for school community; assists with school security; conducts classes; investigates youth related problems; maintains appropriate records.
May be assigned to other specialized duties or temporary assignments with other law enforcement agencies as required. Performs related work as required
TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS:
Graduation from high school; or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the following knowledge, ability and skills:
  • Knowledge of modern police practices and methods
  • Knowledge of departmental procedures, rules and regulations
  • Knowledge of applicable federal, state and local laws and ordinances, including laws of arrest
  • Knowledge of the street layout and geography of the Village
  • Ability to deal firmly and courteously with the public
  • Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing
  • Ability to maintain required records and to prepare reports
  • Ability to analyze situations quickly and objectively and to determine proper course of action
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others
  • Ability to meet such physical requirements as may be established by competent authority
  • Skill in the use of firearms, communications/data devices, and such other regular and special police equipment as may be assigned
  • Follows safety policies and procedures
  • Reports all unsafe conditions and acts to supervisor
  • Reports all accidents to supervisor immediately
  • Follows recognized safe work practices
  • Receive specialized training in crisis intervention and the handling of persons with mental illness

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
The following documents and certificates are required to be submitted at the time of application:
  • Resume
  • Birth Certificate
  • High School Diploma or GED Certificate
  • State of Illinois Law Enforcement Officer Certification
  • Military Service Records - DD Form (if applicable)
  • Certified copy of transcript for:
    • Associate's Degree in Criminal Justice or Law Enforcement; or
    • Certified copy of Bachelor's Degree from an Accredited College or University (if applicable)

REQUIRED REQUIREMENTS
Must be 21 and less than 35 years of age at time of application, unless exempted from this requirement by statute, or be 20 years of age and have successfully completed two years of law enforcement studies at an accredited college or university.
  • State of Illinois certification by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board.
    (Part-time certification as a law enforcement officer does not meet this requirement.)
  • United States citizen
  • Individuals must be at least 21 years old
  • Education: High School education or equivalent thereof
  • Experience: At least one (1) year of experience as a full time sworn, certified law enforcement
    officer with an Illinois law enforcement agency, within the last two (2) years
  • Valid Driver's License
  • Valid FOID card
  • Must agree to comply with all requirements of the position and have the ability to pass all
    examination and training requirements
  • Ability to furnish upon request, a copy of the following: professional licenses; training certificates;
    documents confirming work experience; employee evaluations; and any other employment
    related material as requested or required.

Benefits:
  • Excellent medical, dental and vision benefits
  • Flexible spending accounts, life insurance, and police officer pension program
  • Annual vacation allowance, 11 paid holidays and 80 hours sick time/year
  • Wellness incentive programs that offer additional compensation and time off benefits
  • On-site gym and wellness room with modern equipment
  • College tuition reimbursement program
  • Outstanding training and career development opportunities
Salary:$86,575-$127,745*
*Starting salary is commensurate to candidate experience as a full-time police officer within the State of Illinois. An officer with 7 years of law enforcement experience is eligible for top starting salary.