Police Officer - Entry
About the Role
The Lake Forest Police Department is now accepting applications for Police Officers. The department offers a variety of specialized roles with additional stipends to reward officers for their expertise and leadership:
- Night Shift Differential: $1,400
- Field Training Officer: $4,000
- Evidence Technician: $1,700
- Instructor Certification: $1,400
- Officer in Charge: $2,000
These specializations provide opportunities for career growth, leadership development, and financial incentives, reflecting our commitment to supporting and rewarding our dedicated officers.
Responsibilities
- Patrol, respond to calls for police service, and self-initiated traffic and/or criminal investigations
- Demonstrate empathy for and assist individuals who are in crisis, living with mental health issues, facing drug addiction, or other life-altering problems
- Preliminary & follow-up criminal and traffic investigations, interviews, arrest and process offenders and testify in court
- Takes an active role in community policing events and initiatives that build strong and trusting relationships within the community
- Understand and respect racial and cultural differences and treat people with respect and professionalism
- Develop effective communication, human relation, and tactical skills
Qualifications
Age Requirements: At least 21 and not more than 34 years old, unless otherwise exempt by Illinois statute (65 ILCS 5/10-2.1-6). Applicants who turn 35 prior to being placed in eligibility pool will be disqualified; applicants who reach 35 after being placed in eligibility pool will be accepted, however, once they reach 36, they cannot be appointed.
Additional Requirements:
- US citizen or qualified as a "protected individual" pursuant to 8 U.S.C.1324b(a)(3)(B)
- Must possess a valid driver's license
- High school diploma or equivalent
Physical Ability Power Card
Successfully pass the physical ability POWER test through a certified testing agency within 12 months before the BFPC interviews. Proof of a passing POWER test (within one year) is required at the BFPC interview. You may submit the card with your application or send it to hr@cityoflakeforest.com.
Local-certified POWER test sites:
- NIPSTA (Northeastern Illinois Public Safety Training Academy), Glenview, IL. Website: NIPSTA or contact (847) 998-8090 x 106
- Triton College, River Grove, IL. Website: TC POWER test or contact Continuing Education at (708) 456-0300 x 3500 or email AskCE@triton.edu
- Joliet Junior College, Joliet IL. Website: JJC POWER test or contact Ryan Harris at (815) 280-2674 or rharris@jjc.edu
Disqualifiers
- Criminal conviction for a felony crime, or certain misdemeanors as defined by Illinois statute (65 ILCS 5/10-2.1-6)
- Previously dismissed from any public service for good cause
- Failure of any portion of the examination process, including but not limited to a medically provided drug screening
- Falsification of any part of the employment application or documentation
- Anyone who is currently using narcotics or drugs, or who is addicted to narcotics, drugs or intoxicating beverages and is not currently in a rehabilitation program
Hiring Process
- Written Exam: Taken through National Testing Network (NTN). A fee applies; candidates with financial hardship may request a voucher before registering by emailing hr@cityoflakeforest.com.
- Sparkhire Interviews: Candidates who pass the written exam will complete a one-way video interview. You'll have 7 days to submit the interview after receiving the invitation.
- Command Staff Interview & Ride Along: Candidates who pass the video interview will be invited for an in-person interview and ride along.
- BFPC Interview: Final candidates will be invited for an in-person interview with the Board of Fire and Police Commission.
Pay
Starting: $85,831 • Top Step: $128,231. Does not include overtime or holiday pay. Salaries effective 5/1/2026. 12-hour shifts, with every other weekend off.
Benefits
- Longevity pay
- Excellent medical, dental, and vision for officer and dependents
- Vacation, Sick, & Holiday Time
- On-site gym (new building will have a brand new, modern gym with other wellness facilities!)
- Life insurance through Securian - 1x Salary guaranteed to Police Officers from the City
- Education Reimbursement Program
- Ongoing training initiatives
- Various ancillary benefits through IPBC and EAP programs