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Police Department Hiring Jobs in Springfield, IL

City of DeKalb, IL

Lateral Police Officer

Lincoln, IL · On-site

$86K - $116K/yr

Police Department - 700 West Lincoln Highway, DeKalb, IL Job Type: Full-Time Job Number: 00272 Department: Police Department Division: Patrol Opening Date: 04/01/2026 Closing Date: Continuous Job ...

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Police Department Hiring information

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How much do police department hiring jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for police department hiring in Springfield, IL is $20.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.08 and $22.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is police department hiring?

Police department hiring is the process by which law enforcement agencies recruit, evaluate, and select new officers and staff. This process typically involves submitting an application, passing written and physical tests, background checks, interviews, and medical evaluations. The goal is to ensure that candidates meet the required standards of integrity, physical fitness, and mental aptitude needed for police work. Successful applicants often undergo comprehensive training at a police academy before joining the force.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in police department hiring roles?

To thrive in Police Department hiring, candidates generally need a high school diploma or equivalent, physical fitness, a clean background, and completion of police academy training. Familiarity with law enforcement databases, report management systems, and firearms certification is typically required. Strong communication, critical thinking, and emotional resilience are standout soft skills for managing public interactions and high-pressure situations. These qualifications and skills are crucial for ensuring public safety, effective law enforcement, and maintaining community trust.

What are some typical challenges new recruits face during the police department hiring process?

New recruits often find the police department hiring process rigorous and competitive, involving written exams, physical fitness tests, psychological evaluations, and background checks. Many candidates are surprised by the intensity of the physical and mental assessments, as well as the thoroughness of the background investigation. Time management and preparation for each stage are crucial, as is maintaining transparency and honesty throughout the process. Training academies expect recruits to quickly adapt to a highly structured, disciplined environment, which can be challenging for those new to such settings.

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

AspectPolice Department HiringPolice Officer
CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED, background check, physical fitness testSame as hiring process, plus police academy training
Work EnvironmentRecruitment offices, job fairs, online portalsPatrols, crime scenes, community interactions
Employer & Industry UsageLaw enforcement agencies seeking new officersActive duty in law enforcement agencies

Police Department Hiring refers to the process of recruiting and selecting candidates to become police officers. The role of a police officer involves active law enforcement duties, whereas hiring focuses on the recruitment process. Both share similar credentials and work environments, but the hiring process is the initial step before becoming an officer.

What cities near Springfield, IL are hiring for Police Department Hiring jobs?

Cities near Springfield, IL with the most Police Department Hiring job openings:

Police Department Hiring jobs near you

Lateral Police Officer

Lincoln, IL • On-site

City of DeKalb, IL
See more jobs at City of DeKalb, ILexternal

$86K - $116K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

Salary : $86,299.20 - $116,001.60 Annually
Location : Police Department - 700 West Lincoln Highway, DeKalb, IL
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 00272
Department: Police Department
Division: Patrol
Opening Date: 04/01/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Job Summary
The City of DeKalb is accepting applications for Lateral Police Officer to establish an eligibility list.
Applications will be reviewed on the 1st Monday of each month. The position will remain open until filled.
Essential Functions
Please click HEREto view the recruitment brochure and application instructions.
PLEASE NOTE: Candidates must currently possess certification as a full-time Permanent Police Officer as defined in 50 ILCS 705/1, et seq by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training & Standards Board in order to be considered for the position.
Minimum Qualifications
The selection process for the Lateral Police Officer includes oral interviews with the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners. The process and the minimum qualifications are dictated by the Board's Rules and Regulations and are detailed in the recruitment brochure.
Please submit the following at time of application:
  1. Certification as a full-time Permanent Police Officer as defined in 50 ILCS 705/1, et seq by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board.
  2. High School Diploma or Equivalent.
  3. Valid Driver's License.
  4. U.S. Citizen
  5. No felony convictions and or crime involving moral turpitude as specified in Section 5/10-2.1-6 Part C of the

Residency: 40-mile residency requirements after 15 months of employment.
Supplemental Information
**APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED AND REVIEWED ON AN ONGOING BASIS. POSITION WILL REMAIN OPEN UNTIL FILLED. POSTING MAY CLOSE WITHOUT FURTHER NOTICE. **
The City will screen candidates based on specific qualifications and departmental needs at the time of review. Interviews or further consideration are not guaranteed by the City of DeKalb.
For more information about the DeKalb Police Department and to view the Annual Report, please click the links below:
  • Police Department Annual Report 2025
  • DeKalb Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 115 Current Collective Bargaining Agreement

The City of DeKalb is an Equal Opportunity Employer
The City of DeKalb provides a comprehensive benefits package that beings on the first day of employment and includes:
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
  • Medical and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Retirement Plans through the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund or the Fire/Police Pension Funds
  • Vacation, Holiday, and Sick Time
  • Deferred Compensation
  • Employee Assistance program

01
What prompted you to apply for the Lateral Police Officer position with the City of DeKalb?
02
Do you possess certification as a full-time Permanent Police Officer as defined in 50 ILCS 705/1, et seq by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training & Standards Board?
  • Yes
  • No

03
I have submitted my certification as a full-time Permanent Police Officer as defined in 50 ILCS 705/1, et seq by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training & Standards Board.
  • Yes
  • No

04
I understand I will not be considered for the position if I do not have the required certification as a full-time Permanent Police Officer
  • Yes
  • No

05
Have you applied and/or interviewed with the City of DeKalb? If so, for what position and when?
06
Do you have a valid driver's license? NOTE: You are required to attach documentation of your license to your application.
  • Yes
  • No

07
I understand this position has a residency requirement, 40 miles from the DeKalb Police Department at 700 W. Lincoln Hwy after 15 months of date of hire.
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

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