Police Officer (Lateral)

Community Focused • Team Driven • Community Supported Click Here for the 2026-27 Police Officer Lateral 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 (Lateral Entry) . This is an opportunity to join a highly respected and progressive agency that values proactive policing, officer development, collaboration, and community engagement. We are seeking experienced officers who are motivated to grow professionally, make a meaningful impact, and become part of a department where officers are supported by both leadership and the community they serve. 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 continue building your career, expand your skill set, 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. Advanced step and vacation placement possible up to Step 6 for "transferable credit" with current department. 2026 Salary Schedule: Step Time Period Salary Possibility of Transferable Credit Step 1 Starting Salary $91,158.16 Less than 12 months of service Step 2 After 6 Months $94,348.61 12-23 full months of service Step 3 After 1 Year $98,885.44 24-35 full months of service Step 4 After 2 Years $103,648.09 36-47 full months of service Step 5 After 3 Years $108,746.43 48-59 full months of service Step 6 After 4 Years $114,184.15 60 full months of service or more Step 7 After 5 Years $119,893.59 Step 8 After 6 Years $125,888.72 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 DD-214 Long Form showing 4 years continuous service OR copy of Official College / University Transcripts (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 with community members to build and uphold public trust. Foster positive interactions between law enforcement and the public. Support and promote the Department’s mission and values. Peripheral Duties Attend training and maintain required skills,