Entry-Level Police Patrol Officer

Job Summary

Starting Pay: $76,663
Sign-On Bonus: $5,000

About the Role

The Decatur Police Department (DPD) is dedicated to maintaining a team of diverse, highly-qualified officers to serve and protect the City of Decatur, Illinois. DPD offers specialized training, promotional opportunities, and diverse career paths within law enforcement.

Responsibilities

• Patrol & Enforcement: Monitor city areas to maintain law and order, enforce traffic laws, and uphold local ordinances.
• Emergency Response: Respond to calls, investigate complaints, and handle a wide variety of incidents.
• Crime & Accident Management: Gather evidence, interview witnesses, make arrests, and prepare case information for prosecution.
• Testify in court when required.
• Traffic Control: Conduct traffic duties, operate radar units, apprehend violators, issue tickets, and direct traffic.
• Conflict Resolution: Address disputes and disturbances, make arrests when necessary, and prepare detailed reports.
• Additional Responsibilities: Perform related duties as assigned, supporting the overall DPD mission.

Requirements

• Age & Citizenship: Must be aged 21 to 35 (possible exceptions up to four years for those over 35 with specialized police-related training or experience).
• Legal & Professional Standing: No felony convictions; certain misdemeanor convictions may disqualify applicants.
• Driver's License: Must possess a valid Illinois driver's license.
• Physical & Mental Requirements: Good health, moral character, and emotional resilience are essential. Physical agility and quick decision-making skills are required.
• Residency Requirement: Must reside within 50 miles of the corporate limits of the city of Decatur within 90 days after completing the 18-month probationary period.

Qualifications & Preferred Skills

• Educational Background: High school diploma or equivalent required. Further education and police-related training are advantageous.
• Physical & Mental Requirements: Good health, moral character, and emotional resilience are essential. Physical agility and quick decision-making skills are required.
• Other Requirements: Tattoos and body art are prohibited on the face.

Benefits & Opportunities

• Balanced Work-Life: Enjoy a 12-hour patrol schedule with every other weekend off (Friday/Saturday/Sunday), totaling approximately 182 working days per year.
• Community-Centric Policing: Foster relationships with diverse communities through neighborhood policing and community partnerships.
• Advanced Training & Development: Access to specialized training and promotional opportunities across various law enforcement fields.
• State-of-the-Art Facilities: Work in modern, technology-equipped environments.
• Competitive Benefits: Competitive salary, excellent retirement plan, comprehensive health benefits, paid vacation, and sick leave.
• Dedicated Health Center: Free check-ups/physicals, chronic condition management, bloodwork, immunizations, and numerous free prescriptions for employees and dependents.
• Employee Wellness Programs: Comprehensive fitness, and wellness initiatives including mental health support.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Support for ongoing education and professional development.

Key Details

• Pre-Employment Assessment Process: Written Examination, Comprehensive National Testing Network (NTN) test covering language ability, writing, reading, and video scenarios. Oral Interview.
• Veterans may receive preference points added to the final examination score.
• Ride-Along: Accompany an officer during shift patrol for a better understanding of the position.
• Peace Officer Wellness Evaluation Report (POWER) Test: Physical fitness assessment evaluating strength, agility, and endurance.
• Background Investigations: Review of police records, employment, educational, and credit history, personal references, and other sources of information.

About Decatur

Central Illinois: Easy access to Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis adds to its appeal as an affordable place to live, work, and play. Entertainment Abounds: Enjoy concerts at the Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater, performing arts at Millikin University, and shows in the historic Lincoln Theatre downtown. Family Fun: Cool off at Splash Cove waterpark or head to Overlook Adventure Park for mini golf or the ropes course. Enriched by Art: Appreciate murals gracing city walls and sculptures stretching from the Scovill Zoo to the Children's Museum. Outdoor Recreation: Indulge in boating and kayaking on Lake Decatur or explore multiple golf courses, bike trails, and disc golf.

Application

To Apply: Apply online at Apply Decatur Police Patrol Officer. We embrace diversity and encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply. Learn more at Join Decatur PD.

Contact Information

Candidates will be subject to a pre-employment drug screen, physical exam, and psychological evaluation post offer. The City of Decatur is a drug-free workplace. This includes marijuana.

Leave Policies

SICK LEAVE: 1 day per month granted, accumulative to 360 days.
VACATION: 2 weeks after completion of 1 year of service; 3 weeks after completion of 7 years of service; 4 weeks after completion of 14 years of service; 5 weeks after completion of 20 years of service; 6 weeks after completion of 25 years of service.
PENSION: Excellent pension benefits; Police Officers contribute at the rate of 9.91% of base pay. They do not contribute to Social Security but do contribute to Medicare. Employee contributions are refundable if employment ends before retirement.

Additional Resources

To learn more, click here to view Decatur PBPALC collective bargaining agreement.