Police Officer (Entry Level)

Community Focused • Team Driven • Community Supported

CLICK HERE FOR THE 2026 APPLICATION GUIDE

The Highland Park Police Department is committed to protecting life and property through professional policing, strong community partnerships, and a culture built on teamwork, integrity, and service. The Department proudly embraces community-oriented policing and supports the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police and NAACP Ten Shared Principles.

The City of Highland Park is now accepting applications for the position of POLICE OFFICER (ENTRY LEVEL). This is an opportunity to begin a rewarding career with a highly respected and progressive agency that values proactive policing, officer development, collaboration, and community engagement. We are seeking individuals who demonstrate strong judgment, professionalism, communication skills, and a genuine desire to serve others. Ideal candidates are motivated to learn, grow, and make a meaningful impact while becoming part of a department where officers are supported by both leadership and the community they serve.

Recruitment Timeline

Application Deadline: December 4, 2026 at 8:00 AM
Written Examination: December 17–18, 2026
Screening Interviews: January 6–9, 2027*
Polygraph: January 11–29, 2027*
Board Interviews: February 4–5, 2027*

*Dates are tentative and subject to change

Highland Park officers have access to a wide range of specialized assignments and career development opportunities, including:

Bicycle Team

Defensive Tactics Instructor

Drone Operator

Evidence Technician

Honor Guard

Juvenile Officer

Mobile Field Force

Peer Support Team

Police Beat Coordinator

Range Officer

School Resource Officer

Task Force Assignments

And more...

Whether you are looking to begin a meaningful career in law enforcement, develop your skills, or join a department that invests in its people, Highland Park offers the opportunity to serve in a professional environment where your work matters and your contributions are valued.

2027 Salary Schedule

Step

Time Period

Salary

Step 1

Starting Salary

$93,892.91

Step 2

After 6 Months

$97,179.07

Step 3

After 1 Year

$101,852.00

Step 4

After 2 Years

$106,757.53

Step 5

After 3 Years

$112,008.83

Step 6

After 4 Years

$117,609.68

Step 7

After 5 Years

$123,490.40

Step 8

After 6 Years

$129,665.38

Longevity Pay of an additional 2.5% to 9% of salary dependent on total years of service.

Benefits

• Vacation
• Sick Leave
• Paid holidays, personal days
• Blue Cross Blue Shield IL Health Insurance
• Dental Coverage
• Life Insurance
• Pension Program
• Wellness Program / Employee Fitness Center
• Education / Tuition Reimbursement

Submit the following as attachments to your application

• Copy of High School Diploma or equivalent (required even with college transcript)
• Copy of Valid Driver's License (required)
• Copy of Birth Record as Proof of Citizenship (required and must be certified)
• Copy of Official College / University Transcripts OR copy of DD-214 Long Form showing 4 years continuous service (required).
• Copy of Valid POWER Physical Fitness Test Card issued June 1, 2025 or later (required).

Criminal Investigation & Apprehension

Handle complaints filed by citizens. Observe, detect, and investigate violations of laws and ordinances. Document details of violations. Conduct interviews and interrogations of victims, witnesses, suspects, offenders, and other involved parties. Conduct both preliminary and follow-up investigations. Identify, protect, collect, process, preserve, and document physical evidence. Search persons, vehicles, and other locations or items within the scope of the law. Transport, book, care for, and escort prisoners.

Prepare clear, accurate, and complete reports detailing activities. Prepare and serve criminal complaints, arrest warrants, search warrants, and other court documents. Prepare cases and self for court. Appear and provide sworn testimony in various legal proceedings.

Crime Prevention

Patrol assigned areas, monitor for criminal activity and safety hazards. Become and remain familiar with patrol areas, geographic locations, known offenders, neighborhood routines, and potential problem areas. Conduct security inspections of buildings and other locations, taking corrective action as needed. Investigate suspicious activities and conduct field interviews when appropriate. Share information with other officers, law enforcement agencies, and city departments as needed. Educate the public on crime prevention strategies and tactics to reduce victimization.

Traffic Enforcement

Engage in proactive, self-initiated traffic and parking enforcement, including DUI apprehension. Control, regulate, and direct vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Investigate traffic accidents by protecting scenes, aiding injured persons, controlling traffic, clearing scenes, determining causes, taking enforcement action when required, and preparing complete reports and diagrams. Participate in efforts to reduce traffic accidents and injuries within the community.

Order Maintenance

Respond to domestic disputes and other interpersonal or business conflicts. Recognize and address public hazards or quality-of-life issues, including gas leaks, water main breaks, defective traffic signals, traffic obstructions, and other safety hazards. Assist other emergency service providers as needed. Administer basic first aid, including CPR, to injured persons. Investigate and document lost and found property as well as missing and recovered persons.

Enforce animal-related ordinances and respond to complaints, including handling stray and vicious animals. Direct and supervise civilians and public employees at crime scenes, accidents, disasters, and public gatherings. Provide assistance to individuals in distress, crime victims, and witnesses. Respond to and thoroughly handle all calls for service.

Community Policing

Develop and maintain familiarity with community issues and concerns. Engage