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Police Trainee Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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Police Trainee information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$22.1K

$50.6K

$72.9K

How much do police trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for police trainee in Chicago, IL is $50,614.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,056.00 and $60,045.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a police trainee?

Police Trainees are individuals who are undergoing training to become fully qualified police officers. They typically participate in a police academy program where they learn about law enforcement procedures, criminal law, physical fitness, firearms handling, and community interaction. During this period, trainees receive both classroom instruction and hands-on experience under the supervision of experienced officers. Upon successful completion of the training program, they may be eligible for appointment as probationary police officers.

What should I expect during the field training phase as a police trainee?

During the field training phase, Police Trainees are paired with experienced officers who act as mentors and evaluators. You will rotate through different shifts and assignments, gaining hands-on experience responding to calls, conducting traffic stops, and interacting with the community. This period is designed to build your confidence and competence while providing real-time feedback on your performance. Expect a fast-paced environment where adaptability, communication, and problem-solving are key. Trainees are closely monitored and regularly assessed to ensure they meet department standards before moving into solo patrol duties.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a police trainee, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Police Trainee, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, physical fitness, basic legal knowledge, and successful completion of police academy training. Familiarity with law enforcement databases, radio communication systems, and report-writing software is typically required. Strong ethical judgment, teamwork, stress management, and effective communication skills set standout candidates apart. These skills ensure safety, uphold public trust, and support effective law enforcement in diverse and challenging situations.

What is the difference between Police Trainee vs Police Officer?

AspectPolice TraineePolice Officer
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; basic police academy trainingComplete police academy; sworn law enforcement officer
Work EnvironmentTraining environment, supervised, learning phaseActive duty in the field, enforcing laws
Employer & IndustryLaw enforcement agencies during trainingFull-time law enforcement agencies

Police Trainees are in the training phase, focusing on learning laws and procedures under supervision. Police Officers have completed training and are responsible for patrolling, enforcing laws, and responding to incidents. The trainee role is a stepping stone to becoming a fully sworn officer.

What are the most commonly searched types of Police jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Police jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Police Trainee jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Police Trainee job openings:

Police Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Police Trainee job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 91% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,614 per year, or $24.3 per hour.

POLICE COMMUNICATIONS OPERATOR - TRAINER

City of Chicago

Chicago, IL • On-site

$74K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

BID ANNOUNCEMENT
Police Communications Operator - Trainer
Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC)
Number of Positions: 13
(Additional vacancies possible pending budget approval)
Starting Salary: $74,520 annually
Applications for this position will be accepted until 11:59pm CDT on 0 8/24/2026
These positions are covered under the City's collective bargaining agreement with PUBLIC SAFETY EMPLOYEES UNION I.B.E.W. LOCAL 21 BARGAINING UNIT 02, (BU 02). Only employees in City job titles in this bargaining unit are eligible to bid on this position.
BID INSTRUCTIONS: Apply on the bid site: https://chicago.taleo.net/careersection/103/jobsearch.ftl?lang=en AND
1. Check the box on your profile titled "Currently employed by the City of Chicago"
2. Enter your employee ID (located on your pay stub labeled 'payee/employee number')
3. Select your correct bargaining unit
FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS WILL RESULT IN A REJECTED BID APPLICATION
Under general supervision, coordinates activities and conducts training for Police Communications Operator II (PCO II) staff working at the 9-1-1 emergency communications dispatch center, and performs related duties as required
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
• Functions as the on-the-job trainer for newly hired and promoted Police Communications Operator II staff
• Conducts on-the-job training for new and promoted dispatching personnel
• Works with trainees on the proper techniques and equipment utilized in emergency
management call taking (e.g., codes, phone and radio etiquette, use of Computer Aided Dispatching system)
• Works with trainees on identifying potential threats, risks, and hazards identified through the dispatching of calls
• Works with trainees on dispatching techniques, event prioritization to manage police resources, tracking of field personnel utilizing GPS equipment, and managing the assignment of dispatched assignments
• Works with trainees on developing skills necessary for working in a fast-paced communications operations work environment
• Observes and evaluates the performance of personnel assigned to the on-the-job training program to ensure proper emergency operation procedures are followed
• Creates training records for on-the-job training for new and promoted dispatching personnel
• When not performing on-the-job training as the primary job responsibility, will perform Police Communications Operator I and II duties on the Operations floor.
• Maintains proficiency in job functions performed by Police Communications Operator I and II
Additional duties may be required for this position
Location: Office of Emergency Management and Communications
Division: Police Dispatch
Address: 1411 West Madison Street
Days Off: Rotating
Watch: Various (1st, 2nd & 3rd Watch)
Hours/Shifts: 10:00 p.m. - 6:00 a.m.; 6:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.; 2:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
*Employees are required to report half an hour before shift/Watch start for roll call
NOTE: MAY REQUIRE OVERTIME
NOTE: Employees are required to work on weekends and holidays
NOTE: Employees may be assigned to another watch for the purpose of providing training
THIS POSITION IS IN THE CAREER SERVICE
Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education, Training, and Experience
• High School Diploma or equivalence certificate (GED), plus three (3) years of work experience dispatching emergency calls for the City of Chicago
Licensure, Certification, or Other Qualifications
• LEADS certification is required
SELECTION REQUIREMENTS
This position requires applicants to complete an interview. The interviewed Bidders who possess the qualifications best suited to fulfill the responsibilities of the position will be selected in SENIORITY order and according to the CBA rules.
For Information on our employees benefits please visit our benefits website at:
https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/fin/benefits-office.html
For Information on our salary and title structure visit our classifications website at:
https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/dhr/supp_info/JobClassification/Classification_and_Pay_Plan_2026.pdf
Application Evaluation: Initial evaluation will be based on information provided on the application and the documents submitted. Department of Human Resource staff will review applications after the final posting date. Staff will follow any and all required Employment/Hiring Plan provisions, federal, state and local laws, and Collective Bargaining Agreements when applicable. Staff will apply hiring preferences as required by the municipal code. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be placed on an eligibility list in lottery order. Placement on an eligibility list is not an offer or guarantee of an interview nor employment with the City of Chicago.
ALL REFERENCES TO POLITICAL SPONSORSHIP OR RECOMMENDATION MUST BE OMITTED FROM ALL APPLICATION MATERIALS SUBMITTED FOR CITY EMPLOYMENT.
The City of Chicago in an Equal Employment Opportunity and Military Friendly Employer.
City of Chicago
Brandon Johnson, Mayor

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